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Palo Corona Regional Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 218 Google reviews · Running trail in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Palo Corona Regional Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Reclaimed golf course featuring an old cart path, plus trails that cross through grassy fields, hills and trees.
What runners say about Palo Corona Regional Park
“Palo Corona Regional Park, nestled in the heart of central coast California, offers a diverse array of scenic experiences throughout the year.”
“The trail system is great for hiking/running.”
“Quite, peaceful and at some points challenging.”
Wonderful location with beautiful views. A myriad of trails and some easy and flat. Beautiful sweeping landscape and amazing sunsets. Great for bird watching too, and dog friendly yet must be on leashes.
We had a great time exploring this park for the first time last week. We went on a cloudy weekday which was great because we felt like we had the place to ourselves. We decided to hike up the mountain to Inspiration Point then continued onto the Animas Pond via the Talus trail.
Awesome trail running. One of my favorite spots. Depending on the routes you choose, terrain can be very hilly.
This park is a gem if you like to walk, hear birds, and be near a river. Lots of walking trails and ample parking. Best yet- its free. Carmel Valley is lucky to have a park like this.
Trail conditions & character
“Palo Corona Regional Park, nestled in the heart of central coast California, offers a diverse array of scenic experiences throughout the year.”
“This trail can inspire you to find your inner self and challenge you to push your physical limits (I'm talking about that hill) at the same time.”
“Great for bird watching too, and dog friendly yet must be on leashes.”
“The park is so well kept, plenty of parking spaces and so widely spread out.”
“Quite, peaceful and at some points challenging.”
“Great for trailrunning, has som long steep ascents, but good paths - no difficult technical terrain.”
Plan your run at Palo Corona Regional Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemprpd.org
- Phone(831) 372-3196
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Carmel-By-The-Sea
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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