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Parker Ranch Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 133 Google reviews · Running trail in MONTE VISTA, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Parker Ranch Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Hiking area with steep climbs and scenic views, good for training.
What runners say about Parker Ranch Trailhead
“This part of the trail is hard but totally worth once reached The Tree point from where beautiful & panoramic view of the south bay area can be seen, very nice.”
“Easy trail, family-friendly and great views.”
My favorite trail to workout! I love the stairs for cardio and resistance. Once you make it to the top of the hill, you can see all of San jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, the skyline is beautiful.
Wide flat path most of the way ending in log stairs. The stairs give way to dirt on a steep hill that leads to a viewpoint.
Once I got to the trail entrance from the Prospect Road side and Parker Ranch Road. I found a parking spot right on Prospect street. Awesome short Trail. Very muddy in certain areas due to all the rain. I recommend wearing good hiking shoes.
Great trailhead. I walk it every day twice in a row. 35% grade. Great short ridge walk on the way down. I am doing it for 100 days in a row.
Trail conditions & character
“I parked at the Parker Ranch trailhead and took a well marked and flat path less than a quarter mile to a set of very steep but sturdy stairs.”
“This part of the trail is hard but totally worth once reached The Tree point from where beautiful & panoramic view of the south bay area can be seen, very nice.”
“I parked at the Parker Ranch trailhead and took a well marked and flat path less than a quarter mile to a set of very steep but sturdy stairs.”
“I parked at the Parker Ranch trailhead and took a well marked and flat path less than a quarter mile to a set of very steep but sturdy stairs.”
Plan your run at Parker Ranch Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 — reported by runners
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