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Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 958 Google reviews · Running trail in Redwood City, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve'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.
Dog-friendly preserve offering 366 acres of open space, with hiking trails through canyons & ridges.
What runners say about Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
“While this didn't have the scenic view points I'm used to the redwoods and forest where fantasticly beautiful.”
“Definitely recommend taking water on a warm day and heading counter clockwise on the trail that way the accent is shaded and the walk down is in the sun.”
“5- 2 hrs are enough to complete the loop, dog friendly, nice views, free parking, toilet by the entrance.”
Great place for hiking, specially with dogs. There is a large off-leash area. But make sure your dogs are on leash, where there is a posted sign. We ended up getting a ticket, just because we removed leash to take pictures, 10 meters from the off-leash area.
Such a great hike all about 4 miles around the loop. Definitely recommend taking water on a warm day and heading counter clockwise on the trail that way the accent is shaded and the walk down is in the sun. Great views from the top. Saw lots of people running by and perfect for exercise.
This area is so beautiful and scenic. Such beautiful fall colors. These trails do get popular on the weekends so be prepared for quite a few groups of people loudly talking etc. Other than that great incline and views!
A quite easy hike, 1.5- 2 hrs are enough to complete the loop, dog friendly, nice views, free parking, toilet by the entrance.
Trail conditions & character
“One of the smaller preserves but plenty of parking options, easy to get to, and off leash dog access is so appreciated!”
“While this didn't have the scenic view points I'm used to the redwoods and forest where fantasticly beautiful.”
“And where we parked there was specific parking but plenty of other areas to park, as we were hiking you could tell this is a popular trail(s) as well.”
“We took the trail going back to the parking lot and it has steep sections of incline but it's all manageable and it would be a good work out going up.”
“5- 2 hrs are enough to complete the loop, dog friendly, nice views, free parking, toilet by the entrance.”
“Definitely recommend taking water on a warm day and heading counter clockwise on the trail that way the accent is shaded and the walk down is in the sun.”
“Lots of trails to choose from -- some paved towards the entrance side of the park, others are loose sand/gravel.”
“They have bathrooms at the beginning, and a big map.”
Plan your run at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance7 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteopenspace.org
- Phone(650) 691-1200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM–5 PM |
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