HomeCaliforniaSan Mateo › Ryder Park

Ryder Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 549 Google reviews · Running trail in San Mateo, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Ryder 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.

BoardwalkDog-friendlyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Neighborhood park with striking, modern picnic pavilions, BBQs, a playground & seasonal splash pad.

What runners say about Ryder Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (549 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“The picnic areas in this park are spacious and well-maintained, providing a perfect setting for a delightful outdoor meal with your little ones.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 3 mentions

“This is the perfect place to go for a walk with my dog, at day or night beautiful and safe place, Love it here!”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“The playground is good for kids of all ages and there's plenty of grassy areas to run around in or play sports.”

Wonderful park in San Mateo for all ages, but especially for small kids. Great playground area that is well designed and clean, large picnic tables and benches, and lots of open space for kids and pets to run around. Close to the walking trail by the water as well. Parking lot is small, but plenty of street parking.

★★★★★ — Wei-Ai , Nov 2023

This is a very enjoyable park to visit. There is a well maintained playground and access to paved walkways going both North and South along the shoreline of the bay. We go there often to get our daily exercise, a one mile walk. Others. Are walking, running, and biking and enjoying the seabirds and flowers.

★★★★★ — Pete , Mar 2023

I love this park. Aside from having water features in the summer you can make a day of it. Bring the family and a picnic lunch amd enjoy the sunshine and breeze. Not much shade so bring your own.

★★★★★ — Maria , Apr 2019

Nice park with picnic tables and enough parking. The playground is good for kids of all ages and there's plenty of grassy areas to run around in or play sports. It's next to the trail and this makes the park seem busier. The picnic tables can be reserved and look good for a birthday party.

★★★★☆ — David , Nov 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 549 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 9 mentions

“Beautiful park with separate parking lot from Seal Point Park but connected.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“This is the perfect place to go for a walk with my dog, at day or night beautiful and safe place, Love it here!”

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🚻 Restrooms 3 mentions

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🪵 Boardwalk

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Plan your run at Ryder Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • 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, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitecityofsanmateo.org
  • Phone+1 650-522-7434
  • 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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Ryder Park

1801 J Hart Clinton Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401

Get directions

Running trails near San Mateo

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Harborview Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 241 reviews

San Mateo, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Open city park with shaded picnic areas, views over the bay & a half basketball court.

under a mile away

Seal Point

4.4 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews

San Mateo, CA

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

Park offering multiple paths, bay views, and birdwatching opportunities.

under a mile away

Gateway Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 79 reviews

San Mateo, CA

PavedDog-friendly

Park featuring a playground and a creek that’s home to resident ducks.

under a mile away

Coyote Point Recreation Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,211 reviews

San Mateo, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Bayside park offering a sizable playground with 6 slides, as well as trails & picnic areas.

1.1 miles away

San Mateo Central Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,187 reviews

San Mateo, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Vibrant, 16-acre park featuring Japanese gardens, a mini train ride, playground & ice-skating rink.

1.3 miles away

Baywinds Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 156 reviews

Foster City, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Dog-friendly, kite-flying spot featuring a beach, walking trails, windsailing, golf and sunrise views.

1.4 miles away

All running trails in San Mateo, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.