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San Pablo Reservoir
4.5 ★★★★★ 861 Google reviews · Running trail in El Sobrante, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from San Pablo Reservoir'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.
Featuring picnic areas, this dog-friendly park offers activities such as fishing, hiking & boating.
What runners say about San Pablo Reservoir
“You can count the number of family and fishermen enjoying the scenic surroundings .”
“This is definitely a must checkout to have some fun in the sun and enjoy some peaceful nature.”
“My dog was welcome on her leash.”
Amazing place to relax and have a walk. The reservoir is full water which looks amazing. The park has good camping spots and they are not usually totally occupied. The entrance is 7$.
l love this place on weekdays ! You can count the number of family and fishermen enjoying the scenic surroundings . There’s biking and hiking trails that splinter off into sub-trails leading to the banks if the reservoir. If you like boating. You’re covered. Discounts for seniors on boat rentals. Picnic seating galore.
Excellent place to relax after a hard day of work they open all day 6 to 6 if you have a boat fine if not just walking on trails of around water is lot of fun.
Good for fishing, some trail walking, and having a bbq or picnic. No swimming allowed. You need to pay a fee to enter!
Trail conditions & character
“Boat fee was discounted 50% for seniors (only on weekdays) :) Parking & Fishing Permit fees (separate from the fishing license requirements)”
“You can count the number of family and fishermen enjoying the scenic surroundings .”
“Pretty area, big parking lot, good store for necessities, and clean bathroom.”
“This is definitely a must checkout to have some fun in the sun and enjoy some peaceful nature.”
Plan your run at San Pablo Reservoir
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteebmud.com
- Phone(510) 223-1661
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–6 PM |
Running trails near El Sobrante
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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Nimitz Trail South Trailhead
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