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Scotts Peak Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 77 Google reviews · Running trail in Orinda, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Scotts Peak Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Scotts Peak Trailhead
“Very beautiful area overlooking the sf north bay area including oakland, san Francisco and a view of bay bridge, golden gate bridge and view of alcatraz.”
“Gorgeous views after a short, easy hike.”
There is no signage at the trail head, which is just an intersection of the trail and Grizzly Peak Blvd. Skyline Trail that goes to Orinda needs a permit and you'll need to buy it online beforehand and carry the print.
Beautiful and easy walking trail. The highlight is seeing volunteers replacing invasive grasses on the hill sides with native bushes and flowering plants. Take precautions against ticks which are active in the spring and summer.
Trail with some elevation gain. Hiking towards the peak gives you some beautiful views of the bay area. Not all trail is shaded so wear a cap or hat if you can. It was not busy on a Friday evening.
Great hiking spot. Halfway between Berkeley and Orlinda. Easy to follow train thru trees and wide open rolling hills.
Trail conditions & character
“Very beautiful area overlooking the sf north bay area including oakland, san Francisco and a view of bay bridge, golden gate bridge and view of alcatraz.”
“The trailhead has no view at all but views on both sides of this trailhead are pretty nice although a bit of of a hike away.”
“The highlight is seeing volunteers replacing invasive grasses on the hill sides with native bushes and flowering plants.”
Plan your run at Scotts Peak Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Orinda
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Grizzly Peak
4.8 ★★★★★ 549 reviews
Scenic destination featuring a panoramic view of San Francisco and Oakland.
Siesta Valley Recreation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 193 reviews
Natural area known for hiking trails, a seasonal open-air theater & picturesque bay views.
Woodbridge Metcalf Grove
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 496 reviews
208-acre preserve with hiking & equestrian trails, plus views of nearby cities & San Francisco Bay.