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Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,663 Google reviews · Running trail in Pleasanton, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area'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.
An 80-acre lake draws crowds to this park with areas for swimming, fishing, boating & picnicking.
What runners say about Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area
“The area is well-maintained, and it’s a perfect spot for families, friends, or solo visitors looking to connect with nature.”
“The location is beautiful, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for a day outdoors.”
“Very nice recreational center with plenty of parking, shady trees, lots of parking and descent restrooms.”
“The location is beautiful, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for a day outdoors.”
Saw an Owl...found an injured Duck...seems a dog not on leash pulled her from the lake. I took it to the shade by the lake...went back to check ✔️ it after two hours...it was ok... slowly I put it in the water...it started swimming with one leg. As other feet was swollen..Will go and check tomorrow again....
I had an amazing time at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area! The location is beautiful, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for a day outdoors. Whether you're into hiking, picnicking, or just relaxing by the water, there's something for everyone.
Very nice park with some interesting trails and opportunities for water sports. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained and there's picnic facilities near the main lake.
We visited this beautiful regional park and honestly had such a great time. The park is very spacious, clean, and perfect for spending the whole day outdoors. What I really loved is how convenient everything is — you can BBQ, walk around, swim, fish, relax, and even meet new friends along the way.
Trail conditions & character
“The calm water even allows our dog to ride in one of the kayaks.”
“The location is beautiful, offering a peaceful and scenic environment for a day outdoors.”
“Pretty clean area, lots of parking, lots of bathrooms, looks like seasonal boat rentals, large swimming area.”
“Pretty clean area, lots of parking, lots of bathrooms, looks like seasonal boat rentals, large swimming area.”
“Very nice recreational center with plenty of parking, shady trees, lots of parking and descent restrooms.”
“My husband and I also enjoy walking the flat trail, which is usually quiet since few people use it.”
“My husband and I also enjoy walking the flat trail, which is usually quiet since few people use it.”
Plan your run at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area
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
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websiteebparks.org
- Phone+1 510-544-3230
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–7 pm |
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