HomeCaliforniaMountain View › Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve

Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 188 Google reviews · Running trail in Mountain View, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area 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.

MixedScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Waterfront nature preserve with a half-mile hiking trail offering birdwatching opportunities.

What runners say about Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (188 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“This is a beautiful trail starting from Stevens Creek and leading into the SF Bay trail.”

🏃 great for running 4 mentions

“This is a great spot for biking, running, walking the dog, or just getting outside.”

Really nice trails, didn’t have to wait long for parking people are always coming and going. Not a lot of people on the trails was able to have a nice walk with my son.

★★★★★ — Brandie , Apr 2025

Went for a walk to get some fresh air and exercise. Nice place to take kids! Kite flying area and nice small gravel and paved walkways clear up to the bay. Strollers aren't a problem!

★★★★★ — Carol , Jul 2021

This is a great spot for biking, running, walking the dog, or just getting outside. The trails are easy, flat, and open, which makes them perfect for kids. Plenty of space to move without feeling crowded.

★★★★★ — Aimless , Feb 2025

This is a beautiful trail starting from Stevens Creek and leading into the SF Bay trail. The initial couple of miles is a ride through trails with beautiful thick canopy of trees , so it's great even when the weather is slightly warm.

★★★★★ — Spriha , Jun 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 188 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.

🏞️ Scenic views 17 mentions

“Dogs are welcome on a leash on some parts of the trail, and the sunset views are worth sticking around for.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 4 mentions

“The ocean views are incredible, the trails paved and well-maintained, and the other pedestrians you come across are generally friendly.”

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Flat & fast 3 mentions

“The trails are easy, flat, and open, which makes them perfect for kids.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“This part of the trail does get a little busy though, since you have multiple parking areas from which people can access it.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“This is a great spot for biking, running, walking the dog, or just getting outside.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone

“Kite flying area and nice small gravel and paved walkways clear up to the bay.”

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🚻 Restrooms

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • 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
  • Websiteopenspace.org
  • Phone(650) 691-1200
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Study Area Preserve

Mountain View, California

Get directions

Running trails near Mountain View

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

Mountain View Bay Trailhead

5 ★★★★★ 15 reviews

Mountain View, CA

under a mile away

Vista Slope At Shoreline Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 76 reviews

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Scenic

Hiking area that's appropriate for children.

under a mile away

Shoreline Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,832 reviews

Mountain View, CA

ShadedScenic

Park with a golf course, a lake with boat rentals, walking/biking trails & a Victorian house museum.

1.1 miles away

Permanente Creek Trail

4.2 ★★★★☆ 216 reviews

Mountain View, CA

Scenic

This scenic multi-use trail connects residential areas with businesses & recreational facilities.

1.2 miles away

Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,045 reviews

Palo Alto, CA

5 miLoopMixedScenic

Trailhead leading to 15 miles of multi-use nature trails for hiking, running or cycling.

1.9 miles away

Stevens Creek Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 142 reviews

Mountain View, CA

Scenic

Popular trail suitable for walking, biking, and jogging.

2.0 miles away

All running trails in Mountain View, 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.