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West End Road Arcata Ridge Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Arcata, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from West End Road Arcata Ridge 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 West End Road Arcata Ridge Trailhead
“This is a good well maintained trail with bridges, elevation gain (500 feet), and views of ferns, alders, redwoods, Jaynes Creek and pines.”
“Spent 5 hours just wandering around with my brother, clean trails and beautiful scenery!”
This is the start of a great trail that goes along a ridge above Arcata and comes out on the other side of town in Sunny Brae. It is open for Mountain bikes, horses and hikers. The first .6 miles are flat and follow Janes Creek. While you are near houses and an industrial area you would never know it. After .
Lovely hiking trails. Keep an eye out for some cute treasures found hidden in the trees.
Nice big hills for some good running thrills or whatever you do when you aren't sitting still. Take yer dag.
How would you like for me to review a trail head? It's the beginning of a trail. Done. Congrats to me!! Either you want to walk along the trail or you don't. I don't think my review will or should change your mind. Enjoy the trail, or don't. I really don't care.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a good well maintained trail with bridges, elevation gain (500 feet), and views of ferns, alders, redwoods, Jaynes Creek and pines.”
“7 It starts as a nice single track windy trail with on and off sun/shade and a very slight upward incline.”
“This is a good well maintained trail with bridges, elevation gain (500 feet), and views of ferns, alders, redwoods, Jaynes Creek and pines.”
“The beginning trail works for a trail stroller if you are OK with pushing over roots and stuff.”
“The Jaynes Creek loop is about 2 miles with elevation gain.”
Plan your run at West End Road Arcata Ridge Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance4.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
- Websitecityofarcata.org
Running trails near Arcata
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Stewart Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Trail System
4.9 ★★★★★ 75 reviews
Park featuring trails, forests, and other attractions that's suitable for kids.
Redwood Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 986 reviews
Park set amongst giant redwood trees with picnic tables, a lounge for events & small stage.
Arcata Community Forest
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,073 reviews
Peaceful regional park known for its expansive trail network, soaring redwoods & bucolic landscape.
