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Wildcat Canyon Upper Entrance
4.7 ★★★★★ 96 Google reviews · Running trail in Richmond, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 25 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wildcat Canyon Upper Entrance'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.
Neighborhood park featuring kid-friendly hikes and scenic views of San Francisco.
What runners say about Wildcat Canyon Upper Entrance
“Great views and place to hike, cattle grazing and coyotes out in the open, bay views”
“Can we go hike with the cows this weekend?” “With the cows??… Oh yeah! We haven’t done that in a while, huh?” “Yeah. I want to go hike with the cows this weekend.” “Ok, my little darling. Let’s go hike with the cows.” “Can I pet the cows??” “No! Don’t touch the cows.
Great way to dip into the ridge line trail from the top. Beautiful views and meadows. The kids loved it
My first time here, there were lots of great views and trails to see. Parking was free, but the entrance was in a neighborhood. Heads up, there are park hours posted on the gate. Lots of cows, you can also see San Francisco & the bridges across the way.
I love this entrance to Wildcat Canyon, in El Sobrante. Before the pandemic it was a favorite birding site. Hawks, falcons, turkey vultures, red shoulder blackbirds, crows and ravens, California scrub jays, western bluebirds, house finch, cow birds, black phoebe, Great herons, one could enjoy perched on tree tops,…
Trail conditions & character
“This whole park is awesome, lots of steep uphill with green rolling hills that frame the views of the bay perfectly in winter and spring.”
“This whole park is awesome, lots of steep uphill with green rolling hills that frame the views of the bay perfectly in winter and spring.”
“formidable for walking with the dogs, you can see eagles, frogs, cows, coyotes, nice people, very nice sunsets, and more”
“Parking was free, but the entrance was in a neighborhood.”
“Muddy in some spots so wear appropriate footwear.”
Plan your run at Wildcat Canyon Upper Entrance
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
- Loop distance25 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteebparks.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 Richmond
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Alvarado Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 687 reviews
Part of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, this area has a playground, picnic sites & historic stonework.
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
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Spacious park offering miles of multi-use trails plus a children's playground & picnicking areas.
Tassajara Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 242 reviews
Kids' park featuring play structures, a sand pit and basketball courts plus tennis courts.