Map of bike paths / walking paths in the Concord area

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Recreational trails for walking, running and cycling in Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Clayton and Walnut Creek, California

Concord is located just east of the San Francisco Bay area. This area is just south of the Carquinez Strait and the cities of Benicia and Vallejo. The climate is that of mild winters and hot summers. It is a wonderful location for many outdoor activities.

There are multiple recreational trails in this area for cycling, walking, running, commuting and other outdoor activities. There are the major regional trails that extend through several communities and provide a method for commuters. There are also paved and unpaved pathways that get you out into the natural areas, such as the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Trails and the John Muir National Historic Site.

Iron Horse Regional Trail

The Iron Horse Regional Trail is a 32-mile long paved trail that extends from Concord to Pleasanton. This Rails-to-Trails pathway was constructed along an abandoned railroad line. It travels through residential, industrial and commercial areas in a relatively straight route. Its route is away from major roadways but there are multiple intersections with crossings at street level. It intersects a number of other recreational trails, passes a number of schools and parks.

The Iron Horse Regional Trail passes through the communities of Concord, Pleasant Hill, Bancroft, Contra Costra Center, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin and Pleasanton.

Read more about the Iron Horse Regional Trail

Contra Costa Canal Trail

The Contra Costa Canal Trail makes a wide loop around the west and south side of Concord area. The 13-mile long paved multi-use path follows along side the canal through the cities of Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek. It passes near several parks, schools and commercial centers along its route. The trail is open for bike riding, pedestrians and horse-back riding. The route of the trail is located in residential neighborhoods and away from traffic for the most part, though there are many roadway crossings at street level.

Read more about the Contra Costa Canal Trail

Ygnacio Canal Trail

The Ygnacio Canal Trail is a paved multi-use path that makes a 4.5-mile long loop around the southeast side of the City of Walnut Creek. The trail goes past the Lime Ridge Open Space and then follows alongside the Ygnacio Canal as it wanders through the residential areas of Walnut Creek.

The northeast end ot the Ygnacio Canal Trail is located at its junction with the Contra Costa Canal Trail near the intersection of Citrus Avenue and Sugarberry Lane. The trail heads to the south along the edge of the Lime Ridge Open Space and has an underpass to cross Ygnacio Valley Road. The trail than wraps around the west side of the Boundary Oak Golf Course. It crosses Valley Vista Road at street level the goes past Arbolado Park. The trail then starts to head westward to cross Oak Grove Road and then down to Walnut Avenue.

After crossing Walnut Avenue, the Ygnacio Canal Trail continues traveling through the residential neighborhoods and going nearby to Berean Chrinstian High School. The trail ends at Ygnacio Valley Boulevard near John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek.

Briones-Mt. Diablo Regional Trail

The Briones-Mt. Diablo Regional Trail is a 2.2-mile long paved pathway located in Walnut Creek and Lafayette. The north end of the trail is at Geary Road which is also its junction with the Contra Costa Canal Trail and is near the East Bay Municipal Utility District Trail EBMUD. The Briones-Mt. Diablo Regional Trail heads to the southwest from this location and crosses Buena Vista Avenue and then 1st Avenue at street level. South of 1st Avenue, the trail goes through Larkey Park then crosses 2nd Avenue and Larkey Lane at street level. After crossing Conejo Way at street level, the trail goes past the Walnut Creek water treatment facilities. This portion is part of the Ridge Top Field Open Space, a wide open grassy area

The southwest end of the Briones-Mt. Diablo Regional Trail is near the intersection of Pleasant Hill Road and Reliez Valley Road.

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Trails

The Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline is located to the northeast of Concord. It is part of the East Bay Regional Park District. It lies just south of the shoreline of the Carquinez Strait which is an arm of San Francisco Bay. There are several trails located in the park that take you up into the natural areas along the hillsides that overlook the City of Martinez.

Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail

The route of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail extends from the City of Lafayette to the south end of the Town of Moraga in Contra Costa County, California. This multi-use 7.65-mile long paved trail is part of the East Bay Regional Park District. The trail is open for bike riding, walking, running and equestrian use. It travels through residential areas and goes past several parks along it route.

Read more about the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail

Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area Trails

The Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area is located to the southwest of Walnut Creek and south of Highway 24. There is a 2.7-mile long paved pathway that wraps around the lake's shoreline and a 4.7-mile long unpaved pathway called the Rim Trail. These trails also connect to miles of unpaved hiking trails. Bicycles are allowed on specific days, check with their website for more information.

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Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the recreational trails for bike riding, running and walking in Concord, California.