Coyote Hills Half Marathon Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Historical Significance · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a great way to experience to experience the San Francisco bay. From the strong smell of salt, to the spectacular views, this trail will put you in the center the bay like nothing else.

There is no water along the trail. I recommend to bring plenty of water with you. Despite being so spectacular, the Shoreline Trail is not very popular among runners. So be prepared, you'll be alone most of the time.

This is very long run. You'll need not only water but also some food. You'll be under the sun all the time, be prepared.

Coyote Hills was the location of a Native American village of the Ohlone tribe. We still have the opportunity to enjoy what is left of an ancient ecosystem where humans were sharing this area with sea otters, tule elks, and condors.

The trail starts at the Visitor Center on Marshlands Road. You can easily find parking here and it's free. From the road, take the Apay Way on the right after going over the freeway. The trail passes the Dumbarton Quarry on your right and starts running along the coast.

Stay on the coast for 3.5 miles. Halfway down, the Apay Way Trail becomes the Bayview Trail. When you reach the Alameda Creek, turn left on the Alameda Creek Trail (paved trail) pointing to the bay. At the end of the creek, the trail turns left pointing to the Dumbarton Bridge.

You are now on the Shoreline Trail. The trail is almost magic: the bay is on your right and the salt flats on your left. Once you finally reach the bridge, turn left and you're back on Marshlands Road. A few miles and you're back at the Visitor Center where you started.

Plenty of birds, including pelicans, sterns, and many more. Also plenty of ground squirrels along the trails.

This area offers plenty of historical references to learn about. Among them: the Ohlone people who were living here, the salt production, the duck hunting club, the rock quarrying, and a military NIKE missile site.