Walking Trails Oakland: 5 Routes by Distance

Oakland Parks and Recreation released new ratings for five popular walking trails on July 8, sorting them by total distance and elevation gain to guide summer fitness routines.

Residents have turned to local trails in greater numbers this year as city health programs push outdoor activity during the warmer months, with trail use tracked through the Oakland Wellness Initiative that began in 2024.

Two standout spots include the Lake Merritt loop in the Adams Point neighborhood and the trails at Redwood Regional Park near Skyline Boulevard. Lake Merritt offers a flat 3.4-mile path around the lake that connects to the nearby Oakland Museum of California grounds, while Redwood Regional Park features the 5.8-mile Stream Trail that starts at the Roberts Recreation Area parking lot and winds through eucalyptus groves.

Beginner and moderate options

The ratings list the Lake Merritt loop as easy at 3.4 miles with no significant elevation, suitable for daily walks. A moderate choice is the 4.2-mile Dimond Park to Fruitvale route along the Sausal Creek Trail, which includes 300 feet of gain and passes the Dimond Library branch.

City data from the 2025 Oakland Parks annual report shows 187,000 recorded trail visits across these sites, up 12 percent from the prior year, with average daily counts of 420 at Lake Merritt during June.

Challenging routes for advanced walkers

For harder efforts the ratings place the 7.1-mile East Ridge Trail in Redwood Regional Park at the top, with 1,200 feet of elevation and a start point at the Canyon Meadow parking area off Redwood Road. Trail maintenance crews from the East Bay Regional Park District completed resurfacing on this route in March 2026.

Walkers can check the Oakland Parks website for updated maps or visit the Lake Merritt boathouse visitor center for printed guides before heading out.