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Explore a wooded canyon with old oak trees.


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Map Key

5.9

Miles

9.6

KM

82%

Runnable

1,074' 327 m

High

420' 128 m

Low

1,257' 383 m

Up

1,262' 385 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

30%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Dogs and humans are not allowed in the creek.

Overview

This area has views of the bay and beautiful oak trees.

Need to Know

The park is a protected riparian ecosystem, so stay on the trail.

Runner Notes

Expect well-maintained dirt fire roads.

Description

Start the run at the Merritt College entrance. Follow the trail along Rifle Range Creek for 1.34 miles to the reed pond. The trail is a wide, wooded fire road and is a great dog walking spot.

When you hit the reed pond at the end of the trail, turn around and head back 0.73 miles to the Artemisia Trail. The trail is steep and has great views of the bay and the wooded canyon. Cyclists speed down the trail from Skyline Blvd, so stay to the right side of the trail.

After finishing the Artemisia Trail out and back, head toward the Pyrite Trail, which is the most beautiful trail in the park. The old oak trees provide a canopy of shade on a hot summer day and make for a peaceful place to run.

Flora & Fauna

Oaks, french broom, monkey flowers, blackberries, ferns, buckeye trees, poison oak, garter snakes, deer, and a variety of birds can be found here.

Contacts

Shared By:

Wendy Wheeler

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#4706

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
67%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#650

in California

#4,706

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,172 Since Jun 10, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
67%
33%
0%
0%

Photos

Benches can be found on every trail in the park. Stop and rest for a minute and take in the beauty of the park.
Jun 11, 2018 near San Lea…, CA
Oak Trees
Jun 11, 2018 near San Lea…, CA
Well maintained fire
Jun 11, 2018 near San Lea…, CA
Bay View
Jun 11, 2018 near San Lea…, CA

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