San Francisco Bay Trail: Redwood Shores Loop

The trail is mostly flat, offering an aerobic walk across level terrain. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, including paved bike paths, gravel, and dirt paths, often atop levees. While some sections are very easy, the overall distance of 11.4 km makes it a moderate hike, suitable for most skill levels looking for a longer walk.

The loop offers diverse views, from natural landscapes like marshes and tidal channels to developed areas. You'll enjoy Bay views, an extensive network of lagoons including Oracle Lagoon and Redwood Shores Lagoon, and views of the Belmont Slough. You'll also pass by office buildings (like Oracle's headquarters), residential areas, and manicured lawns. On a clear day, you might even spot the San Mateo Bridge and Mount Diablo.

This trail is excellent for birdwatching, especially as it passes through the Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve and near the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Keep an eye out for ducks, various shorebirds, egrets, and great blue herons. At low tide, the mudflats in the sloughs attract many feeding shorebirds.

The loop starts and ends in Redwood City, California. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, you can typically find parking near the Redwood Shores Branch Library or other public access points along the loop. For public transport, you would need to research local bus routes that serve the Redwood Shores area, as direct trail access via public transport isn't explicitly mentioned.

No, you do not need any permits or have to pay entrance fees to hike the Redwood Shores Loop. The trail is publicly accessible, even though it traverses significant ecological areas like the Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve and the Bair Island Ecological Reserve. Always respect wildlife and stay on marked paths.

Yes, the Redwood Shores Loop is generally dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times, especially given the sensitive ecological areas and abundant wildlife you might encounter along the route. Always clean up after your pet.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. However, spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking. During these seasons, you'll also have excellent opportunities for birdwatching as migratory birds pass through. Summer can be warm, and winter might bring rain, but the flat terrain makes it accessible in most conditions.

Yes, the route is a segment of the larger San Francisco Bay Trail, which it follows for 100% of its length. It also passes through sections of the Foster City Levee.

Given the trail's length (11.4 km) and exposure, we recommend bringing plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars would be a great addition for birdwatching. While there are some developed areas, it's always best to be prepared with your own snacks and essentials.

While the trail passes through residential and commercial areas, specific restrooms directly on the trail are limited. You might find facilities at the Redwood Shores Branch Library or in nearby commercial centers. For cafes, you'll need to venture slightly off the main loop into the Redwood Shores community.

Due to its mostly flat terrain and mix of paved and groomed paths, much of the Redwood Shores Loop is suitable for families. However, the full 11.4 km distance might be long for very young children. Strollers should manage well on the paved and gravel sections, but some dirt paths might be a bit bumpy. Consider a shorter segment around Redwood Shores Lagoon for a more family-friendly distance.