Trail running course through mixed terrain in California, USA
Oakland Hills Trail Run

Oakland Hills Trail Run — 35K

35K·5,249 ft gain·Oakland, California
foresttechnicaltrail

Photo by DJ on Unsplash

Distance35K
Gain5,249 ft
DateAnnual · Oct
Difficulty3/5

About This Race

The 35K presents the most comprehensive tour of Redwood Regional Park's diverse trail network, weaving runners through multiple ecosystems and terrain types over its extended distance. This challenging option demands sustained effort and navigation skills as it explores the park's deeper reaches and technical sections. The distance attracts experienced trail runners looking for a substantial workout without committing to ultra-marathon territory.

The courses utilize the extensive trail network within Redwood Regional Park and the adjacent EBMUD Southern Watershed. Runners navigate a mix of technical singletrack and wider fire roads, with the terrain varying from peaceful redwood groves to open chaparral and grassland sections. The hills are notably steep and challenging, with hiking poles permitted for those who choose to use them.

Course marking follows Inside Trail Racing's comprehensive system using colored surveyor ribbons every 200 meters, with heavy marking at turns and laminated signs at critical sections. Blue ribbons specifically indicate wrong-way trails, serving as important navigation aids on this complex trail network. The varied terrain and elevation profiles make this a technically demanding course that rewards careful pacing and navigation skills.

Elevation Profile

The course gains 5,249 ft over 22 miles, with the steepest section between mile 3–mile 3.

Course Map

Route based on official course data. Download GPX file

Aid Stations

1 stations along the course

General Aid Stations

water, electrolyte, energy_gels, energy_chews, waffles, trail_mix, pretzels, chips, cookies, sandwiches, candy, potatoes, soda, fruit

Comprehensive aid stations with Gu products, Skratch Labs hydration, and various food options

Practical Info

Weather

Late October in the Oakland Hills typically brings mild temperatures with possible morning fog, ideal for trail running.

Nearest Airport

OAK - Oakland International Airport

Accommodation

Oakland and Berkeley offer numerous lodging options within 30 minutes of the race start.

Required Gear
  • Water bottle or reusable cup

Best For

Trail runners seeking technical terrainBay Area localsRedwood forest enthusiasts

Notable Features

The race's standout feature is its setting in a second-growth coast redwood forest that rises majestically just miles from a major metropolitan area. The combination of towering redwoods, diverse ecosystems within a single park, and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife like golden eagles creates a uniquely Californian trail running experience. Inside Trail Racing's cupless event policy and comprehensive aid station offerings reflect modern sustainability practices while maintaining high runner support standards.

Other Distances at This Event

Half Marathon

5,249 ft gain

The courses utilize the extensive trail network within Redwood Regional Park and the adjacent EBMUD Southern Watershed. Runners navigate a mix of technical singletrack and wider fire roads, with the terrain varying from peaceful redwood groves to open chaparral and grassland sections. The hills are notably steep and challenging, with hiking poles permitted for those who choose to use them. Course marking follows Inside Trail Racing's comprehensive system using colored surveyor ribbons every 200 meters, with heavy marking at turns and laminated signs at critical sections. Blue ribbons specifically indicate wrong-way trails, serving as important navigation aids on this complex trail network. The varied terrain and elevation profiles make this a technically demanding course that rewards careful pacing and navigation skills.

Oakland Hills Trail Run 10K

1,600m gain

The courses utilize the extensive trail network within Redwood Regional Park and the adjacent EBMUD Southern Watershed. Runners navigate a mix of technical singletrack and wider fire roads, with the terrain varying from peaceful redwood groves to open chaparral and grassland sections. The hills are notably steep and challenging, with hiking poles permitted for those who choose to use them. Course marking follows Inside Trail Racing's comprehensive system using colored surveyor ribbons every 200 meters, with heavy marking at turns and laminated signs at critical sections. Blue ribbons specifically indicate wrong-way trails, serving as important navigation aids on this complex trail network. The varied terrain and elevation profiles make this a technically demanding course that rewards careful pacing and navigation skills.