Top 17 Hiking and Running Trails near Fresno, CA

The highest-rated hiking trails near Fresno include lake gateways, peak ascents, and paved urban paths. There are stunning locations for all skill levels to be explored.

By Dan Wild
Published: October 25, 2021

Fresno offers more hiking destinations than most people believe. And you don’t have to drive to the neighboring National Parks to experience the outdoors. There are great options closer to home.

Below is the list of the highest-rated hiking and running trails near Fresno. It will help you choose your next adventure.

Trails near Fresno:

Pincushion Mountain Peak
General Grant Loop Trail
Stevenson Falls
Pa’san Ridge Trail
San Joaquin River Trail
Big Table Mountain Trail from Wellbarn Road
Buzzard’s Roost Trail
Horseshoe Bend of San Joaquin River
Bald Mountain Trail
Buck Ridge Trail
Lewis S Eaton Trail
Woodward Park Loop
Wuh-Ki’o Trail
Dry Creek Trail
Granite Ridge Loop Trail
Ely Mountain
Old Town Clovis Trail

1. Pincushion Mountain Peak

Highlight: Short climb to the peak with panoramic views of Millerton Lake and Sierras in the distance; perfect as your first peak ascent.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 999 feet
Time to Complete: 1 h 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Sky Harbour Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 30 miles (40 min)
Dog Friendly: No

Pincushion Mountain Peak is a 2.8 miles out and back trail near Millerton Lake. There’s plenty to do in the area, from nature trips and birdwatching to hiking and running.

The Pincushion Mountain Peak is rated as moderate, although the 999 feet elevation gain doesn’t feel strenuous, even for less seasoned hikers.

In the 2-3 hours it’ll take to complete, expect to see lots of cows, a lake, and stunning views of the Sierras, Fresno skyline, and Western ranges.

There are some complaints around mountain bikers you’ll need to watch out for, and you’ll need to sunscreen up and bring plenty of water.

The trail is well-maintained. Although there have been complaints about it being overgrown, this depends on the time of year. It is ‘off the beaten track’ though, so come prepared.

2. General Grant Loop Trail

Highlight: Short and paved trail with famous giant sequoias like General Grant, plus other landmarks like Centennial Stamp, Gamlin Cabin, and more.
Type: Loop
Trail Length: 0.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 32 feet
Time to Complete: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Grant Tree Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 58 miles (1 h 20 min)
Dog Friendly: No

General Grant Loop is a 0.7 miles loop trail in Kings Canyon National Park. There’s plenty to do, including birdwatching, hiking, and walking.

The General Grant Loop is the perfect family hike, with only 32 feet of elevation. It’s great for all fitness levels and takes less than 1 hour to complete.

The area is home to the 2nd largest tree in the world – General Grant – the park’s main attraction. Plus, there’s plenty of other landmarks and enormous sequoias. It’s a great place to lose yourself in nature.

The only complaints are about how busy it gets, but head there later in the day, and it ought to be quieter.

It’s a well-developed route, with paved asphalt at least 6 feet wide all along and a parking lot at the south end with one designated accessible space too.

3. Stevenson Falls

Highlight: Paved hike on the closed service road, features stunning Stevenson Falls and a few caves, but has no shade.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 780 feet
Time to Complete: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Million Dollar Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 50 miles (1 h 20 min)
Dog Friendly: Yes

Stevenson Falls is a 7 miles out and back trail close to Shaver Lake. It’s perfect for hiking, running, and dog-walking.

Stevenson Falls is moderately difficult with 780 feet of elevation gain, which can become steep in parts. It ought to take around 3 hours to complete.

This is a beautiful trail that will eventually lead you to a waterfall, swimming holes, and two caves to explore. You also catch glimpses of the San Joaquin River and Sierra National Forest along the way.

The chief complaint here is that there is virtually no shade, so make sure you hike earlier in the day or during cooler months to avoid discomfort.

The trail is paved, kid-friendly, and dog-friendly and is easy to follow so long as you stick to the marked route, so it’s perfect for almost anyone.

4. Pa’san Ridge Trail

Highlight: Beautiful, highly-rated hike with a diverse landscape that never gets boring; lots of wildlife and a bridge across San Joaquin River.
Type: Lollipop
Trail Length: 7.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,538 feet
Time to Complete: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Smalley Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 43 miles (1 h)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Pa’san Ridge Trail is a 7.9 miles lollipop route by Auberry. Dogs and horses are welcome, and it’s great for backpacking, mountain biking, and camping.

Pa’san Ridge is a moderately strenuous hike because of the 1,538 feet of elevation gain and muddy conditions on the route. Most people take between 3 and 4 hours to complete it.

Nature surrounds this stunning trail, and you can spot birds, snakes, rabbits, squirrels, and cows along the route. The bridge also provides terrific photo opportunities.

It can be narrow in places, and it’s a very popular trail, so start early to avoid the crowds.

Although muddy in parts, it’s well maintained, clearly marked, and easy to follow.

5. San Joaquin River Trail

Highlight: Highly-rated and long hike along the San Joaquin River Gorge and Millerton Lake; lots of wildlife and sweeping views.
Type: Point to Point
Trail Length: 14.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,414 feet
Time to Complete: 7 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Parking: Sky Harbour Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 30 miles (40 min)
Dog Friendly: No

The San Joaquin River Trail is a 14.1 miles point-to-point route near Millerton Lake. You can get involved in nature trips, animal spotting, mountain biking, and backpacking/camping along this route.

San Joaquin River Trail is a challenging route with 2,414 feet of elevation and some difficult sections which could cause injury if not careful.

As this follows a large portion of the river, you can expect to see lakes, creeks, and plenty of nature as you walk.

Because of its length, it can be challenging to follow the route exactly, but stick with the river, and you won’t go far wrong.

Although well-maintained, there are rocky areas that can cause walking injury or damage your mountain bike, so caution is required with this one.

6. Big Table Mountain Trail from Wellbarn Road

Highlight: Challenging hike through the ecological reserve; sweeping 360-degrees views from the Big Table Mountain.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 7.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,706 feet
Time to Complete: 4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Parking: Wellbarn Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 32 miles (40 min)
Dog Friendly: No

Big Table Mountain Trail from Wellbarn Road is a 7.9 miles out and back trail inside an ecological reserve. Hiking and running are the best ways to explore the area.

It’s a challenging route with 1,706 feet of elevation gain, and the trail itself is like a wide dirt road. The tricky section is the climb up to Big Table Mountain.

Although tough, the views from the top are breathtaking. Overlooking the San Joaquin River, it’s easy to lose hours at the top of the mountain just taking in the panoramic sights.

There isn’t a lot of shade en route, and virtually none at the top, so bring plenty of water and avoid the heat where possible.

The trail can also be difficult to follow if you take the wrong fork at the start. You may end up heading towards the river instead of the mountain, but bring a GPS, and you’ll be fine.

7. Buzzard’s Roost Trail

Highlight: Short but very steep trail with fantastic views over the valley and Millerton Lake; perfect for an evening workout.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 446 feet
Time to Complete: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Route 145: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 29 miles (35 min)
Dog Friendly: No

The Buzzard’s Roost Trail is a 1-mile out and back trail north of Millerton Lake. Nature trips, hiking, and running are common here.

Although short, it’s rated as moderately difficult because of the 446 feet in elevation gain in such a short length. It takes less than an hour but feels steep.

Once you reach the top of the hill, you’re rewarded with beautiful views of the lake and the perfect picnic and picture spot, but don’t forget to take in the wildflowers and blooms en route too.

The chief complaint with this trail is that it becomes relatively narrow in parts, making it difficult to pass others who are on their way back, so you’ll need plenty of patience.

It’s an easy-to-follow, short but challenging hike, and it can be a great way to build your stamina for more strenuous hiking trails near Fresno in the future.

8. Horseshoe Bend of San Joaquin River

Highlight: Lesser-known wild hike with a beach at the end – perfect for a swim after walking. Great for wildflowers in Spring.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 7.1 mile
Elevation Gain: 1,102 feet
Time to Complete: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Redinger Lake Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 45 miles (1 hour)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Horseshoe Bend of San Joaquin River is a 7.1 mile out and back trail near Auberry. Hiking and dog walking are the most popular activities.

It’s a moderate trail with 1,102 feet of elevation. Being on the edge of Sierra National Forest, the terrain can be muddy, and it can be hard to navigate at times, too. Many recommend downloading maps on your phone or bringing paper backup.

The payoff is worth the challenge though, as the trail takes you through oak woods and rewards you with a large sandy beach at San Joaquin River and beautiful views of the nearby lake and river gorge.

Some people complain about how quiet the trail is, with few people taking advantage of this beautiful hike, so it can be offputting if you prefer to see people as you walk.

Still, the route is well-maintained, and the rewarding beach at the end is well worth the challenging up and down hills to get there.

9. Bald Mountain Trail

Highlight: Fantastic climb to 7,838-feet peak; technical in places; has accessible fire lookout and crazy panorama up top.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 6.2 mile
Elevation Gain: 1,519 feet
Time to Complete: 3 hours 30 min
Difficulty: Hard
Parking: Dinkey Creek Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 58 miles (1 hour 15 min)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Bald Mountain Trail is a 6.2 miles out and back trail near Shaver Lake. Expect hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers along the route.

It’s a challenging trail for several reasons. First, the 1,519 feet elevation gain route is steep in parts, but second, it is not well-marked or easy to follow.

But when you reach the top of the trail, you’re rewarded with beautiful views of the Sierras, Shaver Lake, and the Central Valley on a clear day.

Because the track is difficult to follow, some people find it almost inaccessible. If you’re confident with offline maps, though, you ought to be okay.

Keep in mind that this is a technical course, with scrambling required in the first mile and steep uphill climbs in the third.

Experienced hikers will love the fun-filled trail and the challenge that it offers.

10. Buck Ridge Trail

Highlight: Quiet and scenic trail with rolling hills and lake views; great in Spring; popular mountain biking spot.
Type: Lollipop
Trail Length: 4.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 501 feet
Time to Complete: 2 hours 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Trailhead off Rd 400: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 39 miles (45 min)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Buck Ridge Trail is a 4.8 miles loop in the Hensley Lake area. It is a dog-friendly destination popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseriders.

The route is a moderately difficult trail and will get your heart rate up, but it’s still kid-friendly and can be completed in 3 hours.

You’ll see lakes, caves, and wildlife along this route, and the Buck Ridge Trailhead starting point is beautiful, too, as it welcomes you to nature straight away.

Snakes are an issue on warmer days, so be cautious here, but you’ll want to go when it’s cooler anyway to beat the heat and remain comfortable on this hike.

The route is clearly marked and well maintained, so stick to the markers, and you’ll complete this hike just fine.

11. Lewis S Eaton Trail

Highlight: Fantastic urban trail on the outskirts of Fresno; paved and smooth all the way. Perfect for biking, skating, and rollerblading, but can get busy.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 7.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 240 feet
Time to Complete: 3 hours 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Woodward Park: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 10 miles (12 min)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Lewis S Eaton Trail is one of the best routes near Fresno, California. It’s a 7.7 miles out and back track, and it’s perfect for hiking, running, and mountain biking, as well as skating and rollerblading.

The trail is rated as moderate because of the length, as the elevation gain is only 240 feet. It takes you from Fresno to the San Joaquin River Parkway near Friant in around 3-4 hours.

Expect to see beautiful views of the valley, farmlands, and a few lakes and streams. It is incredibly gorgeous at sunrise.

The route is heavily trafficked, which can annoy some people trying to escape into nature, but head here early enough, and you’ll avoid the bulk of the crowds.

It’s a well-developed trail that is still being extended, but still expect to find water fountains and restrooms on the paved, clearly marked route.

12. Woodward Park Loop

Highlight: Urban park with a mix of trails and paved paths, partly shaded; perfect for workouts and families.
Type: Loop
Trail Length: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 98 feet
Time to Complete: 1 hour 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Woodward Park Parking: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 10 miles (12 min)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Woodward Park Loop is a 2.8 miles loop trail north of Fresno. It’s stroller and wheelchair-friendly, so it’s popular for family trips, walking, and running.

It’s an easy trail with only 98 feet of elevation over a very gradual incline that’s barely noticeable for most. It should take most people around 2 hours to complete.

The Woodward Park Loop offers an easy trail surrounded by nature in a large open space with a 6-foot path, kids’ play areas, and beautiful park scenery.

There are plenty of benches and picnic tables along the route, and it’s mostly paved apart from some natural dirt track areas, so it’s a good mix between well-developed and natural.

13. Wuh-Ki’o Trail

Highlight: Nice out and back trail in a popular area; great views, rich wildlife, access to the river.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,354 feet
Time to Complete: 4 hours 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Smalley Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 43 miles (1 h)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Wuh-Ki’o Trail is an out and back trail near Auberry stretching 8 miles. It’s popular with horse riders, hikers, and mountain bikers.

The trail has 1,354 feet of elevation gain. It is rated moderate because of its length and the climb, which is relatively gradual but constant.

With beautiful views of the San Joaquin River, this trail also connects with parts of the Pa’san Ridge Trail and the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, so you see a lot over the 8 miles.

This trail should be hiked in fall/spring because it gets scorching hot, and although there is some shade coverage, there isn’t a lot to protect you the whole way.

It’s a beautiful trail that joins others, so your trip can easily be extended and turned into a backpacking expedition. After all, this is one of the highest-rated hiking locations near Fresno.

14. Dry Creek Trail

Highlight: Gorgeous paved path in Clovis; lots of birds and lizards; family-friendly urban gateway.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 32 feet
Time to Complete: 2 hours 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: N Sunnyside Ave: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 10 miles (12 min)
Dog Friendly: Yes

Dry Creek Trail is an out and back, 5.2 miles trail in Clovis. It’s a glorious spot for walking, running, and cycling because it’s paved the entire way round.

It’s an easy trail for all skill levels and is stroller and wheelchair-friendly. With only 32 feet of elevation, this is perfect for anyone.

The wide, asphalt path cuts through stunning scenery lined with benches and plenty of areas for shade and crosses the Dry Creek, which is not as dry as the name suggests.

Keen hikers won’t see a challenge with this one as most people complete it within three hours. But the route is very popular, so if you prefer a challenge in nature, head elsewhere.

Still, this is a well-developed and well-maintained trail offering beautiful views with all the facilities you need: picnic areas, benches, restrooms, and water fountains.

15. Granite Ridge Loop Trail

Highlight: Easy, mostly shaded loop near Ockenden; features granite rocks, mixed forest with tall pines, and gorgeous views.
Type: Loop
Trail Length: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 328 feet
Time to Complete: 1 hour 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: Granite Ridge Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 50 miles (1 hour)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Granite Ridge Trail is a 3.1 miles loop near Ockenden. Between May and September, expect to see walkers, hikers, and bird watchers all along the route.

It’s perfect for all skill levels with just 328 feet of elevation gain, and it ought to take around one hour to complete.

This is one of the best hiking trails near Fresno to escape the heat, as it’s well shaded and isn’t too strenuous, and the views of nearby cabins are lovely.

Some complain that the trail is dusty, and there’s not a lot to take in as the trail leads into a residential area.

However, it is a beautiful space for a walk with family, and easy to find thanks to the access point at the intersection of Granite Ridge, and easy to follow too.

16. Ely Mountain

Highlight: Short climb to 6861-feet Ely Mountain; mostly shaded; panoramic views of Shaver Lake and mountains all around.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 698 feet
Time to Complete: 2 hours 30 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking: Tollhouse Road: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 59 miles (1 hour 20 min)
Dog Friendly: Yes

Ely Mountain is a 4.5 miles out and back trail near Shaver Lake. It’s primarily used for hiking and running, with the steepest part in the last 3/4 of a mile.

It’s a moderate trail with 698 feet of elevation, although the climb is steeper in the latter parts of the walk. It ought to take around 2 hours to complete.

Expect to see plenty of wildflowers and blooms and stunning views of Shaver Lake from the top of the mountain. Look around as the climb increases, and you’ll have beautiful views of Kaiser Ridge, too.

It can seem a little confusing as you follow the Dogwood Trail markers for most of the walk until you come across a marker for Ely Mountain, so keep your eyes peeled, so you don’t miss the turnoff.

Although not especially clear, if you remember to join the trail behind the restrooms at the trailhead (rather than through the opening to the woods) and follow the markers, Ely Mountain is easy enough to find and enjoy.

17. Old Town Clovis Trail

Highlight: Once a railroad, the trail is now an urban artery for biking, walking, and commuting; paved and smooth with lots of tunnels.
Type: Out and Back
Trail Length: 9.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 39 feet
Time to Complete: 4 hours 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Parking: On-street: Google Maps
Distance from Fresno: 12 miles (15 min)
Dog Friendly: Yes

The Old Town Clovis Trail is a 9.5 miles out and back trail that will take you right through Clovis. It’s the perfect route for walking, running, and dog walking.

It’s an easy trail for all skill levels, with distance being the biggest challenge you’ll face. It ought to take around 3 hours to complete.

This trail takes you right through downtown Clovis, and you get to explore the beautiful town as you meander across the wide asphalt streets.

The most complained-about attribute of this trail is the number of times you’ll need to stop to cross the street to carry on with your walk, which can disrupt your progress.

Being a trail that takes you through downtown Clovis and around the Old Town, it’s well maintained and bustling, so there’s plenty to see as you walk along the streets.

Final Thoughts

Fresno has access to many hiking destinations which vary in difficulty and scenery. Most of the options on the list are less-known locations where you won’t find crowds like in the National Parks.

Additionally, Henry W. Coe State Park is a wilderness gem that many people overlook; it is 2 hours away. Perfect for quiet retreats.

Also, check out the Funny Hiking Quotes to get a motivation boost.

The highest-rated hiking trails near Fresno include lake gateways, peak ascents, and paved urban paths. There are stunning locations for all skill levels to be explored.

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