4.0
(4)
465
runners
85
runs
If you've ever tried planning jogging around El Macero, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many paths and green spaces, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has explored, mapped, and reviewed countless routes here, and we've distilled that local knowledge into a curated shortlist of the very best jogging routes El Macero has to offer, saving you…
Last updated: May 27, 2026
5.0
(1)
20
runners
7.09km
00:44
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
runners
7.58km
00:47
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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17
runners
6.05km
00:38
10m
10m
The Running loop from Toad Hollow offers a refreshingly easy and accessible jogging experience, perfect for a quick workout or a leisurely run. With a minimal 20 feet (6 metres)…
9
runners
8.97km
00:56
10m
10m
This Running loop from Davis offers a delightful and accessible jogging experience, rated moderate, covering 5.6 miles (9.0 km) with a gentle 36 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain. You…
9
runners
8.30km
00:51
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around El Macero
This bustling train station is, technically, a replica; the original station, built in 1868, was destroyed in a fire. The new station, built in 1913, is still considered a historic landmark in its own right.
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This wooden cabin was built by two Boy Scout troops in 1927, with help from the Davis Rotary Club, which donated quite a few supplies for the construction. For two years in the 1950s the cabin served as a nursery school, and in 2000 the Boy Scouts vacated the cabin after ongoing disputes traced back to discriminatory practices.
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Lake Spafford is a segment of the original channel of Putah Creek, with a trail system that goes around the lake. It’s an artificial lake created as the result of dredging back in the 1870s when the city was still being developed.
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The historic pioneer cabin at the entrance to town was built by members of the Davis Rotary Club for use by local Boy Scout troops in 1927. This cabin is an example of a continued fondness for the rustic forms and images of pioneer America. It was the Rotary Club's first local community project. Stones for the cabin were gathered by the Boy Scouts and transported from a nearby creek by trucks. Telephone pole cedar logs were donated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co, the other supplies by the Davis Rotary Club. Originally built on UC Davis-leased land, the university had been renting the parcel to the Boy Scouts since the construction of the cabin in 1927, but the city took over the lease in order to build a public parking lot next to the cabin. Since that time, the Boy Scouts paid the city $1/year for a land tenancy sublease, but co-owned the cabin with the Davis Rotary Club. In 1999 the city's Human Relations Commission cited the Boy Scouts' stance on not admitting gay leaders and atheists in making its recommendation to the City Council to cancel the lease. The scouts vacated the cabin in 2002. The nearby John Natsoulas Art Gallery, now called the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, is the largest of the Davis art galleries. They operate the Log Cabin Gallery, by appointment, in the former Boy Scout Cabin. https://localwiki.org/davis/Boy_Scout_Cabin
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Telephone pole cedar logs donated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. were used by members of the Davis Rotary Club to build this cabin for use by local Boy Scout troops in 1927. This cabin is an example of a continued fondness for the rustic forms and images of pioneer America. It was the Rotary Club's first local community project. Stones for the cabin were gathered by the Boy Scouts and transported from a nearby creek by trucks. The other supplies were donated by the Davis Rotary Club. Originally built on UC Davis-leased land, the university had been renting the parcel to the Boy Scouts since the construction of the cabin in 1927, but the city took over the lease in order to build a public parking lot next to the cabin. Since that time, the Boy Scouts paid the city $1/year for a land tenancy sublease, but co-owned the cabin with the Davis Rotary Club. In 1999 the city's Human Relations Commission cited the Boy Scouts' stance on not admitting gay leaders and atheists in making its recommendation to the City Council to cancel the lease. The scouts vacated the cabin in 2002. The nearby John Natsoulas Art Gallery, now called the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, is the largest of the Davis art galleries. They operate the Log Cabin Gallery, by appointment, in the former Boy Scout Cabin. https://localwiki.org/davis/Boy_Scout_Cabin
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Midsize lake along a former stream in Davis Arboretum. The waterway, built in 1968-69, occupies what used to be the north fork of Putah Creek, which brought floodwater to the town then known as Davisville. A dredging effort in the late 19th century diverted most of the flow to a channel known as the south fork of Putah Creek. In 1948, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built levees at the north fork's mouth (the west end); the levees completely eliminate flow in the north fork. Whereas the original north fork flowed east, the waterway flows west. This is the result of dredging and grading over the years. When the waterway fills up with storm runoff, excess water goes through a weir and into a holding pond and from there is pumped into a pipe that carries the water to the south fork of Putah Creek. The waterway is about 1½ miles long, about 2 to 5 feet deep, along the south edge of UC Davis' central campus. A wide portion of the waterway just east of Mrak Hall is called Lake Spafford, named after F. Edwin Spafford, an alumnus who went on to be come a longtime UC Davis administrator, holding such positions as assistant to the provost; executive assistant and special assistant to the chancellor; and vice chancellor for physical construction and maintenance. The waterway runs from near the south end of D Street in downtown Davis to the UC Davis Equestrian Center. The university classifies the remnant north fork channel as a recreation and aesthetic amenity, and a biological resource. The waterway runs through the arboretum, established in 1936 and considered today to be the university's landscape centerpiece. Pedestrian and bicycle paths line the waterway's banks. The waterway also serves as a storm water detention pond. Poor water quality conditions have persisted since the arboretum waterway was first created more than 50 years ago. In large measure, the problems of today stem from the original design. The arboretum waterway is a stagnant pond designed to look like a flowing creek. https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/arboretum-waterway
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Winding through the flat agricultural land, the roads and trails along the creek and its nearby canal can be bike routes
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El Macero offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 70 options available. These include 10 easy routes, 57 moderate routes, and 6 more challenging trails, catering to various fitness levels.
The running routes in El Macero are generally characterized by tranquil green spaces, well-maintained pathways, and lush landscapes. Most routes are of moderate difficulty, with some easier options for beginners and a few more challenging trails. Elevation changes are typically minimal, making for a pleasant running experience.
Yes, several parks in and around El Macero are ideal for family runs. Parks like Pioneer Park, Willowbank Park, and Walnut Park feature leisure playgrounds and well-maintained paths, providing a welcoming environment for families to enjoy outdoor activity together.
Absolutely! Many parks and green spaces in El Macero are dog-friendly. Pioneer Park, Walnut Park, and Slide Hill Park are noted for welcoming pets, making them great choices for running with your canine companion.
Yes, El Macero features several excellent loop running routes. A popular choice is the Running loop from Toad Hollow, which offers a serene experience through local green spaces. Another great option is the Running loop from Mace Ranch Community Park, leading through well-maintained park areas.
Many of El Macero's parks offer convenient parking facilities. For example, Walnut Park and Slide Hill Park both feature ample parking lots, making it easy to access their scenic trails for your run.
While running in El Macero, you can enjoy lush greenery and tranquil natural settings. The Lake Spafford loop from Davis offers a natural setting along the banks of Lake Spafford. You might also encounter critical wildlife habitat along the El Macero Agricultural Buffer, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The running routes in El Macero are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 6 reviews. Over 500 visitors have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the tranquil green spaces and well-maintained pathways that define the region's running experience.
Yes, the nearby UC Davis Arboretum features the 1.5-mile long Lake Spafford, which has pedestrian and bicycle paths along its banks. The Lake Spafford loop from Davis is a popular running route that takes you along this scenic waterway.
For those looking for a longer run, the Running loop from Davis covers nearly 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), offering an extended experience through the area's pleasant landscapes.
El Macero is rich in green spaces perfect for running. Parks such as Pioneer Park, Willowbank Park, Walnut Park, Slide Hill Park, and Oak Grove Park all offer lush environments and well-maintained paths. The El Macero Agricultural Buffer also provides a natural setting for outdoor activities.
El Macero generally offers a welcoming environment for outdoor activities. While specific seasonal conditions can vary, the lush landscapes and tranquil atmosphere make it enjoyable for running throughout much of the year. Checking local weather forecasts before your run is always recommended.


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