Ridgetop - Burton Valley Park & Lafayette Community Park

The Lamorinda Trail Loop offers a pleasant and varied jogging experience, winding through the East Bay cities of Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. You'll find yourself on 100% paved surfaces for the majority of the route, enjoying views of green hills, occasional wildflowers, and even grazing cattle in areas like the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail. The central section, following a historic railroad route, is particularly scenic, blending urban edges with natural landscapes.

This moderate 5.8-mile (9.3 km) route, with 353 feet (107 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 59 minutes to jog. It's suitable for various skill levels, though the three medium-sized hills do add a noticeable challenge, so come prepared for some effort. You can begin your journey from any of the three connected communities, and local maps are often available at BART stations and community centers to help you navigate.

What truly sets this trail apart is its continuous nature, seamlessly linking Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda, offering a unique way to explore the region. Much of the path follows a former rail line, providing a dedicated and often traffic-separated experience. This historical conversion into a paved trail makes it one of the best running routes in Lamorinda for consistent, engaging workouts.

The Leigh Creekside Park – Lafayette-Moraga Trail loop from Saranap offers a diverse jogging experience, transitioning from suburban areas to natural settings. You'll follow the paved Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, passing through shaded sections, open grasslands, and oak woodlands. Look for the charming "Birdhouse House" section and the historic pear and walnut orchards along Las Trampas Creek, creating a varied backdrop for your run.

This difficult 11.5-mile (18.5 km) loop involves 409 feet (125 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete. Starting from Saranap, you can access the trail directly. Leigh Creekside Park, with its centennial oak and drinking fountain, makes for a good resting point. The trail is popular with cyclists and other users, so stay alert.

Built on a historic railroad corridor, the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail connects Lafayette and Moraga, offering gentle grades despite the overall elevation gain. It's a vital community link, passing by St. Mary's College campus and Lafayette Community Park. This accessible trail is a great choice for experienced joggers seeking a longer, varied route.