Iron Horse Regional Trail
Closure Notice: See Trail Update for details.
About The Trail
This multi-use, whole-access trail between the cities of Concord and Dublin follows the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way established in 1891 and abandoned in 1977. The completed Iron Horse Regional Trail will span the distance from Livermore in Alameda County to Suisun Bay in Contra Costa County, a distance of 33 miles, connecting two counties and 12 cities. Representing interagency cooperation and a community-wide effort by individuals and groups, this trail creates an important recreational and commute component for the communities it serves. The 20-foot-wide trail connects residential and commercial areas, business parks, schools, public transportation (BART, County Connection), open space and parks, regional trails, and community facilities.
The developed portion of the Iron Horse Trail begins in Concord near Highway 4. It runs south through Walnut Creek and crosses eastward under I-680 at Rudgear Road near a Park & Ride. From there the trail passes through a rural/residential area to connect with downtown Alamo and the Alamo Square shopping center. Continuing south, the trail follows a greenbelt through residential areas and into downtown Danville. It takes a jog across Danville Boulevard, passes back under I-680, and continues south past Pine Valley Road to the county line in San Ramon. A future section to the Dublin-Pleasanton BART station is under development. Throughout the entire length of the trail, opportunities to view the valley ridgeline and landscape features like Mt. Diablo create a pleasant trail experience. Back to top
Mileage
24.47 miles. Back to top
Trail Accessibility
Iron Horse Trail is wheelchair accessible. Back to top
Responsible Trail-Use Rules
Multi-Use Trail
Safe multiple use of this and other multiple use trails requires everyone's cooperation. Each trail user is asked to exercise common courtesy. BICYCLES YIELD to horses and hikers. HIKERS YIELD to horses. Stay to the right of the trail except when passing. NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES are permitted on the trail, wheelchairs excepted.
Violations of any of the following may result in citation.
All Trail Users:
- Be safe, considerate and aware of your impact on the trail and other trail users.
- For everyone's safety, keep to the right. Proceed single file around blind curves.
- For your safety, headphones are not advised.
- Safety helmets are required by law for bicyclists under age 18, and are strongly recommended for all bicyclists and equestrians.
- Dogs must be on leash where posted, and under full verbal control elsewhere. Please clean up after your dog.
Bicycles:
- Bicycles are not permitted, either walked, ridden or carried, on trails marked "No Bicycles."
- Bicycles shall not be ridden at an unsafe speed, or greater than the posted speed limit. Be aware of how you are perceived by other trail users.
- Bells are required on bicycles on Park District trails.
- Bicycles always yield to pedestrians. Before passing, SLOW DOWN, ring bell and establish verbal contact.
- When approaching equestrians, call out, ring bell and STOP, whether you are seen or not. Ask for instructions on how to pass safely.
- On blind turns, SLOW DOWN, call out, ring bell and ride single file.
Pedestrians:
- Keep to the right when approached by others.
- Always yield to equestrians.
- Look behind and to both sides before changing course.
Equestrians:
- Keep your horse to the right or where safe when encountering other trail users.
- Communicate. Let other trail users know how to pass your horse safely.
- Please clean up after your horse on paved trails.
Trail conflicts or violations should be reported to the Trail Hotline at (510) 733-6991. For an immediate response, call (510) 881-1833. In case of emergency dial 9-1-1. Back to top
Trail Map
Iron Horse Trail Map - North
Iron Horse Trail Map - Central
Iron Horse Trail Map - South
Trail Info
- Address
- See Trail Map
- Download Brochure
- Maps
- View Trail Map
- Download PDF Map
- Hours
- Open between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted or permitted
- Park Events
- Click here for upcoming events
- Parking Fee
- No fee
- Emergency Number
- 911
- EBRPD Headquarters
- 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757
Trail Update
- Pipeline Replacement Project
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From February to September 2008, the Contra Costa Water District will be replacing an aging 12-inch diameter water pipeline in the Iron Horse Corridor between Treat Boulevard and Walden Road in Walnut Creek. This project will ensure continued drinking-water service reliability to customers in the Oak Road and Treat Boulevard area.
The Iron Horse Trail will remain open and accessible to the public for the majority of the project. Temporary fencing will be installed between the trail and the project area for public safety.
While the project is underway, trail users and nearby residents can expect:
* Construction activity from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
* Construction traffic entering and exiting from Walden Road to access the site.
* Trail use restrictions and reduced accessibility as necessary.
* Noise and dust control in accordance with City of Walnut Creek requirements.The Contra Costa Water District appreciates your help in making this important pipeline replacement project a success. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Gina Oltman at (925) 688-8010 or e-mail goltman@ccwater.com.