Shepherd Canyon Park — Attraction in Oakland

Recently went through this park while out for a run. There are no sidewalks and in places no shoulder on both Snake Rd. (leading into the park) and Shepherd Canyon Rd. (going through the park).

The bulk of the park is basically a road running through the base of a ravine whose walls are covered in pretty thick forest. Near the southern end of the park, there is a cleared flat area, consisting of a parking lot, two soccer fields, bathrooms, and a water fountain. The water fountain was not working when I went through (July 2013). The stretch of Shepherd Canyon Trail/Montclair Railroad Trail that goes along the western side of the park is very nice. It is a paved trail that runs higher up on the ravine wall and is quite secluded from the traffic below. There were locals out walking their dogs and jogging, and there are a few benches along the way to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

Overall a nice experience, except that it didn't feel very safe running along the side of the road, especially because the cars seem to be going awfully fast. Also would have been nice to have a working...

Calm upper park with a small network of trails. Great for light walks.

Large lower grass area where kids and adults play sports & with their dogs. Don't expect calm down there...

Overall very clean, even the bathrooms.

Park is busy on weekends, clearer on weekdays.

Could use some more landscape/native plant reclaimation to improve the look of the park.. but hey it's pretty dang good for and Oakland park! Go...

Shepard Canyon Park is a city park in Oakland. There's a wide open field with a decent-sized path and some soccer goals inside the park. People like to walk around the path, some bring their dogs both on and off leash.

From the park there are a few short paths into the hillside which aren't too difficult to navigate.

It's a nice way to get some nature without committing to...