The Dunn Trail Loop in Oakland winds through some of the most impressive old-growth redwoods in the East Bay, starting at Roberts Recreation Area and looping through Redwood Regional Park for just over 3 miles. The canopy here is genuinely thick — even on hot days, you’ll notice the temperature drops once you’re under those massive trees. Dogs need to stay leashed throughout, which makes sense given how popular the trail is and the mix of hikers you’ll encounter.

The path itself is moderate, nothing too steep, though there are some elevation changes that will get your legs working. The terrain is mostly packed dirt and roots, so good traction matters, especially after rain when things get slick. You’ll pass through sections where the redwoods tower so high they seem to block out the sky, then emerge into slightly more open areas where you can actually see the surrounding ridgelines. The understory is lush with ferns and shade-loving plants, so it feels genuinely removed from the city even though you’re within Oakland.

Starting at Roberts Recreation Area means you have parking right there, which beats hunting for spots at some of the more crowded East Bay trailheads. The loop format is nice because you don’t backtrack the same way twice — you get variety in the scenery as you move through different sections of the park. Bring water for both of you; there aren’t water sources along the trail itself. The whole hike takes most people two to three hours depending on pace and how many times you stop to look around.

The redwoods here are the main event, honestly. They’re old enough to make you feel small, and the quiet under that canopy is one of the things that makes this different from other East Bay walks. Check the East Bay Regional Parks website for any seasonal trail closures or maintenance work before heading out.