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Bring your EBMUD permit. Those without can be a guest of a hiker that has one.
Starting at 9:30 am from EBMUD Valle Vista Staging Area
is a moderate 7-mile 1400-ft elevation gain hike. Please either print out or download to your phone the trail route map here.
Route from Valle Vista is Redwood Trail, right through the gate onto East Ridge Trail, left onto Prince Trail, left onto Stream Trail to the Trail's End area for a short rest/snack stop.
Then continue on the Stream Trail, left onto the Canyon Trail, left onto the East Ridge Trail to the gate for a right onto the Redwood Trail to return to the Valle Vista Staging Area.
Water and picnic tables at Trails End. Restrooms at Valle Vista and along the Stream Trail. Dogs not allowed in EBMUD areas.
NOTE EARLIER START TIME!! Join us for Father's Day in the (hopefully) Cool Canyons and Ridges of Wildcat Canyon at 9:00 am. A hiker's choice of a moderate+ 6.5 mile/1440' hike or a 9 mile/2200' challenging one. The entire hike is an out and back hike, but a very beautiful one. The long hike boasts some nice views of the bay and the city. Please either print out or download to your phone the trail route map here. We will gather at the far end of the upper parking lot. The hike continues down and around under the roadway and right on the Chabot-to-Garin Regional Trail. After two miles you will come to a small open pasture with some houses to the left. Walk through the pasture and find a gate on the right. This is a horse gate and the horses are usually right there! It is vital to double lock this gate the way you found it after every hiker. If you are in a small group, wait until you are all ready to pass through, and then go in a group and lock the gate immediately behind you. The horse owner will give you the evil eye, ignore him but LOCK THE GATE. The short hike will have a break and then turn around at the cattle gate a mile beyond the horse gate. Retrace your steps back. The long hike will continue through the cattle gate on Rifle Range Road turning right at the split. Continue for 1.5 miles to a small peak at Dinosaur Ridge and have a break, enjoy the views, then retrace your steps back to the start. Dogs allowed on the short hike only. Trails will be marked with flower arrows. Please note: This group does not stay together on the hike instead relying on arrows put on the ground with flour to mark turns. You are encouraged to stay with others who are hiking your speed and you should also carry the trail route map (link above) either downloaded to your phone or in paper form. NOTE EARLIER START TIME!! Join us on the Ridges and Valleys of Wildcat Canyon at 9:00 am. A hiker's choice of a moderate++ 7.5 mile/1300' hike or a 8.6 mile/1650' challenging one. The long hike will consist of an out-and-back trail as we help Steve complete every trail in the park and cross Wildcat off his list! Please either print out or download to your phone the trail route map here. We will gather at the far end of the parking lot at the top of the hill by Wildcat Creek Trailhead. The hike continues right, then a left on Belgum Trail passing the old Sanitarium site. Continue up to a right on Oil Well Trail for an out and back. Then continue right on up to San Pablo Ridge staying right. After a very steep climb the trail will become Nimitz Way. Where the paved road begins take an unmarked trail up to the left at the old Nike Missile Site. Go up and have a break before returning and continuing down Nimitz Way. Turn right on Havey Canyon to the bottom. Turn right on Wildcat Creek. The hikes diverge here, the long hike turns left on Rifle Range Road for a 1 mile out-and-back, and both hikes continue up Wildcat Creek to the parking area. The trail will be marked with flour arrows along the route. Facilities are located at trailhead only. Dogs Allowed. Please note: This group does not stay together on the hike instead relying on arrows put on the ground with flour to mark turns. You are encouraged to stay with others who are hiking your speed and you should also carry the trail route map (link above) either downloaded to your phone or in paper form. Starting at 9:30 am from Walnut Creek's Castle Rock Park is a moderate 7.5-mile 1200-ft elevation gain loop-hike to Camel Rock Please download and print out the route map here.
Route is Stage Road, left onto Sunset Trail, slight left for Falcon Road, right onto Little Pine Creek Road, left onto Burma Road and across North Gate Road to Camel Rock for a short rest/snack stop.
Return back on Burma Road keeping left to follow Burma Road downhill, right onto Stage Road to Castle Rock Park.
Water and restrooms at Castle Rock Park. Dogs not allowed in Mt. Diablo State Park.
Your choice of a Leaving from the MacDonald Staging Area on MacDonald Trail for 2.5 miles to a right before the Bort Meadow Staging Area and a quick left to the Grass Valley Trail.
We head South on Grass Valley Trail through the cattle gate staying left on the fire road for almost a mile before making a sharp right on Redtail Trail.
After crossing Grass Valley creek we turn right on Brandon Trail following it for 0.5 mile to the Horseshoe Trail.
The short hike goes straight on Brandon Trail at the Horseshoe Trail Junction, following the fire road into Bort Meadow Group camp for the snack break.
The longer hike turns left on Horseshoe Trail, then right onto Goldenrod Trail at the Chabot Equestrian Center.
After about 1.5 mile turning right to descend on Ranch, and Grass Valley Trails to a right turn after the gate into Bort Meadow for our snack break.
After our snack break, we'll head back on Grass Valley and MacDonald Trails to the MacDonald Staging Area.
Please click here for the trail map.
Please note: There is limited parking at the MacDonald Staging Area. More parking is available to the West at Big Bear Staging Area.
Join us in the hills of Briones for a hike out of Alhambra Creek at 9:30 am. A hiker's choice of a moderate+ 6 mile/1650' hike or a 9 mile/2100' challenging one. The long hike will consist of several short out-and-back trails as we help Steve complete every trail in the park and cross Briones off his list! Please either print out or download to your phone the trail route map here. We will gather in front of Crow Picnic Area before heading out on the No Name Trail #1 along the creek, turning right at the terminus onto Spengler. We will take a short detour to the Alhambra Water Springbox on the way up the steep hill before reaching Old Briones Road and a left turn. Another left takes us up Briones Crest for a hike past Briones Peak and a break at Table Top for great views of Mount Diablo and the valley (fog dependent). We then head right down Table Top connector for a left on Spengler. At the next two junctions, stay right to continue on Spengler. The hikes diverge here, the long hike turns right on No Name #2 for a short out-and-back, and both hikes continue up Spengler. All hikers turn right on Diablo View Trail, with the long hike making a left on No Name #3 for a short out-and-back. The short hike will continue on Diablo View back to the cars. The long hike continues on Diablo View, right for an out-and-back on Hidden Ponds Trail, continue on Diablo View, right on Tavan Trail for a short out-and-back, then right on No Name #4 for a jaunt down a horse trail to the stables, cross the park entrance road, and then back on Hayfield Trail which parallels the road back to the cars. The trail will be marked with flour arrows along the route. Facilities are located at Crow Picnic area only. Dogs Allowed. Please note: This group does not stay together on the hike instead relying on arrows put on the ground with flour to mark turns. You are encouraged to stay with others who are hiking your speed and you should also carry the trail route map (link above) either downloaded to your phone or in paper form.
Starting at 9:30 am from EBMUD Valle Vista Staging Area is a moderate 7.8-mile 1400-ft hike. There will be a short rest/snack stop at Rancho Laguna Park. Please download and print out the route map here.
Route from Valle Vista is through the gate and left on King Canyon Loop Trail, continuing straight up the hill, continuing right, then continuing left down the hill hill to the gate at the paved road. Through the gate until a left to reach Rancho Laguna Park.
After a short rest/snack stop, return the way we came crossing the road and through the gate. Continue straight on King Canyon Loop until a left turn to continue on King Canyon Loop the way we came to return to Valle Vista.
Restrooms at Valle Vista and Rancho Laguna and water at Rancho Laguna. No dogs allowed on EBMUD trails.
Another two-for-one hike of EBRPD Dry Creek/Pioneer and Garin Regional Parks.
Your choice of a Starting from the May Road Staging area we head up May Road, right on High Ridge Loop, Tolman Peak, and South Fork Trails to Tolman Peak,
the site of the 1951 United Airlines Flight 615 crash that killed 50 people.
We continue back down on Tolman Peak Trail, turning right to retrace our steps to the High Ridge Trail junction.
The two hikes split at this point with the shorter, easier hike staying left then right past May Road Trail on High Ridge Loop Trail.
After crossing Dry Creek the shorter hike turns right onto Meyers Ranch Trail, following it to a left on Dry Creek Trail up to Jordan Pond.
The longer hike turns right at the High Ridge Loop Trail junction ascending to a left on Pioneer Trail, that eventually descends onto Meyers Ranch Trail.
Heading West on Meyers Ranch Trail, we turn right on Dry Creek Trail, following it up to Jordan Pond as the shorter hike did.
After both hikes ascend the Jordan Pond Dam, we turn right around the pond to stop near the fishing pier for our snack break.
We return to our cars by circling the pond in a counter-clockwise direction where we pick up the High Ridge Loop Trail back to a right on May Road Trail.
Join us in the rolling Black Hills of Mount Diablo and Morgan Territory for a SATURDAY hike out of Finley Road at 9:30 am. A hiker's choice of a moderate+ 8.3 mile/1400' hike or a 10 mile/1840' challenging one. Due to very limited parking at the trailhead, this is a mandatory carpool hike; we will meet at
Danville Park & Ride at 9:00 am! Please download and print out the trail route map here. Once we make the 20 minute drive, our journey begins with a 3/4 mile walk up the paved road to get to the trailhead. From there we head up Old Finley Road, left on Riggs Canyon Road, then a No Name connector to a left on Tassajara Creek Tr. After 1.5 miles we will stop at the bench at Bob's Pond for a snack break. Continue on Tassajara Creek to its end, then right on Highland Ridge Rd., right on Old Finley Road, then left on Amphitheater Tr. Hikes diverge here. The short hike will turn right onto Walnut Trail for .3 miles to a left on Old Finley following it all the way back to the cars.
The long hike continues left on Amphitheater, right on Crestview Rd., right on Black Hills Tr. Turn right on Sulphur Spring Tr., then a final left on Old Finley Road back to the cars. The trail will be marked with flour arrows along the route. NO FACILITIES anywhere, please stop before arriving at the carpool!! No Dogs Allowed.
Starting at 9:30 am from Bob
Pond is a moderate 6.5-mile 1400-ft hike with the option to extend it to 7.5 miles.There will be a short rest/snack stop at
Walnut Creek's Castle Rock Park. Please download and print out the route map here.
Route from Bob Pond is Borges Ranch Trail to Twin Ponds, right on the far side Twin Ponds Loop Trail to Bullfrog Pond,
continuing uphill to Foothills Trail. Then left on Foothills Trail, left on Stonegate Trail to Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, right on
Fairy Lantern Trail, continuing right on Fairy Lantern Trail, left on Stage Road to Castle Rock Park.
After a short rest/snack stop, return across the lawn and through the gate for left on Castle Rock Trail, right on Fairy
Lantern Trail, continuing left uphill on Fairy Lantern Trail, right on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, right on Ridge Top Trail, right
on Costanoan Trail. The short hike continues on Costanoan Trail to return to Bob Pond.
The long hike will turn left on Flat Top Trail, continuing right on Flat Top Trail, right on Hanna Lane Trail to return to Bob Pond.
Restrooms and water at Bob Pond and Borges Ranch. Dogs OK.
Starting at 9:30 am from the intersection of Via Granada and Moraga Road is a 6.5-mile hike around Lafayette Reservoir on the upper rim trail. Please download and print out the route map here.
Park on Via Granada.
Route is up the trail from the start point, then left on the Lafayette Rim Trail and continuing past the water tank until reaching the picnic tables just above the dam and restrooms for a short rest/snack. Then continue across the dam.
After crossing the dam, turn right on the lower trail, then left on the trail just past the children's play area. Turn right on the rim trail at the top of the hill and continue to the 2nd sign board to turn left to return to the start point on the trail we originally ascended.
Dogs are allowed but must be on leashes not longer than 6 feet.
Let's slow things down from some tough hikes of late and meet at 9:30am for a hike through Round Valley. All hikes include a steep beginning 2.5 mile section followed by flat hiking. Your choice of a Short 4.5 mile/1100' moderate hike or a Long 8.3 mile/1340' moderate+ hike with an optional XL 10.5 mile/1600' moderate++ if you would like to hike every official trail in the park! Please download and print out the trail route map here. Route will be over the bridge, left on Hardy Canyon Trail for 3 miles. Short route will turn right on Miwok Trail following it back to the parking area. The long and XL hikes turn left on Miwok, right on Murphy Meadow then left to the Round Valley Group Camp for a break. Both hikes continue back to Murphy Meadow trail. Hikes diverge at the T-intersection. Long hike turns right on Murphy Meadow following it for a mile and crossing a bridge before a left to return to Miwok Trail. Follow Miwok all the way back to the parking area. The XL hike will turn left at the T-intersection at Murphy Meadow onto No Name #1 for a .4 mile out and back. Rejoin the long hike, then left on Fox Trail for a 1.6 mile out and back to the fenceline. Rejoin the long hike crossing the bridge and left on Miwok. About .75 miles down, veer left for a .2 mile out and back to the fenceline, return to the Miwok Trail and in .5 miles return to the parking area. Facilities at Trailhead and break spot only. Due to sensitive habitat, dogs are not allowed. Route will be marked with flour arrows. Join me for another 2-for-1 hike in Mount Diablo State Park with a chance of finding more Spring Wildflowers.
Your choice of a We leave Macedo Ranch on Wall Point Rd following it for 3.2 miles (that's right, right, left turns) straight to a left turn on Ridge View Trail.
We then join up with the Summit Trail, headed toward the summit, where the shorter hike diverges with a left turn on Wildcat Trail down to BBQ Terrace for a rest/snack stop at the BBQ Terrace Horse and Group Camp..
The longer, more adventuresome hike, heads up Summit Trail for about 1 mile, where we turn right onto Oak Knoll Trail just after crossing Summit Road.
We follow Oak Knoll Trail for 0.8 miles to a left on Green Ranch Road, where we ascend to a snack stop at the Old Pioneer Horse Camp.
After our snack we descend on Summit Trail to a right turn on Wildcat Trail, where we rejoin the shorter hike.
Both hikes return to Macedo Ranch on BBQ Terrace Rd, left on Dusty Rd., and right on Wall Point Rd back to our cars.
Meet at the restrooms about 1/4 mile from the parking area.
Starting at 9:30 am from Castle Rock Park is a
short approx 6.4-mile or longer 7.7-mile hike. Please download and print out the route map here.
Route is across the lawn through the gate and left on the Castle Rock Trail, continuing on Stage Road, left on the Sunset Trail and continuing on Falcon Road to the bottom of the hill. Then right on Little Pine Creek Road back up for a right turn on Burma Road down to Pine Pond. Turn right onto Stage Road and continue for a rest/snack stop past the gate at the picnic tables at the junction of Little Yosemite Trail. The short hike continues on Stage Road to the Castle Rock trailhead.
The long hike takes Little Yosemite Trail, right on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, right on the 2nd Buckeye Ravine Trail, right on Fairy Lantern Trail, left on Stage Road to return to Castle Rock Park.
Water and restrooms at Castle Rock Park. No dogs are allowed in Mt. Diablo State Park.
April showers bring us back to another hike in EBRPD Redwood Regional Park. Your choice of a All hikes will head to the Redwood Bowl by heading South along the road to the Fish Ladder,
turning left onto Golden Spike then a right on the connector to the West Ridge trail where we turn left taking it all the way to the Redwood Bowl for a short snack break.
After the break everyone heads back on the West Ridge Trail turning left to the Redwood Peak/Madrone Trail intersection where the short hike turns right on Madrone descending to a right turn on the French Trail.
Meanwhile the medium and long hikes turn left and descend to the French Trail, where the medium hike will turn right following it down to turn right onto the Starflower Trail.
The longer hike will turn left on French Trail, then right on Tres Sendas Trail down to another right on Starflower to meet back up with the medium hike group.
Both hikes then ascend Starflower Trail to a left on Madrone Trail and another right onto French Trail.
All hikes will follow French Trail to a left turn on Chown descending to a right on Bridle Trail, finally turning left when it becomes a dirt road, then right onto Stream Trail through the Canyon Meadows area to our cars.
Let's see what the Pineapple Express rainstorm brings us and hike anyway at 9:30am through Black Diamond Mines. Expect mud. Your choice of a moderate+ 7 mile/1600' shorter hike or a moderate+ 7.5 mile/1900' long hike. Please download and print out the trail route map here. Route will be Somersville, right on Nortonville, left on Manhattan Canyon, right on connector, right on Black Diamond Trail, left on Nortonville, left on Black Diamond, left on Coal Canyon to a looksee at Jim's Place. Continue on, left on Black Diamond Way, right on No Name Trail out to a rock outcrop overlooking Mount Diablo for a break. Hike continues on Black Diamond Trail, right on Manhattan Canyon down to the bridge. Hikes split here. Short hike turns left before bridge and follows trail down to next junction, turning left down Chapparal loop. Take the stairs down to the visitor center and have a look around before returning back down the Somersville Road trail to the cars. Long hike crosses bridge and up to the Ridge trail, turning left. Turn left on Chapparal Loop veering right at the split to stay on Chapparal Loop. Turn right at stop 7 to check out the Powder Magazine, then continue down turning right and up a little trail to investigate the Stope. Bring a flashlight to peek in the chamber. Retrace your steps then continue down until you arrive at the Hazel Atlas Portal where the mine tours begin. Walk on the railroad tracks down to the right and then right to find Pittsburg Mine Trail. Turn left up through the gate onto Stewartville, then straight through the gate and right at Somersville Road to the cars. Facilities at Trailhead only. Dogs Allowed. Route will be marked with flour arrows.
Meet at the restrooms about 1/4 mile from the parking area.
Starting at 9:30 am from Castle Rock Park is a
moderate approx 7.5-mile 1550-ft elevation gain hike to the Livorna Staging Area. Please download and print out the
route map here.
Route will be across the grass field, through the gate and left on Castle Rock Trail, continuing on Stage Road, right on Fairly Lantern Trail, left to continue
to top of hill, right on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, left on Borges Ranch Trail, right on south Twin Ponds Loop Trail to Bullfrog Pond. Right on Sugarloaf -
Shell Ridge Trail, left on Franco Ranch Trail, left on Hazard Trail, right on Foothills Trail to the Livorna Staging Area.
After a short rest/snack stop return on Alamo Trail, left up Hanging Valley Trail, right on Stonegate Trail, left on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, right on 2nd
Buckeye Ravine Trail, right on Fairy Lantern Trail, left on Stage Road to return to Castle Rock Park.
Restrooms and water at Castle Rock Park. Dogs OK.
Another 2-for-1 hike to see Mt. Diablo's wildflowers. Your choice of a
Starting from Regency Gate we head up Donner Canyon Road, left on Hetherrington, left on Bruce Lee Spring, and straight onto Wassermann Trail to Cardinet Oaks Road,
Turning right down Cardinet Oaks Road past Donner Canyon Road onto Meridian Ridge Road. At the Middle Trail junction the hike diverge.
The shorter hike continues on Meridian Ridge Road, then right on Meridian Point Trail into Back Creek Trail.
The longer hike turns left on Middle Trail and ascends to turn right on Prospectors Gap Road, straight onto Meridian Ridge Road, then right onto Back Creek Trail.
Both hikes will continue down Back Creek Trail and Back Creek Road back to Regency Gate.
PS: You should plan on arriving early for Parking with .25 mile of this very popular trail-head.
Let's begin Daylight Savings Time with a hike starting at 9:30am through Joaquin Miller Park where we will check out the flows in Palo Seco, Fern Ravine, and Cinderella Creeks. Your choice of a moderate 7 mile/1700' shorter hike or a moderate+ 8 mile/1900' long hike. Please download and print out the trail route map here. Route will be Sunset, left on Sequoia-Bayview, right on Big Trees, left on Palos Colorados, across Sunset onto Harold Ireland, right on Fern Ravine up past the picnic area. Cross the road and make a left then a quick right on Cinderella. Hikes diverge here. The short route turns left on Sunset stopping to break at the ruins of the old Sinawik Cabin. The long hike turns right on Sunset for an out and back to trails end, then joining the short hike at the break spot. All hikers descend the steps and turn right on Palos Colorados to the end and returning the same way. Continue on the same side of the creek on Sunset, then cross the creek and head back the opposite way on Sinawik following it up the hill to the lookout point. Loop back around and stay right on Sinawik Loop. We will take a hard right on a No Name Trail back up to the roadway turning left to return to the start. Dogs allowed, facilities at lot only. Flour arrows will guide your route. Download the route map using the link above! Your choice hike to Vollmer Peak. Starting from Inspiration Point we head out Curran, and Seaview Trails toward Vollmer Peak.
The shorter hike continues along the ridge to the Paved road around Vollmer Peak.
The longer hike turns right at Arroyo Trail, descending to South Park Dr,
turning left onto Vollmer Peak Trail, then left onto Lupine and Vollmer Peak Trails ascending to the paved Vollmer Peak road.
Both hikes follow the paved road clockwise around Vollmer peak down to the picnic area across from the Steam Train Parking lot.
After our snack we will return via Vollmer Peak, South Park Dr, Big Springs, Seaview, and Curran Trails.
Starting at 9:30 am from Walnut Creek's Howe
Homestead Park is a moderate 7.5-mile, 1250-foot elevation gain loop hike to Borges Ranch. Please download and print
out the route map here.
Route will be Kovar Trail, left onto Fossil Hill Loop Trail, right onto Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, left onto Corral Springs Trail, right onto Ridge Top Trail, left
down Costanoan Trail, right onto Borges Ranch Trail to Borges Ranch.
After a short rest/snack stop, return up the Borges Ranch Trail, right onto Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, left onto Coyote Pond Trail, right onto Joaquin
Ranch Trail, left onto Indian Creek Trail, continuing on Kovar Trail to Howe Homestead Park.
Full facilities at Howe Homestead Park and Borges Ranch. Dogs welcome, off-leash OK on the trails.
A moderate 6 mile, 1000 ft ele. gain hike in EBRPD Redwood Regional Park. With an optional longer 7.3 mile, 1500 ft ele. gain available.
Starting from the Canyon Meadows Staging Area, up the Stream Trail to a left on the Tres Sendas Trail.
At the Starflower Trail the two hikes split, with the shorter hike ascending to a left turn on French Trail.
The longer hike continues up Tres Sendas, to a left on French Trail following it around to the Starflower Trail junction.
At this point the both hikes follow the French Trail to Orchard Trail, where the shorter hike turns left descending to a right turn on Bridle Trail.
The longer hike turns right and ascends to West Ridge Trail, turning left to follow it all the way back down to Bridle Trail.
Turning right on Bridle Trail, both hike continue to the fish ladder, crossing the bridge to a left turn onto the Stream Trail back to the cars.
Note: In the event of bad weather, this hike may be canceled. Please check the web site by 8:00am Thursday morning for the status of the hike.
Help me cross off some unhiked trails and join us at 9:30am for a hike through Las Trampas. Your choice of a challenging 6 mile/1800' shorter hike or a difficult 7.8 mile/2300' long hike. Please download and print out the trail route map here. Route will be Lower Bollinger Creek Loop, left on No Name #1 out and back, left on Bollinger Creek Loop trail, right on Las Trampas Ridge to the junction of Del Amigo Trail. Hikes diverge here. Short hike turns left on Del Amigo taking a break at a small turnout along the ridge overlooking the valley. Continue down Del Amigo, left on Sulphur Springs back up to the ridge. Cross over the Ridge trail onto Trapline heading down, continuing straight down on Mahogany, straight down on Chamise. Near the road, turn left on a single track Bollinger Creek Loop to a gate. Go through the gate, through the gravel parking lot, across Bollinger Road, left down the road to another roadside lot. Turn right and through the gate onto Elderberry, staying right passing Corral Camp and on back to the parking area. The long hike turns right on Las Trampas/Calaveras Ridge Trail, right on No Name #2 down to the boundary, then retrace your steps back up to the split and follow the above directions for the short hike onto Del Amigo. Dogs allowed, facilities at lot only. Flour arrows will guide your route. Download the route map using the link above! Starting at 9:30 am from Walnut Creek's Castle
Rock Park is a moderate 7.5-mile 1200-ft elevation gain loop-hike to Camel Rock Please download and print out the
route map here.
Route is Stage Road, left onto Sunset Trail, slight left for Falcon Road, right onto Little Pine Creek Road, left onto Burma Road and across North Gate Road
to Camel Rock for a short rest/snack stop.
Return back on Burma Road keeping left to follow Burma Road downhill, right onto Stage Road to Castle Rock Park.
Water and restrooms at Castle Rock Park. Dogs not allowed in Mt. Diablo State Park.
A two-for-one hike along the East shore of Lake Del Valle. We'll enjoy the green hills on this moderate+ 7.7 mile, 1500 ft or challenging 10.9 mile, 2000 ft hike from the Arroyo Road Staging Area.
Both hikes start from below the dam at the Arroyo Road Staging Area onto the East Shore Trail.
At the top of the hill, by the tree, we turn right descending on the single-track Heron Bay Trail.
After 1 mile our trail meets the East Shore Trail, where we turn right, then another right back onto the Heron Bay Trail.
After .35 mile, we turn right onto the East Shore Trail, following it for another 1+ mile to the top of the hill.
At this point the two hikes split up, with the the longer hike continuing along the East Shore Trail.
The shorter hike turns right onto Heron Bay Trail, taking it .3 mile to the snack spot overlooking the reservoir.
The long hike continues along the East Shore Trail for 1 mile to a right turn onto the single-track Swallow Bay Trail.
After .25 mile rejoining the East Shore Trail for a bit, where we again turn right onto the Swallow Bay Trail.
Another .3 mile brings back up to the East Shore Trail above Badger Cove.
We now turn left on East Shore Trail, following it back to the short hike split point, where we turn left on Heron Bay Trail, taking it .3 mile to the snack spot overlooking the reservoir.
After the snack both hikes continue along Heron Bay Trail, turning left onto East Shore Trail, following it all the way back to the parking lot.
Starting at 9:30 am from Bob Pond is a moderate 7-mile 1400-ft elevation gain or a shorter 6-mile 1100-ft elevation gain loop-hike to Deer Lake. Please download and print out the route map here.
Route is through the gate to a right turn onto the Hanna Lane Trail, left onto Flat Top Trail, continue left downhill on Flat Top Trail, right onto the Sulfur Creek Trail continuing downhill, left onto paved road a short distance, right through the gate onto the Costanoan Trail. Continue left uphill on the Costanoan Trail to the 1st right turn onto the Upper Buck Loop Trail. Stay right a short distance then right onto the Lower Buck Loop Trail, right onto the Deer Lake Trail for a short break at Deer Lake. Continue past Deer Lake to the Corral Spring Trail.
The short hike turns left onto the Corral Spring Trail to Ginder Gap.
The long hike turns right onto the Corral Spring Trail, then left onto the Ridge Top Trail to Ginder Gap.
>From Ginder Gap, both hikes take the Ridge Top Trail, turn left onto the Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail. At the top of the hill turn left onto the Borges Ranch Trail to return to Bob Pond.
Water and restrooms at Bob Pond. Dogs OK on the trails.
Join us for a 9:30 am hike at Briones Regional Park. Hiker's choice of a short 7 mile/1670' moderate+ hike or a longer 8 mile/1870' challenging hike. Please download and print out the trail route map here. Hike begins on Old Briones Road, left on Black Oak, right on Mott Peak, right on Briones Crest, left on Lagoon, left to stay on Lagoon, another left to stay on Lagoon. All hikers will take a rest break at the top of the hill after a long climb. Hike continues right on Briones Crest Trail. At marker #13 the hikes diverge. The short hike continues straight on down Briones Crest until the end, then left by Oak Grove Picnic area and back to the parking area. The long hike turns right on Deer Creek Tr., right on Pereira, left then right following the Ivan Dickson loop trail out and back to the Ivan Dickson Memorial. Return to the junction and turn right on Pereira, then right on Deer Creek Tr., until the end where you turn left and head toward Oak Grove Picnic area and on to the parking area. DOGS welcome. Download your own trail map using the link above. Route will be marked with flour arrows. Facilities at the trailhead only. Starting at 9:30 am from Regency Gate is a moderately challenging 6.5-mile 1800-ft elevation gain hike in Mt. Diablo State
Park. Please download and print out the route map here.
Route will be through the gate onto Donner Canyon Road, left onto the Hetherington Trail crossing the creek, left onto
Donner Canyon Road, right onto Meridian Ridge Road continuing to Murchio Gap.
After a short rest/snack stop at the Gap, return right down Back Creek Trail to Regency Gate.
Please download and print out the driving directions map here.
Dogs not allowed in the State Park. No water or restrooms available. Join me for a two-in-one hike of CCWD Los Vaqueros. We'll climb the ridge near the Dam for great views of the Reservoir and surrounding parks including EBRPD Morgan Territory, Round Valley, and Mount Diablo.
Your choice of
Starting near the Dam by the John Muir Interpretive Center we head up the Interpretive Trail,
following the ridge onto Crest and Vista Grande Trails, finally turning right on Eagle Ridge Trail.
At about 0.6 mile stopping to snack at a large rock outcrop with great views into Round Valley and Mt Diablo.
After the snack we begin our descent on Eagle Ridge, turning left onto Kit Fox Trail descending to small valley with an Emergency Call-box.
At this point the hikes split up with the short hike making a slight right onto the Greasewood Trail, following it along the valley for 0.6 mile to a short right down to another right onto the Walnut Trail.
The longer hike goes through the gate staying on Kit Fox Trail, making a right at the Spearscale Trail junction, and a left at the Salamander Trail junction,
We leave the Kit Fox Trail near the top of the hill, turning right onto the Rancho Trail. We follow Rancho Trail for 0.8 mile until we reach Motrero Trail.
Turning right on Motrero, then right again onto Walnut Trail.
Both hikes follow the Walnut Trail back towards the dam and our cars.
Sorry Buster, Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the Los Vaqueros Watershed!
Meet at the restrooms about 1/4 mile from the parking area.
Starting at 9:30 am from Castle Rock Park is a
moderate approx 7.5-mile 1550-ft elevation gain hike to the Livorna Staging Area. Please
download and print out the route map here.
Route will be across the grass field, through the gate and left on Castle Rock Trail, continuing on Stage Road, right on Fairly
Lantern Trail, left to continue to top of hill, right on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, left on Borges Ranch Trail, right on south
Twin Ponds Loop Trail to Bullfrog Pond. Right on Sugarloaf - Shell Ridge Trail, left on Franco Ranch Trail, left on Hazard Trail,
right on Foothills Trail to the Livorna Staging Area.
After a short rest/snack stop return on Alamo Trail, left up Hanging Valley Trail, right on Stonegate Trail, left on Briones to
Mt. Diablo Trail, right on 2nd Buckeye Ravine Trail, right on Fairy Lantern Trail, left on Stage Road to return to Castle Rock
Park.
Please download and print out the driving directions map here.
Restrooms and water at Castle Rock Park. Dogs OK. Join us at 9:30am for your choice of a moderate+ 8 mile/1600' shorter hike or a challenging 9 mile/2000' long hike. Bring a FLASHLIGHT to navigate the tunnel! Please download and print out the trail route map here. The long hike continues straight across Stewartville onto Star Mine Trail, breaking at Star Mine Group Camp. Continue on Star Mine following it to the right until you rejoin Stewartville, making a left to join the other hike and following the directions above. Both hikes may choose an optional detour making a right on Miners Trail, a steeper and more difficult route. Dogs allowed. Facilities at start and at the breaks. Flour arrows will guide your route, please print out your own map using the link above. Trailhead Directions and google map are available by clicking the link in that section. A moderate 6 mile, 1000 ft ele. gain hike in EBRPD Redwood Regional Park. With an optional longer 7 mile, 1500 ft ele. gain available.
Starting from the Canyon Meadows Staging Area down the Stream Trail to the fish ladder. Then up Bridle, Orchard, and French Trails to the Madrone Trail intersection.
At this point the shorter hike turns right and follows French Trail down to Starflower, and Tres Sendas Trails. The longer hike turns left up Madrone Trail, right on Starflower Trail, then left on French Trail, taking it all the way to a right on Tres Sendas Trail.
The longer hike rejoins the shorter as we descend Tres Sendas Trail to the Stream Trail. We then turn right following the Stream Trail to our snack stop at Trails End picnic area.
After the snack stop we complete the hike on the Stream Trail returning us to the Staging Area.
Join us at 9:30am for a (hopefully) dry morning at Anthony Chabot. Help me explore some trails I haven't hiked before with your choice of a moderate+ 8 mile/1600' shorter hike or a moderate++ 9 mile/1850' long hike. Please download and print out the trail route map here. Route will be Redtail, Cottontail, right on Brandon, cross the Stone Bridge and down the Jackson Grade/Skyline trail. Make a hard right on Goldenrod, hard left on Jalquin, then straight ahead onto Goldenrod. Left on Columbine, then right at the junction to stay on Columbine. Left on Two Rocks trail to a break spot by the roundhouse along Lost Ridge. Continue through Two Rocks campground straight up to Brandon, then left. The short hike continues to a hard right on Deer Canyon, left and across the road onto Redtail and back to the start. The long hike turns left on Loggers Loop trail, then left on Brandon to a hard right on Deer Canyon, left and across the road onto Redtail and back to the start. Dogs allowed. Pit toilets available on Marciel Road past the staging area. Outhouse available near the break. Flour arrows will guide your route, please print out your own map using the link above. Trailhead Directions and google map are available by clicking the link in that section. Starting at 9:30 am from Marshall Dr., this is a
moderate approx 7-mile 1400-ft elevation gain hike to Borges Ranch. Please download and
print out the route map here.
Route from Marshall Dr. to Borges Ranch is road to Ridge Top Trail, following Ridge Top Trail past Ginder Gap
Loop, crossing Coastanoan Trail around
the hill, left on Flat Top Trail, right on Haystack Hill Trail to the peak. After enjoying the view, return down Haystack Hill Trail,
right on Flat Top Trail, right on Hanna
Lane Trail to Bob Pond. Then right up to Borges Ranch for a rest/snack stop.
Return up Borges Ranch Trail, right on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, left on Coyote Pond Trail at the gate, passing Coyote
Pond, right up the hill for a left onto Indian
Creek Trail, right on trail passing Indian Valley School to return to the trailhead.
Please download and print out the driving directions map here.
Restrooms and water at Bob Pond and Borges Ranch. Dogs OK. Three choice hike to Mount Diablo Waterfalls. You can pick Starting from Regency Gate, we head out on Donner Canyon Rd, crossing the creek on Heatherrington Trail, then a quick left onto Bruce Lee Spring Trail. Continuing on Donner and Wasserman Trails to Cardinet Oaks Rd. Turning right on Cardinet Oaks, we finally reach the Falls Trail where we turn left and follow it to our snack spot overlooking the 2nd falls.
After our break we continue on Falls Trail to Middle Trail, where the long hike turns left up the hill to Prospectors Gap Rd. The short and medium hikes continue down Middle Trail to Meridian Ridge Rd. where they split up.
The short hike will turn right on Meridian Ridge Rd, following it to a left turn on Donner Canyon Rd to return to Regency Gate.
The medium hike turns left on Meridian Ridge Rd, following it up the hill to a right on Meridian Pt. and Back Creek Trails. The hike then follows Back Creek Trail back to Regency Gate.
When the long hike reaches Prospectors Gap Rd, we turn right following it over to another right turn on Back Creek Trail to return to Regency Gate.
Please note: Parking during waterfall season can be limited on weekends, so plan on arriving early for best choice.
Join us at 9:30am for a peregrination (look it up) on Mount Diablo via Castle Rock Park. We will explore the Castle Rocks before they close for the season in February due to the Peregrine Falcon nesting season. Your choice of a moderate 6.8 mile/1200' shorter hike or a moderate 9.3 mile/1600' long hike. Please download and print out the trail route map here. The long hike turns left on Burma Road, right on Buckeye Trail, right on Stage Road back to Castle Rock Park. You may take the Castle Rock Trail to the left of the gate which will bring you directly to the parking lots. No Dogs Allowed in the State Park. Restrooms available at Castle Rock Park only. Flour arrows will guide your route, please print out your own map using the link above. Trailhead directions are available by clicking the link in the Driving Directions section.
Now that a single-lane bridge has been installed on Canyon Road, we again have easy access to the Valle Vista EBMUD staging area. Bring your
EBMUD permit. Those without can be a guest of a hiker that has one.
Starting at 9:30 am from EBMUD Valle Vista Staging Area is a moderate 7.2-mile
1400-ft elevation gain hike into Redwood Regional Park. Please download and print out the route map here.
Route from Valle Vista is Redwood Trail, right onto East Ridge Trail, left onto Prince Trail, left onto Stream Trail to the Old Church area for a short
rest/snack stop.
Then continue on the Stream Trail, left onto the Canyon Trail, left onto the East Ridge Trail to the gate for a right onto the Redwood Trail to return
to the Valle Vista Staging Area.
Water and picnic tables at Old Church. Restrooms at Valle Vista and along the Stream Trail. Dogs not allowed in EBMUD areas.
Please download and print out the driving directions map here.
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