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Luck will be on our side! The trails will dry out, the flowers will explode, the Sierras will be in full view, the weather will be perfect, and there will be cupcakes. I guarantee at least one of those. Join us at 9:30am for your choice of a moderate+ 7 mile/1500' shorter hike or a challenging 8 mile/1800' long hike. Bring a FLASHLIGHT to navigate the tunnel! The long hike turns left on Ridge Trail all the way to end, following down to the right on Chapparal Loop near the Tower of Power. Go over bridge, right on Manhattan Canyon, right on Nortonville, left on Somersville back to cars. 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 either downloaded to your phone or in paper form. Your choice of two hikes in EBRPD Briones Regional Park, Starting from the Lafayette Ridge Staging Area an out-and-back on the Lafayette Ridge Trail to Russell Peak. The short hike will stop to take their snack break at the table on Russell Peak before returning.
The longer hike will make a counter-clockwise loop on Russell Peak and Mariposa Trails before taking for their snack break at the Peak.
Both hikes return to the Staging Area along the Lafayette Ridge Trail.
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-mile 1500-ft elevation gain hike to the Livorna Staging Area.
Route will be Stage Road, right on Fairly Lantern Trail, left to continue to a left on Buckeye Ravine Trail 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 back on Foothill Trail, continuing on Foothill Trail to a left onto 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.
Water and restrooms at Castle Rock Park.
Let's hike to the top of Mount Diablo, with a head start from a quarter of the way up! We will be starting at 9:30 am from the Curry Point parking area beyond Rock City. This is a hiker's choice of a challenging 6 mile/1700'short hike or a challenging+ 8.2/2500'long hike. PLEASE NOTE: Allow plenty of time to drive up the mountain...please do not pass bicycles on blind turns, it is dangerous and illegal. Route leaves from Curry Point on Camp Force Trail, straight onto Summit Trail. Follow Summit Trail all the way up until you come to Green Ranch Road. You will see the Summit Trail off to the left just past some pumping gear. When you get to the water tank, the hikes diverge. There is a toilet at this junction. The short hike will hang a right onto Green Ranch Road at the Old Pioneer Horse Camp. Follow it down until you come to Oak Knoll Trail, turn right and take the trail back up. You will come out at the Oak Knoll Picnic Area, have a break. Take the trail back up the mountain a little ways until you find Green Ranch Road again. Turn left and cross the road and follow your tracks back to the cars. The long hike turns left to stay on Summit Trail, keep on it up to Devil's Elbow and stay left until you pop out at the lower summit parking lot. Turn right and find the trail in between the two roads leading to the summit. Once at the summit be sure to go inside and visit our store and museum and to stand on the actual peak! Retrace your steps back to the lower summit lot, then walk all the way to the far end near the tower to find Juniper Trail. Take it all the way down to the Juniper Campground. Turn right and walk down the campground road until you pass the restrooms. Head through the gate onto Deer Flat Road a short distance, then left on Juniper Trail. Follow Juniper until you reach Summit Trail. Turn right and retrace your steps back to the cars. 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 either downloaded to your phone or in paper form. Your choice of two hikes in EBRPD Redwood Regional Park, We Start from the Wayside lot, heading up Canyon and East Ridge Trails to the Skyline Gate, where the two hikes split up. The short hike descends on Stream Trail, optionally stopping to snack at Trails end.
The longer hike will take West Ridge, French, Starflower, Madrone, French, and Chown Trails to Stream Trail and Trails End for their snack break.
Both hikes continue along Stream Trail back to the Staging Area.
Bring your EBMUD permit. Those without can be a guest of a hiker that has one.
Starting at
Route from Valle Vista is through the gate, right a short distance, left on Richie Loop Trail, right on trail to King Canyon
Loop, keeping left continuing up and over the hill to the gate at the bottom where we will take a short rest/snack break.
The 1-mile out-and-back addition to Rancho Laguna Park is optional here. Turn left through the gate, cross the street to
the right a short distance and continue on the trail to Rancho Laguna Park.
Return for both short and long hikes is right on King Canyon Loop Trail along the reservoir, left to return to the staging
area.
Restrooms at Valle Vista Staging Area. Dogs not allowed in EBMUD.
Will it be 4 rainy hikes in a row for Steve? We are going to hike in the mud/rain/snow/cold anyway! Join us at Mitchell Canyon in Mount Diablo State Park starting at 9:30 am from the parking area. This is a hiker's choice of a moderate+ 6 mile/1100'short hike or a challenging 7.2/1500'long hike. WARNING: The Falls Trail includes a steep and slippery portion of trail which we will be going up, if you want to avoid that please do the short hike. PLEASE NOTE: This hike is from the Mitchell Canyon gate at the end of Mitchell Canyon Road. $6 exact change is required, pay using the self-service envelope at the STOP sign leading through the gate. Route leaves from the lower parking area up Bruce Lee Trail, right on Watertower Road, left on Oak Road, straight on Coulter Pine, right on Bruce Lee Rd., right on Back Creek, left on Tickwood, right on Donner Canyon Road to the end. Short hike turns left up Cardinet Oaks Rd. up past the Falls Trail turnoff to take a break. Continue right on Wasserman, right/straight on Donner Trail, straight onto Bruce Lee Springs Trail, right on Hetherington and across the creek. There is NO bridge. Turn right on Donner Canyon Rd., left on Murchio Rd., right on Bruce Lee Road passing Coulter Pond. Turn left on Watertower and right on Bruce Lee Trail to the start/finish. The long hike turns right on Meridian Ridge Road, left on Middle Trail, straight onto Falls Trail. We will take a break along the way and continue on Falls Trail to a right on Cardinet Oaks. Follow the short route back. 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 either downloaded to your phone or in paper form. Your choice of two hikes in EBRPD Sunol Regional Wilderness Starting near the toilets across from the Ohlone Sign-in panel, we cross the bridge onto Canyon View, Indian Joe, Cave Rocks Road, and Cerro Este Road Trails.
The two hikes split up at Ohlone Trail Marker OT18, with the short hike descending along Cerro Este Road to the Little Yosemite Area for the snack break.
The longer hike will take McCorkle, Backpack Road, and Camp Ohlone Trails to Little Yosemite Area for the snack break.
Both hikes head back up Cerro Este Road for a bit to take Canyon View Trail back to the Staging Area.
Starting at 9:30 am from Shell Ridge Bob Pond entrance is a moderate 6.5-mile 1400-ft elevation gain hike with the option to extend it to 7.5 miles.
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. Diaablo Trail. Left on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, pass the first Buckeye Ravine Trail then right on the second Buckeye Ravine 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 on Stage Road, right on Fairy Lantern trail, left on Buckeye Ravine Trail, right on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, right on Ridge Top Trail, right on Costanoan Trail. The short hike continues downhill 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.
Water and restrooms at Bob Pond and Borges Ranch. Dogs OK on the trails.
I have lucked out in getting to plan three rainy day hikes in a row. Join us once again in the Redwoods for a partially rainy, partly muddy hike starting at 9:30 am from the Redwood Bowl parking area. This is a hiker's choice of a moderate+ 6.6 mile/1400' short hike or a challenging 8.7 mile/1800' long hike, elevations are a total guess. Route is connector up to West Ridge, right on Graham, right on Dunn, left on Golden Spike, right at the top on Golden Spike/Montiero, continue on Golden Spike. Short hike turns left up Tate Trail to West Ridge where you will take a break. The long hike continues on Golden Spike, left on Toyon, left on West Ridge, to the junction of Tate where you will also break. Both hikes continue on West Ridge, right on Chown, left on French. Short hike turns left up the steep Fern trail to West Ridge, right all the way to Redwood Bowl. Take the stairs across from the restrooms and retrace back to the cars. The long hike turns right down Fern, left on Stream, left on Mill, left on French, right up Fern, right on West Ridge to the Bowl. 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 either downloaded to your phone or in paper form. Your choice of two hikes in Contra Costa Watershed's Los Vaqueros Reservoir Starting from the Kellogg Creek Recreation Area we head up to Eagle Ridge on Walnut, Mortero, Rancho, and Kit Fox Trails.
The short hike can stop to snack here before returning on Kit Fox, Grassland, Greasewood and Walnut Trails.
The longer hike will continue ascending, to return on Eagle Ridge, Vista Grande, Los Vaqueros, Interpretive, Kellogg Creek, and Walnut Trails.
Your choice of two hikes in Contra Costa Watershed's Los Vaqueros Reservoir Starting from the Kellogg Creek Recreation Area we head up to Eagle Ridge on Walnut, Mortero, Rancho, and Kit Fox Trails.
The short hike can stop to snack here before descending/returning on Eagle Ridge and Walnut Trails.
The longer hike will continue ascending to return on Eagle Ridge, Vista Grande, Mariposa Canyon and Walnut Trails.
Meet at the restrooms about 1/4 mile from the parking area.
Starting at 9:30 am from Castle Rock Park is almost a 7-mile hike to Borges Ranch.
Route is across the lawn through the gate and right on the Castle Rock Trail, left up the hill to the power tower, left on the Shell Ridge Loop Trail and continuing for a right uphill on the Fairy Lantern Trail. Then left onto the Mt. Diablo to Briones Trail, right on the Borges Ranch Trail to Borges Ranch for a short rest/snack stop.
Then continue on the Borges Ranch Trail, right onto the Hanna Lane Trail, left onto the Flat Top Trail, continuing left down the hill on Flat Top, right for a short distance then left onto the Ridge Top Trail, left on Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, left on Fairy Lantern Trail, contiue right on Fairy Lantern Trail, then left onto Stage Road to return to Castle Rock Park.
Water and restrooms at Castle Rock Park and Borges Ranch.
Join us after a very soggy week in the East Bay for a loopy hike through a minimally muddy? Joaquin Miller in Oakland. Starting at 9:30 am from the big yellow gate just north of the Ranger Station, this is a hiker's choice of a moderate 6.2 mile/1350' short hike or a moderate+ 8 mile/1800' long hike. Route is connector across the creek and right on Sunset Trail. Follow all the way to the end, then left on Sequoia-Bayview. After 1/2 mile make a hard right on Big Trees. Follow up and around to the right and back down parallel to Skyline Blvd. Turn right on Sequoia-Bayview, then left on Palos Colorados back down to the creek. Turn left on Sunset briefly, then right on Harold Ireland Trail. Continue straight onto Fern Ravine and up the creekside. Continue on Fern Ravine crossing over Seqouia-Bayview and left past Orchard. Take a single track across the creek at a split rail fence to stay on Fern Ravine. At the top you will find a picnic area, take a break! Continue across roadway on a connector heading left onto Cinderella Trail. Take this trail all the way down to its end, then head straight onto Sunset, then right down a trail toward a set of stairs and the Sinawik Cabin remains. Stay on the left side of the creek (no bridge) on Upper Sinawik Trail. Follow all the way along creek until you reach the bridge over the creek to the right. Turn right off the bridge on Lower Sinawik back along the other side of the creek. Follow this all the way up past the first bridge and continue climbing. Stay right at a junction and loop around to the left to the Lookout. Enjoy the view. The SHORT hike will return to the junction and turn right onto Sinawik Loop. At the end, turn right back up the first connector trail we started the day on and return to the Start. The LONG hike turns left (instead of right) on Sinawik Trail after visiting the Lookout for a short 1/2 mile out and back. Rejoin the short hike back to the start. Continue the hike by turning right and staying to the right on the roadway working your way back to the Lookout and passing the Browning and Moses Monuments and the Funeral Pyre. Pass the Lookout and continue down the roadway passing the Fire Circle and Miller Statue. Once you meet Joaquin Miller Road, turn right to visit the Abbey, then turn around and walk up passed the playground. Head left up The Cascade toward the Woodminster Theatre. Find the road again and walk passed the Dog Park and back to the start. 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 either downloaded to your phone or in paper form. Your choice of two hikes in EBRPD Redwood Regional Park. Starting from the Wayside Parking Lot, a clockwise loop on Stream, Golden Spike, West Ridge, Orchard, and French Trails.
At the Starflower Trail intersection the short hike descends to Tres Sendes to snack near the intersection with Stream Trail.
Meanwhile the longer hike continues on French Trail to descend Tres Sendas to the above snack spot..
After our snack we return along the Stream and Bridle Trails to the parking lot.
Starting at 9:30 am from Shell Ridge Bob Pond entrance is a moderate 7-mile 1400-ft elevation gain hike.
Route is through the gate to a right turn onto the Hanna Lane Trail, left on the Flat Top Trail, left to continue on the Flat Top Trail, then a right turn onto the Sulfur Creek Trail. At the end of Sulfur Creek Trail turn left on pavement and through the gate to the Costanoan Trail. Continue left uphill on the Costanoan Trail, right turn onto the Upper Buck Loop Trail. Continue left on the Upper Buck Loop Trail, right onto the Deer Lake Trail. Then a short rest/snack break at Deer Lake dam.
Continue past Deer Lake for a right turn onto the Corral Spring Trail. At the paved road turn left uphill onto the Ridge Top Trail. Continue on the Ridge Top Trail passing Ginder Gap, then a left turn onto the Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail. At the top of the hill near the sign board make a left turn 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 4 Park Hopper through Redwood, Huckleberry, Sibley, and Joaquin Miller in Oakland. It should be dry, though previous day's rain may have produced some mud. Starting at 9:30 am from the Redwood Bowl Parking Area, this is a hiker's choice of a moderate 7.5 mile/1100'short hike, a moderate+ 8.5 mile/1600' medium hike, or a challenging 10.5 mile/2100' hike. Route is connector towards Redwood Bowl, left on West Ridge for several miles, continue past Skyline Gate on East Ridge Trail, then left onto the Bay Area Ridge Trail (BART). Continue across Pinehurst Road and on towards Huckleberry. At a Y, stay right past the Huckleberry Path turnoff to stay on the BART. After .4 miles turn left on a connector trail up to Huckleberry Path. At the top, turn right and follow all the way down toward the staging area. The short hike will continue straight and stop here for a break. All hikes continue right down the Huckleberry Path (the short hike will turn left after returning from the staging area). Short hike turns right at the T onto the BART. Retrace your path back along the BART all the way back to East Ridge. Turn right and retrace your path all the way back to the MOON GATE. Here you may either stay left and retrace your steps back to the car, or turn right and take the optional route into Joaquin Miller. They are both the same, Joaquin Miller is prettier, but may be more difficult to navigate without arrows. Veer left along the roadway staying on the trail and curving around to the left and crossing Skyline Blvd. Stay straight on Castle Park Trail, NOT down. Continue along to stay straight onto Sequoia-Bayview until you come to Skyline Blvd., cross and return to the parking area. The medium and long hike turn left onto the BART trail, then another left further down to continue on the BART. The medium hike will climb .8 mile until you come to the boundary of Sibley Park, take a break, make a u-turn and follow your steps back along the BART, follow the Short Route back to the start. The long hike continues into Sibley, turning left on Round Top Loop Trail. Follow signs to the Backpack Camp straight past the Water Tank road where there are restrooms and a break spot. Retrace back and continue (left) on the Round Top Loop Trail continuing to make right turns on the loop until you reach the BART again. Retrace your steps back, eventually joining the same route as the short hike and back to the cars. 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 either downloaded to your phone or in paper form. |
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