Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Directions: The main access to Black Diamond Mines is from Somersville Road in Antioch. From Walnut Creek take Ygnacio Valley Road east over Kiker Pass to Pittsburg. At Buchanan Road turn right and go to Sommersville Road and turn right. Take Somersville Road to the preserve entrance and park in the lot at the end of the access road.

Notes: Primitive toilets, drinking water and picnic area are located at the entrance area. There is a $3 parking fee on weekends.

Trailmap (169K)

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Public Transit Information

Ridge Trail - Stewartville Trail Loop (6+ miles): 

A moderate 6+ mile loop with a total elevation gain of 900 feet. Take the Nortonville Trail at the end of the parking lot for 100 yards and turn left on Stewartville Trail. Climb 300 feet over .58 miles to the junction with Ridge Trail. Go left on Ridge Trail for 2+ miles to where Ridge Trail rejoins Stewartville Trail. Turn right on Stewartville Trail and follow 3+ miles back to the trailhead, climbing 600 feet back to the junction with Ridge Trail before descending 300 feet over the last .58 miles. Great views of the Delta and Sacramento Valley from Ridge Trail.

River View Trail (5 miles): 

A moderate 5 mile partial loop trail with a total elevation gain of 1000 feet. Take the Nortonville Trail at the end of the parking lot for 100 yards and turn left on Stewartville Trail. Go another 100 yards to Railroad Bed Trail and turn left. After several hundred yards take River View Trail as it splits to the right. Continue climbing for another 1.5 miles to River View Loop Trail and go right. Follow this trail as it descends and loops around Arata Peak. After about .5 miles there is a short spur trail to Arata Overlook on the left. This offers a nice 180 degree view of the Delta and Sacramento River but is marred by high tension power lines overhead. Continuing on, River View Loop Trail will bend to the left as it reaches the park boundary and parallels the entrance road as it heads back to the trailhead. After about 1 mile of gradual climbing the trail reaches a point directly behind park headquarters where it begins a steep ascent back to the junction with River View Trail and the end of the Loop Trail. At this junction go right on River View Trail, climbing for another .5 miles before beginning the descent over the last mile back to the trailhead. This trail is aptly named for its splendid views of the Delta and Sacramento River.

Briones Regional Park

Briones Crest Trail (8 miles): 

Trailhead: Bear Creek Staging Area

Directions: From Walnut Creek take Highway 24 west to the Orinda exit and exit right on Camino Pablo Road. At Bear Creek Road turn right and go to the park entrance on the right just past the Happy Valley Road intersection. (There is a Bear Creek Staging area on the left side of the road for the EBMUD Watershed, go past this parking area).

A strenuous 8 mile loop with 1000 feet of total elevation gain. From the parking area take Old Briones Road for about 100 yards to Homestead Valley Trail and turn right. Go .47 miles and turn left onto Crescent Ridge Trail. Stay on Crescent Ridge Trail for 1.4 miles. At Briones Crest Trail go left for 6 miles back to the trailhead traversing two ridge lines as you go. This trail offers sweeping views of the Carquinez Straits and delta as well as Mt. Diablo and the Berkeley Hills.

Notes: Restrooms, drinking water and picnic area located at staging area. Briones Ridge can be windy and much cooler than the valley due to the delta breezes. $3 parking fee on weekends.

Russell Peak - Mariposa Trail Loop (6+ miles): 

Trailhead: Bear Creek Staging Area

Directions: See Briones Crest Trail above.

A moderate 6+ mile partial loop with 600 feet of elevation gain. From the parking area take Old Briones Road for about 100 yards to Homestead Valley Trail and turn right. Follow Homestead Valley Trail for 1.5 miles to Briones Crest/Russell Peak Trail and turn right. Take the Russell Peak Trail 1.18 miles to the junction of the Mariposa Trail (Note: go past the first Mariposa Trail intersection) and turn left. Follow the Mariposa Trail back to Russell Peak Trail and turn right. At the Homestead Valley Trail junction turn left back to the trailhead. This is one of the least frequented trails in the park and it is possible to take this trail on a weekend and not encounter anyone after leaving the trailhead.

Notes: Restrooms, drinking water and picnic area located at staging area. $3 parking fee on weekends.

Alhambra Creek - Briones Crest - Lagoon - Toyon Canyon Loop (6 miles): 

Trailhead: Alhambra Creek Valley Staging Area

Directions: From Walnut Creek take Highway 24 west. Exit and go north on Pleasant Hill Rd and then left on Reliez Valley Rd. Go approximately 2 miles and turn left at the Park entrance. Park in the lot at the end of the entrance road.

A moderate 6 mile loop with an elevation gain of 600 feet. After going through the gate, take Alhambra Creek Trail for about 1 mile, gradually climbing. At the junction with Spengler Trail go right and begin moderate ascent past Old Briones Rd. to Briones Crest Trail where you again go right. Follow the gently rolling Briones Crest Trail for 1 mile to Lagoon Trail and turn right. Start a steep descent down Lagoon Trail to the junction with Toyon Canyon Trail. Turn left on Toyon Canyon Trail and continue descent. At Orchard Trail go right and follow through the gate at Old Briones Rd. back to the trailhead.

Notes: Briones Crest Trail can be much cooler than many other areas in the summer due to the delta breezes that are often present. Drinking water, picnic area and a primitive toilet are available at the trailhead. $3 parking fee on weekends.

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

Franklin Ridge Loop (3 miles): 

Trailhead: Carquinez Strait East Staging Area

Directions: from Walnut Creek take I-680 north and exit at Marina Vista (this is the last exit before the Carquinez Bridge). Go left on Marina Vista through Martinez to Talbert St. and turn right. At Carquinez Scenic Drive turn left, drive past the cemetery and park in the staging area on the left.

This is a moderate 3 mile loop with two short climbs totaling 500 feet. Take the singletrack trail to the right of the parking lot and begin a short steep climb to the ridge top. At the top of ridge take the California Riding & Hiking Trail to the right for one mile. Turn left on the Franklin Ridge Loop Trail through Franklin Canyon for one mile back to the ridge top. Take the California Riding & Hiking trail to the right for .13 miles and turn left on Rankin Park Trail. At the gate take the singletrack trail to the left, before going through the gate, back to the trailhead.

Notes: Trail signs say to leash dogs but trail map says dogs are allowed off leash. Primitive toilet and picnic area at trailhead, no drinking water.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Del Valle Regional Park

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve

Huckleberry Nature Path (2+ miles): 

Directions: from Walnut Creek take Highway 24 west and exit at Fish Ranch Road just before the Caldecott Tunnel. Go .8 miles and turn left (south) onto Grizzly Peak Boulevard for 2.4 miles and turn left at Skyline Boulevard. Drive about 1/2 mile to the park entrance on the left, past Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.

A 2.37 mile moderate, shaded, singletrack loop trail with 200 feet (best guess!) elevation change. Pick up a map and guide for the path at the trailhead. From the parking lot take the only trail and go left at the first fork (going right will result in a long gradual downhill with a short STEEP uphill section at the end). Follow the path to its junction with the Skyline trail and take this to the right. After .56 miles The Huckleberry Path will turn right. You can take this back to the trailhead or stay on the Skyline Trail for another .38 miles before taking the next right and taking the Path back to the parking lot.

Notes: Due to the sensitive nature of this area dogs, bicycles and horses are prohibited on the Huckleberry Path, while jogging is discouraged. Dogs and horses are allowed on the Skyline Trail. No water and only a primitive toilet at the trailhead.

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

Directions: The main access to Las Trampas is at the Bollinger Canyon Staging Area. From Walnut Creek take I-680 south to Crow Canyon Road and exit west. At Bollinger Canyon Road turn right and go to the end of the road to the staging area.

Notes: There are restooms, drinking water and picnic areas at the trailhead.

Upper Ridge to Devil's Hole Loop (6+ miles): 

This is a strenuous 6+ mile loop trail with a total elevation gain of 1300 feet. From the staging area take Rocky Ridge Trail (this starts as a paved road) and begin the climb up to the ridge top. After .6 miles go left on The Upper Trail for .8 miles to the junction of Sycamore Trail and turn right. Note: this is a steep descent on a narrow single track trail and the ascent out of Devil's Hole is extremely steep in places. An alternative is to continue on Upper Trail for another .8 miles to the junction of Elderberry Trail and go left for 2 miles back to the trailhead. If you take Sycamore Trail you will begin a 600' descent over 1.25 miles to Devil's Hole. Take Devil's Hole Trail to the left and begin the climb back to the Upper Trail. Go right on Upper trail for .4 miles and turn left on Elderberry Trail back to the trailhead.

Las Trampas Ridge - Sulpher Springs Loop (5 miles): 

This a strenuous 5 mile loop with a total elevation gain of 900 feet. Go through the gate at the end of the entrance road and then the gate to the right to the Chamis Trail. Take the Chamis Trail for .17 miles to the junction with Mahogany Trail and go left on Mahogany Trail for .22 miles through a lush canyon. At the junction of Trapline Trail turn right and begin a strenuous climb on a narrow, steep singletrack trail for .43 miles. At the top of the ridge take Sulpher Springs Trail straight ahead for .61 miles to its intersection with De Amigo Trail. Go right on De Amigo Trail for .32 miles back to La Trampas Ridge Trail and turn right. Follow Las Trampas Ridge Trail for about 2 miles to the junction of Bollinger Canyon Trail and turn left. Take Bollinger Canyon Trail 1+ miles back to the trailhead.

Las Trampas Peak (3+ miles): 

This is a moderate 3+ mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 700 feet. Go through the gate at the west end of the parking lot and take the Creek Trail to the right for .62 miles. At Bollinger Canyon Trail turn left and go .20 miles before bearing to the right, still on Bollinger Canyon Trail. Begin steep climb for .44 miles to the junction of Las Trampas Ridge Trail. Go left and take the trail for .53 miles to the end of trail sign. Take the short road to the left for 100 yards to the top of Las Trampas Peak. Retrace route back to trailhead. Tremendous views from the top of Las Trampas Peak and a great place to have a picnic.

Madrone - Corduroy Hills Loop (9 miles)

Trailhead: Hemme Ave. Staging Area

Directions: From Walnut Creek, take 680 south to Alamo and exit west at Stone Valley Road. Turn left on Danville Blvd. and right on Hemme Ave. Park in the staging area at the end of the road.

Notes: No water or facilities. No horses allowed on Corduroy Hills trail.

Recommended for experts only! An extremely strenuous 9 mile loop with a net elevation gain of 2500'. Spectacular views of the Diablo Valley and Mt. Diablo coupled with a rare sense of isolation make this loop well worth the effort. Take the Hemme Trail to South Ave. Trail and turn left. At the road junction turn right for .59M to Madrone trail then left on Madrone for .52M. Turn right on Corduroy Hills Trail for 1.31M to Las Trampas Ridge Trail (Corduroy Hills Trail has an extremely steep/dangerous section through some rocks. Be VERY careful in here!). At Las Trampas Ridge turn left for .95M to Sulpher Springs Trail. Go left on Sulpher Springs for .61M to Del Amigo Trail. At Del Amigo go left for .43M to Williams Trail. At Williams Trail turn left for 1.05M to Madrone Trail (continue past the first intersection with Mandrone at .65M, for another .4M to the second intersection). Turn right on Madrone, go back past Corduroy Hills Trail to the spur to South Ave. Trail. At the spur, turn right and then turn left on South Ave. trail and at Hemme Ave. trail turn right back to the trailhead.

Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

Directions: From Walnut Creek, take Ygnacio Valley Road east to Clayton Road. Turn right on Clayton Road. After going through Clayton, Clayton Road becomes Marsh Creek Road. Take Marsh Creek Road to Morgan Territory Road and turn right. Go 10.7 miles to park staging area on the left. Alternative Route: From Livermore, take North Livermore Ave. north to Morgan Territory Road and turn right. It is 9.4 miles from I-580 to the Staging area on the right. Note: Morgan territory Road is a narrow winding country road, just wide enough for two cars to pass. Use Caution!

Notes: Drinking water and restrooms located at trailhead.

Blue Oak - Volvon Trail Loop:  

An easy 6 mile loop with negligible elevation gain and great views of the Sacramento Valley and the east side of Mt. Diablo. From the staging area take the Volvon Trail .57 miles to the junction with the Blue Oak Trail and turn right. Go 1.35 miles to the Volvon Trail and go right. for .08 miles. At the junction of Valley View Trail go right for 1.18 miles to the junction of Volvon Loop Trail and turn right. Take the Volvon Trail for about 3 miles back to the trailhead.

Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park

Directions: The main access to Pleasanton Ridge is from Foothill Road in Sunol. From Walnut Creek take I-680 south to Niles Canyon Road (Highway 84) and exit west. Turn right on Bond Street and go .3 miles and turn right on Foothill Road. Go 1.6 miles to the park staging area on the left.

Notes: Primitive toilets, drinking water and picnic area are located at the entrance area. There is also drinking water located at several places along the trails of the park (see trail map).

Ridgeline - Thermalito Trail Loop:  

A moderate 7 mile loop with a total elevation gain of 1200 feet. Take Oak Tree Trail (gate on the left) for 1.2 miles as you climb to Ridgeline Trail. Turn right on Ridgeline Trail and follow past the olive grove where you begin a series of short, steep assents as you climb higher along the ridge. After 2 miles you will go through a gate and enter the City of Pleasanton's Agustin Bernal Park for .7 miles before turning left at Thermalito Trail. Continue through the gate back into Pleasanton Ridge and stay on Thermalito Trail for a total of 2 miles as it gently descends down and around the ridge. At Olive Grove Trail turn left back to Ridgeline Trail where you turn right. At the intersection with Oaktree Trail take the Woodland Trail, a singletract trail to the right, 1.2 miles back to the trailhead.

Notes: There is drinking water on Ridgeline Trail just north of the junction with Olive Grove Trail and and on Thermalito Trail just west of its junction with Ridgeline Trail.

Redwood Regional Park

French Trail (7 miles): 

Trailhead: Redwood Gate - Canyon Meadow Staging Area

Directions: from Walnut Creek take Olympic Boulevard west to Reliez Station Road and turn left. Reliez Station Road becomes Glenside Drive after about 1/2 mile. Continue straight on Glenside Drive to St. Mary's Road and turn left. Follow St. Mary's Road to Moraga Road and turn left. Take Moraga road and continue on after it becomes Canyon Road to Pinehurst Road and turn left. At Redwood Road turn right and go 1/4 mile to the park entrance on the right. Park in the lot at the end of the road. $3 parking fee on weekends.

A spectacular 7 mile loop with an elevation gain of 600 feet through the redwoods. Particularly enjoyable on days when the valley is hot, as temperatures can be 20 degrees cooler in the redwoods than in the valley. Go through the gate, take the first trail on the left and cross the stream. Turn right, and take Orchard trail on the left for .37 mile to its junction with French Trail. Go right on French Trail and follow for 3+ miles to Tres Sendas Trail, where you go right for 1.25 miles to the Stream Trail. Turn right on the Stream Trail back to the trailhead.

Notes: Drinking water, restrooms and picnic areas are located at the trailhead and the Mill Site about 1.5 miles along the Stream Trail from the trailhead.

East Ridge - West Ridge Loop (10 miles): 

Trailhead: Pinehurst Staging Area

Directions: from Walnut Creek take Olympic Boulevard west to Reliez Station Road and turn left. Reliez Station Road becomes Glenside Drive after about 1/2 mile. Continue straight on Glenside Drive to St. Mary's Road and turn left. Follow St. Mary's Road to Moraga Road and turn left. Take Moraga road and continue on after it becomes Canyon Road to Pinehurst Road and turn left. Go approximately 2 miles and park at the turn out by the fire road gate on the right.

A moderate 10 mile loop with a total elevation gain of 1500 feet. Go through the gate and take East Ridge Trail for .84 miles to the junction of Canyon Trail and turn left. Take Canyon Trail .36 miles to the Canyon Meadow Staging Area. Go through the staging area, cross the parking lot and pick up the trail going left beside the road. At the Fishway Interpitive Site just past Wayside Picnic Area cross the stream on a stone bridge and turn right on the Bridle Trail. Go 100 yards and turn left on West Ridge Trail. Begin a steady climb over the next 3 miles on West Ridge Trail to Redwood Peak Trail. Normally you would continue on West Ridge Trail but due to construction at Chabot Observatory, West Ridge Trail is closed between Redwood Bowl and Moon Gate until 1999. The official detour route takes you out of Redwood Park and into Joaquin Miller Park. I recommend turning right at Redwood Peak Trail and going .53 miles to French Trail and turning left. Take French Trail 1.16 miles back up to West Ridge Trail and turn right to Skyline Gate. At Skyline Gate the trail becomes East Ridge Trail and is 3.5 miles back to the trailhead.

Notes: Restrooms and drinking water are located at Canyon Meadow Staging area and Skyline Gate, no facilities at the trailhead.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

As its name implies, this park features a volcanic complex that is the source of most of the lavas that underlies the ridges in this area. Round Top, at 1763' one of the highest points in the Berkeley Hills, is comprised of various lavas and volcanic debris that once filled a volcano. This 381 acre park, while mostly barren and heavily grazed, is interesting for its geological features. There is an information kiosk, explaining the geological history and showing various types of lava found in the area, at the parking area.

Volcanic Trail - Round Top Loop (2+ miles): 

An easy 2+ mile loop with a spur trail leg. Pick up a map and trail guide at the entrance. Take the Skyline National Trail to the left and behind the information kiosk and go right. At Round Top Trail go left to Volcanic Trail and go left again. This trail branches at several places, going to various points of interest, but all dead end. When you are finished exploring this area return to the intersection with Round Top Trail and go left. Follow Round Top Trail back to its junction with the Skyline National Trail and return to the trailhead.

Notes: Restrooms and drinking water are located at the trailhead.

Sunol Regional Wilderness

Directions: From Walnut Creek take I-680 south past the I-580 junction and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the town of Sunol. Turn left (east) on Calaveras Road and proceed to Geary Road which leads directly into the park.

Notes: There are restooms, drinking water and picnic areas at the trailhead.

McCorkle - Canyon View Loop (6+ miles): 

A moderately strenuous loop with a total elevation gain of 1000 feet offering sweeping vistas and abundant wildflower displays in spring. Park in the lot adjacent to the visitors center and cross the Alameda Creek bridge. Follow the Nature Trail to the right for about 1/3 of a mile to the intersection with Canyon View Trail. Take Canyon View Trail .36 miles to McCorkle Trail and go left. After about 1 mile McCorkle Trail will merge with Cerro Este Trail. Go left and after about 1/3 of a mile the trails will split with McCorkle Trail veering to the right. Take McCorkle Trail 1.28 miles to the junction with Backpack Road and turn right. Take Backpack Road downhill for .58 miles to the junction with Camp Ohlone Road and turn right on this gravel road. Follow this road for about .5 miles to where the singletrack Canyon View Trail branches off to the right. Take Canyon View about 1 mile back to the trailhead. Note: Little Yosemite, a scenic gorge carved by Alameda Creek, is located just off Camp Ohlone Road. To take this route do not turn at Canyon View Trail but continue on Camp Ohlone Road for another 1/2 mile to just past the Cerro Este Trail junction. Return to the trailhead by going back and taking Cerro Este Trail for about 100 yards to Canyon View Trail and turning left. Follow Canyon View back for about 1 mile to the trailhead.

Tilden Regional Park

Curran - Wildcat Gorge - Meadows Canyon Loop: 

Trailhead: Inspiration Point

Directions: From Walnut Creek take Highway 24 west to the Orinda exit and exit right on Camino Pablo Road. At Wildcat Canyon Road turn left and go to the Inspiration Point Overlook parking area on the right.

An Easy 3 mile loop with 300 feet of elevation gain. From the trailhead take the Curran Trail downhill .7 miles to the intersection with Wildcat Gorge Trail and turn right. Take this shaded, rolling trail as it follows Wildcat Creek for .8 miles to Meadows Canyon Trail and turn right. Climb for 1.4 miles back to the intersection of Curran Trail and go left back to the trailhead.

Notes: Picnic area and primitive toilets are located at the trailhead.

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

Wildcat Creek - San Pablo Ridge Loop (7 miles): 

Trailhead: Alvarado Staging Area

Directions: From Walnut Creek take Highway 24 west to the Orinda exit and exit right on Camino Pablo Road. Continue past Wildcat Canyon Road where Camino Pablo Road will become San Pablo Dam Road and past San Pablo Dam Recreation Area several miles to the intersection of San Pablo Avenue. Turn left and go several blocks to McBryde Avenue and turn left. Take McBryde Avenue to the Alvarado Staging Area on Wildcat Canyon Parkway.

A moderate 7 mile loop with an elevation gain of 700 feet. Take Wildcat Creek trail .45 miles to Belgum Trail and turn left. Begin a moderate climb for .87 miles on Belgum Trail to San Pablo Ridge Trail where you turn right. There are great views of the San Pablo Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin and Solono counties, Mt. Diablo, and the EBMUD watershed from all along the ridge. Take San Pablo Ridge Trail for 2 miles, of which the last .88 mile is a paved multi-use trail, to Havey Canyon Trail. Turn right on Havey Canyon Trail and go 1.5 miles through a densely wooded canyon to Wildcat Creek Trail. Go right and take Wildcat Creek Trail 2 miles back to the trailhead.

Notes: There are restrooms, drinking water and picnic areas located in Alvardo Park adjacent to the staging area. There is also drinking water on Wildcat Creek Trail near its intersection with Havey Canyon Trail 2 miles from the trailhead.