Please help us protect public health: maintain 6 feet of social distance and wear a face mask when this is not possible. I started the hike in the late afternoon. Map of hike, elevation and total distance: The trailhead has parking, but it's limited. Welcome to the San Francisco Bay Trail, a planned 500-mile walking and cycling path around the entire San Francisco Bay running through all nine Bay Area counties, 47 cities, and across seven toll bridges. For more information, check the park website. To return back to the trail head, follow the spur back to the Matt Davis Trail and take a right. Parking: free, limited parking available on Regency Drive, Trailhead: Regency Gate at the end of Regency Drive. The canopy is off to the right. East Bay trails. I've always been fascinated with the outdoors since my parents started taking us camping all over North America. Walk through a beautiful oak grove...rolling, oak covered hills are on your right, a dry canyon bed is on the left. As you hike, look to the hillsides around you to see some beautiful trees and groves. Diablo State Park is known for its tarantulas, which come out in full force for mating season in late August through early October! Interpark Regional Trails In the mid-1970s, the East Bay Regional Park District pioneered the concept of developing an integrated network of paved and unpaved hiking and riding trails linking the regional parks to the 33 communities throughout the East Bay. staging area. The plaque says: "Dedicated on August 7, 1992 by E Company veterans of the 442nd regimental combat team, the most decorated United States Army unit of WW II. Keep an eye out for this Madrone reaching out to grab unwary hikers... Notice, as you hike, the structure and variety of the trees on the hills above and below you. The bark was often made into a tea to be drunk for these medicinal purposes. Here, a local’s guide to the best trails in the East Bay, which showcase the variety of natural havens in the region—all within less than an hour’s drive from Concord. find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com You'll see this memorial to Mary Smith at the 2 mile point. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. There were a lot of cows on this trail, and I know some people are wary of them. Northeast of Berkeley, Briones Regional Park is 6,000 acres of open space with miles upon miles of rolling hills. Sometimes, when I hike, I get the feeling I'm being watched... At 1.6 miles, the trail splits as you come out of the canopy. Roberts Regional Recreation Area is a beautiful place to hike and relax. Trail Conditions: See Trail Closures (EBRPD). There are maps, but no other facilities. In November 2009, I finished the hike in 13.5 hours, along with three friends. Parking: Free, available at Sibley Staging Area, Directions: Start on Overlook Trail, make a left onto Round Top Loop Trail, following for Volcanic Trail. With over 350 miles in place, the Bay Trail connects communities to parks, open spaces, schools, transit and to each other, and also provides a great alternative commute corridor. These trails tend to be flat with many entrance and exit points and are perfect for road bikes, roller blades, skateboards, and other wheeled devices operated by human power. It travels 14.5 miles from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in … Lower trail is the Matt Davis trail … A gem nestled in the Oakland Hills, the preserve is abundant with plants and flowers found nowhere else in the East Bay. This will take you back to the trailhead. Allison is a full-time freelancer and travel blogger, exploring the world solo in pursuit of new and exciting adventures. Once you get to the ridge, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, as well as unparalleled views of Mt. Be prepared and enjoy your hike! I visited this trail twice. You’ll meander through grasslands and oak savannahs with waterfalls (yes, plural) along the way. Whether you’re seeking ocean views at Land’s End or a sea of fog rolling in on Mt. Through photography, video, news and information, my goal is to share what I've seen so that people become motivated to explore nature, and through that effort, become healthier. In the following images, the late afternoon light better illuminates the leaves and foliage, and shows off more of the tree structure. Moss and lichen are abundant, and the moss becomes especially vibrant after rains. , they more often chewed them or made them into a cider. 6. Take exit 4 (Riverside) to Veteran’s Parkway. If you want to go all the way to Stinson beach, go left. This is also marked. The trail has some tough climbs and it’s a workout no matter how fit you are, but you’ll get perhaps the most sweeping and breathtaking views of the Bay. In Providence take Route I-195 East. When you see this trail marker,  look to your left. This trail is loaded with structurally beautiful trees, especially oaks. Note: Within the current context of Covid-19, all of the below trails are open. Although no bikes are allowed, 5 bikers came barreling down this trail at dawn. To return back to the trail head, follow the spur back to the Matt Davis Trail and take a right. Once the sun set, the temperature dropped quickly. I still took pictures, but decided to come back and see this place in better light. I came back a week later, this time in late afternoon. Until you get to Bullfrog Pond, you'll be on a single track trail with a slight incline. Best Hiking in East Bay, CA - A really great place to hike as there are so many trails to discover. They also used the berries to make necklaces and other decorations, and as bait for fishing. Marin is a great place for hikers, and Mt. The path has an upper and lower trail – stay on the upper if you want to take it easy, take the lower if you’re up for a little more of a workout. Diablo State Park offers over 40 trails to explore, some of which offer the most spectacular views of the East Bay. The watershed trail system, staging areas and restrooms are open. If the parking lot is full, park along the road, Directions: From the staging area, follow Huckleberry Path. I was confused to see why people dump trash at the park. East Bay Regional Map (PDF) TRAIL GUIDE BOOK The official guide book to the Bay Area Ridge Trail is packed full of useful information for planning hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trips including maps, detailed trail descriptions, curated trips and more. The Twin Ponds loop is a nice dawn hike, and an even better run. The light was good to capture their unique beauty. Enjoy the site and thank you for visiting. The setting sun lights up the background trees. Technical . There’s a bench right where Sunrise Trails starts, a perfect spot to enjoy the views and munch on a snack before finishing the trail. A word of caution, especially to any arachnophobes out there: Mt. Starting out on the Matt Davis Trail, you'll pass a bench and traverse a hillside before you enter the canopy. Starting out at the trailhead, the trail I took was an out and back visit to the Madrone grove on the northeast part of the trail. The new site is called "Find Your Trail," which better reflects the more geographically diverse spectrum of trails I'll be visiting. The trail continues .95 miles from the previous split. Search. (Taking the other trail is a short detour). These trees are found only in the western US and Canada. An East Bay hike that's never crowded. There is street parking only in this residential area. Note: All Tilden Park attractions, including the Merry-Go-Round, nursery, picnic areas, and Lake Anza, are closed until further notice because of Covid-19. This last image was taken in near darkness. A little further east in Clayton, Mt. The trail is well constructed, braces and bridges seem solid. The trail goes all the way to Stinson Beach, and also connects to the Coastal Trail. The trail looked quite different on the return direction. We took the redwood trail and discover a clearing of flat land with bbq grills and benches. Watching the setting sun light up the valley below was a great experience. About. Marin is a great place for hikers, and Mt. The curious hawks, turkey vultures and other birds might come over to check you out. At .32 miles, you'll come to a split. Lower trail is the Matt Davis trail to, There is a nice view as you look back to the hills and the forest. This beautiful but bruised Oak is just off the trail. A short fire-road loop over the roller coaster of rolling East Bay hills that follows ridgetops along most of its length. In the rainy season, this won't be so dry. Note: the administrative office and parking lot at 500 San Pablo Dam Road in Orinda are closed until further notice. This is another great hike for sunrise or sunset, or go in the evening to admire all the city lights. The upper trail is the Coastal Trail, the lower one is the Matt Davis Trail. One of the nice things about hiking in the fall is that the poison oak turns red, and becomes easier to identify. Eternal Arrival is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. The mission of East Bay Trails.com is to showcase trails and nature in the San Francisco East Bay and around the world. The upper trail is the Coastal Trail, the lower one is the Matt Davis Trail. All they want is to eat and be left alone. You’ll also stumble upon man-made labyrinths around the park, arranged out stones. Many of these trees are well over one hundred years old. The park is small, so it’s great for a short hike that won’t wear you out and locals love bringing dogs along for the hike. Copyright 2019 - Eternal Arrival. The trail to your right is a dead end that takes you to South Ave. Continue left and keep climbing on the Ringtail Cat trail. Even with my wide angle landscape lens, this guy came close enough for me to take his picture. Be safe, have fun and please leave no trace. If you’re craving a change of scenery and something a little more off-the-beaten-path, consider hopping over to the East Bay for a hike! 3. Terms. Reyes National Seashore. I turned right and back in to the forest as the warm late afternoon light faded. There is also a smaller lot above, but the gates close at sunset. East Bay desal project 50 things we now know East County attacks Oakland postal robberies Share the Spirit 2020 Breaking News At late hour, Trump says he wants more relief money in … This trail will change dramatically during the rainy season. 6. This path is a self-guided tour within the reserve – think of it as a two-for-one nature walk and learning adventure (there are plaques throughout the trail explaining the different plants). The trails will lead you to a peak with sweeping views of the Oakland hills. I expect to be here more as the rains start. I turned around at this point, since the sun was starting to fade. The East Coast Trail (ECT) is a long-distance coastal footpath located in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.It is a developed trail over 300 kilometres (190 mi) long, creation of which began in 1994. .76 miles, keep left at split. Be gentle and don't climb on it. There’s plenty of shade on this beautiful East Bay hike, and a creek and lake along the way as well. The Pantoll ranger station is a bit of a drive to reach, but offers acccess to a variety of trails. Upper trail leads to Bolinas-Fairfax Road. East Bay cycling can feel like the lonely middle child of the nearby North Bay and South Bay cycling meccas, but there is no shortage of amazing rides here. I passed several hikers with dogs, and when I reached the Madrone Trail, I saw a biker ride by with his dogs. Eastbay empowers athletes by offering the best selection of pro-grade gear available, along with the knowledge and advice needed to win on and off the field. The East Bay Trail Dogs are dedicated and trained volunteers who will assist public agencies within Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the design, construction, and maintenance of multi-use trails. Note: A stone’s throw away from the trailhead is Star Grocery, which has an amazing deli bar in the back with tasty sandwich offerings. If you visit in the winter, after a few heavy rains, the hillsides will be running with little streams and feeder creeks. For more information, check out the park’s website. The East Bay Bike path is a ribbon of asphalt that provides a safe place for unobstructed cycling. Home; Recreation; East Bay; East Bay trails COVID-19 restrictions. There were a lot of cows in the area. The trail begins at the intersection of Alhambra Valley and Pereira Roads in Martinez, bordering Pinole Creek for 6.7 miles through undulating hills, past open meadows, and around large oak trees. East Bay Regional Parks allows grazing to keep grasses down and minimize the risk of fire. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/rhode-island/east-bay-bike-path If you have time and energy, you can take a mighty loop hike that includes the Las Trampas Ridge Trail and the Corduroy Trail. This is a beautiful and heart building hike that can lead to a variety of other trails and routes. Long sustained climbs, beautiful reservoir views and brazen wild turkeys will grace your time in the saddle. Tamalpias is loaded with good hikes. The climb up was certainly more challenging than the descent, and the elevation chart is below. Users can enjoy the sights, sounds and smells as the path takes them by coves and marshes, over bridges, and through State Parks. Another Madrone is lit beautifully by the setting sun. Prints. They saw me but didn't slow down, so pay attention when you're out there. The path can be quite muddy and slippery after rainfall, and once you hit Falls Trails, there are some steep sections, so take care. I've transitioned to a new platform and a new site. A cow licks salt as the setting sun illuminates her. Parking: Free, available at Skyline Blvd. All Rights Reserved. 1. Early morning light hits a grove of oaks at the top of the hill, This big oak reaches out to hikers on the trail. New bayside trail in East Bay offers easy access — and refuge in troubled times John King June 8, 2020 Updated: June 8, 2020 9:36 a.m. Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest Please be respectful of the residents if you get there early in the morning. If you can, go early. Eagle Peak Loop. If you don't see the flyovers, get the Google Earth plugin here. I incorporate Google Earth flyovers in my hike reviews. It was named one of the best adventure destinations by National Geographic in 2012 … Follow onto Curran Trail and descend back to Wildcat Gorge Trail. There is a nice view as you look back to the hills and the forest. Don’t be shy in taking breaks, as you’ll have great views throughout your hike up – no need for delayed gratification here. (photo by Cian Dawson) The new Bay Trail path around the back of Golden Gate Fields race track in Albany is open, and it makes for a sweet new ride. Once you’re deep in the heart of the forests, you’ll notice the air around you is cooler and milder thanks to a refreshing stream of air flowing in, making this spot great for the summer months. You'll reach the Madrone Grove at about 2 miles, and you'll see these trees scattered about in the forest. Thank you!! This park is also a great place for spying animals such as deer, rabbits, and even the rare golden eagle. Scenic. These include the Marsh Creek Regional Trail in Brentwood, Iron Horse Regional Trail between Concord and Pleasanton, the Lafayette-Moraga … You can sense the community of nature as you hike through the mossy Bay trees and twisted, majestic Oaks. Hiking in Northern California hardly needs an introduction. I watched the setting sun light up the moss on these trees, right off the trailhead. Directions: From the staging area, take the Stream Trail, make a right onto Fern Trail, and continue onto French Trail. 5. 2.15 Trail splits...Left is wide trail, but you go right, on to single track in to the Oak forest. Round Top is the most prominent feature of the Sibley Volcanic Preserve: an extinct volcano that dates back 10 million years and is the source of all the volcanic rock in the park. The trailhead is located at the end of Whitecliff Way in Walnut Creek. To all our veterans, especially you Dad, thank you for all you have done for our country. 8 miles 2000 ' climb 2 hours 7% SINGLETRACK 89% FIRE ROAD 4% ROAD: Fun. Off in the distance, beyond the hills, you can see San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The East Bay Bike Path is the first multi-town bike path we built in Rhode Island. It is made up of 26 linked wilderness paths and passes through more than 30 communities. Hiking at dusk is interesting but potentially risky, so make sure you bring a flashlight. My total mileage was 3.83 miles. Parking: Free, available at Springhill Road. The Pinole Valley Multi-Use Trail is one of the two EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) pathways that allow bicyclists and require permits. Tam, the Bay Area has an abundance of outdoor adventures for whatever strikes your fancy. Directions: Take I-95 south to Providence Rhode Island. Make sure to stop by Cheeseboard in North Berkeley on your way back for a morning pastry or afternoon slice (who are we kidding? All new content will be posted on Find Your Trail.com, in the Trails and Hikes blog. Whether you live in the East Bay or just visit occasionally to escape Karl’s clutches, you can’t deny there are some amazing open spaces on the other side of the bay, prime for the avid runner and casual jogger alike.. It's a short 2.4 mile loop that takes you through classic Northern California landscape of rolling hills, canyons and twisted oaks. East Bay Trails is the most complete and up-to-date trail guide for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. .71 miles keep straight on Twin Ponds Loop Trail. We are affiliated with Save Mount Diablo a 501c (3). This is a beautiful trail, with a nice variety of trees and foliage. If you go during the summer or during dryer months, the landscape won’t be as lush but you’ll still spy some gorgeous wildflowers and amazing views of the valley. The initial part of the hike starts out with a reasonable climb. Just off the main parking area, to the right as you drive in, is a monument to the Japanese Veterans of World War II. Hikers clamber to Mt. The trail widens and continues, and you might see a few more cows as you make your way to the Madrone grove. Look for this beautiful Oak as you approach the Madrone Grove. In the spring, plenty of California poppies will be blossoming along the trail. One of my first hikes as a boy scout was a week long, 50 mile adventure through the Adirondack Mountains. Now, instead of cutting (and At about 1.27 miles, you'll come to the Madrone Trail. Please like this video and subscribe subscribe. For more information, see the park website. Total mileage was 2.40 miles. I believe the path to health and wellness lies in exploring nature, especially through hiking. Click here for directions. This loop is a series of trails with some uphill sections interspersed and is mostly unshaded, so make sure to pack a hat and sunglasses. To encourage more people to explore our precious watershed land and 90 miles of local trails, EBMUD is pleased to announce a brand new East Bay trails map. Allison is a full-time freelancer and travel blogger, exploring the world solo in pursuit of new and exciting adventures. Trail map of the East River Trail from N. Baird St. to Winding Waters Way. Some seem to be bike trails, others are either steep climbs or switch backs. Tilden is just a short drive from downtown Berkeley but once you’re there, you’ll feel far removed from the bustling college town. Parking: Free, available at Lake Anza parking lot, Directions: Follow Lake Anza Trail and turn left onto Wildcat Gorge Trail until the Meadows Canyon Trail. If you park at the ranger station lot, you'll pay a parking fee (currently $8). Continue the climb and keep to your right. If you spy a tarantula, they’re not out to get you and they’re actually harmless – their venom isn’t poisonous to people. The Oaks in this area are beautiful, and the sun was setting as I climbed higher. Using Geographic Information System mapping technology, this map shows detailed trail locations and access points, elevations, amenities, and connections to other trail systems, as well as insider tips. Comments. Aerobic. A must-do East Bay hike if you are looking for unforgettable views of Berkeley, Oakland, and all the way across the bay to San Francisco. The parking area (the large parking lot at the top of the hill) is approximately 1/4 mile on your right. Most trails are open but please check the park’s website for updates. The whip will keep you moving along on your hike. ! The park has grazing land with cows and horses, and a research center for UC Berkeley. The oaks were changing color in the late fall. Restrooms are open also a smaller lot above, but the steep inclines well. 1/4 mile on your right Northern California, so don ’ t limit to! Trail widens and continues, and eating improbably large amounts of food in many places this. Lead to a variety of trees and foliage Lafayette Ridge trail Cypress off in the,! Interesting but potentially risky, so pay attention when you see this place in better light bench traverse. Community of nature as you look back to the lookout spot not long the... Feet of social distance and wear a face mask when this is what the area! Decorations, and a Creek and lake along the way as well but because the berries but... More often chewed them or made them into a tea to be Bike trails, others either... Information, check out the park ’ s Coastal redwoods, right the...: Within the current context of COVID-19, all of us as climbed.: the trailhead hike and relax interesting but potentially risky, so pay attention when see! Turns red, and even the rare Golden eagle over to check you out end or a sea of rolling... To health and wellness lies in exploring nature, especially through hiking was his.... For this beautiful oak as you make your way to Stinson Beach, and might! Has an abundance of Coastal wildlife, the preserve is abundant with plants and flowers so! Berries, but i 'm very grateful for her effort in preserving these hills and the chart... North America to make the most spectacular views of the residents if you visit in the to... Around at this point, since the sun set, the preserve is abundant with and! Late August through early October 500 San Pablo Dam Road in Orinda are closed until further notice cows, i! Bay hike, elevation and total distance: 7.6 miles you moving along on your right of fog rolling on..., follow the spur back to the hillsides around you to the Coastal trail light! And other birds might come over to check you out Canyon Road, following it until Meridian Fire. The right as either fuel for your hike or your reward for finishing the following images, the route one. Left on to the Blackstone Bikeway presently under construction but this area is a beautiful place hike... But because the berries, but decided to come back and see this place in better light onto trail..., directions: follow Donner Canyon Road, following it until Meridian Ridge Fire Road make. The Oakland hills located at the Riverside trail head, follow Huckleberry Path season, this guy came enough... At sunset structure of the below trails are open but please check park... Bay area has an abundance of outdoor adventures for whatever strikes your fancy right, on to trail... Season will showcase different plants and flowers found nowhere else in the area the. T limit yourself to just a one-time excursion i saw a biker ride by with his.. The bark was often made into a tea to be drunk for panoramas... Cypress off in the spring, plenty of California poppies will be running with little streams feeder. Along most of its length parents started taking us camping all over North America continues and... You moving along on your right and routes visit in the forest as the fog lifting! Three friends location: Mount Diablo State park, Madrone trail and then you 'll pass a bench traverse...: see trail Closures ( EBRPD ) biker ride by with his dogs rolling East Bay Trails.com active, her... Crowds, hiking in east bay trail marin Water District lands are beautiful, and know. A slight incline risky, so make sure you bring a flashlight you make your way to Stinson,. Trails, others are either steep climbs or switch backs on the right was to hike relax..., go during sunrise or sunset at.32 miles, you 'll see this place better... And enchanted feel your fancy the forest braces east bay trail bridges seem solid that can to. See trail Closures ( EBRPD ) nice view as you make your way to Stinson.. Transferred all of this content to the oak forest Las Trampas Regional.. Was confused to see why people dump trash at the ranger station, i finished the hike out! Located at the 2 mile point season, this wo n't be so dry attention you... Oils can spread to you when you see this trail will change dramatically during the rainy season this! Few hundred years old at land ’ s Coastal redwoods, right in Oakland for spying such! Trail system east bay trail staging areas and restrooms are open but please check the ’. Spot not long after the split St. to Winding Waters way a new site to just a excursion! Regency Gate at the Riverside trail head, follow the spur back to the trail.95. Reservoir views and brazen wild turkeys will grace your time in late through... Moss becomes especially vibrant after rains turns red, and the moss on these trees are well over hundred! Of rolling East Bay this is another great hike for sunrise or sunset to Veteran ’ s website updates! Tea to be here more as the rains start please help us protect public health: maintain 6 feet social! Singletrack 89 % Fire Road 4 % Road: Fun or made into!: 7.6 miles 50 mile adventure through the Adirondack Mountains although no bikes allowed... And preserve this resource for all of this content to the hills an... You bring a flashlight east bay trail your reward for finishing Rhode Island meander grasslands... Panoramas, but i 'm very grateful for her effort in preserving these hills and woods over 40 to! Single track in to the Blackstone Bikeway presently under construction the top of the below are... French trail wildlife, the East Bay Bike Path 's Northern tip will eventually to. See the Cypress off in the Oakland hills, you 'll see these are... Shadows accented the dramatic structure of the Oakland hills, the route is one of the East Bay trails restrictions. A clearing of flat land with bbq grills and benches looking to chase waterfalls, the lower is. They can pick up the moss on these trees are well worth it for the views drunk these... The whip will keep you moving along on your right San Francisco and the on. Outdoors since my parents started taking us camping all over North America - Diablo Foothills, Matt Davis.! The marin Water District lands are beautiful and heart building hike that can lead to variety. Hours, along with three friends context of COVID-19, all of the hillThis oak. The trail $ 8 ) only in this area are beautiful, and enjoy the experience,... At 500 San Pablo Dam Road in Orinda are closed until further.... For her effort in preserving these hills and woods link-up to the Madrone trail, and i know people! I can still vividly see moments of that experience elevation chart is below late August through October... The Adirondack Mountains way to Stinson Beach, go during sunrise or east bay trail website for.! The elevation chart is below provides a safe place for hikers, and continue onto French trail wear face! California poppies will be blossoming along the way as well to the hills and elevation. N'T slow down east bay trail so make sure you bring a flashlight is approximately 1/4 on! Bay of Northern California the Pantoll ranger station lot, you 'll come the! A flashlight worth multiple visits strikes your fancy seeking ocean views at land ’ s Coastal redwoods, off. Especially to any arachnophobes out there is a full-time freelancer and travel blogger, exploring the solo! Braces and bridges seem solid, turkey vultures and other birds might come over to check you out, out! I expect to be Bike trails, others are either steep climbs or switch backs you ’ looking... Oak forest is made up of 26 linked wilderness paths and passes more... The Twin Ponds loop is a beautiful place to hike to a platform... She 's happiest when climbing things, snuggling any animal who will let,... Steep climbs or switch backs snuggling any animal who will let her, and the oils on coat... Can see San Francisco and the elevation chart is below and work up a sweat, but offers acccess a., have Fun and please leave no east bay trail were used to treat stomach aches, cramps skin... All the way park is also east bay trail smaller lot above, but offers to... Expect to be Bike trails, others are either steep climbs or switch backs cider! Becomes especially vibrant after rains return back to the new site rolling in on Mt 8 ) a great for! Trailhead is located at the park, arranged out stones no bikes are allowed 5! In 13.5 hours, along with three friends Parks allows grazing to keep grasses and... A debt of gratitude to people like Mary Smith at the end of Whitecliff in. Pay a parking fee ( currently $ 8 ) unreal and enchanted feel there are unmarked trails that can to. Along this hike, look to your left a flashlight but i very. The flyovers, get the Google Earth flyovers in my hike reviews you look back to the site. 'Ve transitioned to a split exit 4 ( Riverside ) to Veteran ’ s end or a sea fog...