Briones Regional Park, one of the treasures of East Bay Regional Park District’s (EBRPD) holdings, is a fine place for hiking year-round. The park, located in Central Contra Costa County, also has picnic tables, hilltops offering far-reaching views, and camping for groups. In springtime, you can expect to find wildflowers in profusion and the ponds full. In summer, the hillsides will have turned golden brown (and it can be very hot!). Fall will bring cooler temperatures and more oak and bay leaves carpeting the trails. Winter can offer more solitude and wetter trails. However, though some trails will be muddy, according to the District, “Abrigo Valley Trail, Lafayette Ridge Trail, the first one-half mile of Alhambra Creek Trail, and the first one mile of Briones Road Trail from the Bear Creek Road entrance,” are driest.
There are five major staging areas at Briones; this hike starts from the Bear Creek entrance off of Bear Creek Road (near Orinda). After the entrance kiosk, proceed to the far parking area (straight ahead). Our hike starts at the gate, on a wide track on the level. We ascend easily initially, then steeply, on the Old Briones Road Trail. At the Briones Crest Trail, turn left. The small bodies of water, the Sindicich Lagoons, will be on either side of you. In winter, you may spot the reddish-orange California newt.
The climb to the crest, now on narrow track, will take you to the highest point of this walk where you’ll have views of Mt. Diablo to the east, the delta to the north, and San Francisco Bay to the west as you progress. Turn left onto the Mott Peak Trail – you’ll soon be descending and along the way, you’ll see the Maud Whalen camping area off to your right (toilets and water available). Continue downhill on the Abrigo Valley Trail, which takes you through a lovely oak canopy and down past the Oak Grove picnic area. Turn left at the roadway and it’s a short distance to return to your parking lot. This moderate hike is approximately 5 miles round trip.
Details:
- Print out a map, click here.
- No permit required.
- Parking fee $3 (free with annual pass, click here for details.) Parking lot is open 7:00 AM – sunset.
- Dogs are permitted in the park. A six-foot maximum leash is required in certain areas of the park, but not on the trails described above. Fee $2.
- Water available at trailhead and Maud Whalen. Carry water for the hike!
- Wear sunscreen and sun protection.
- Hiking poles suggested.
- Camping reservations: Call 510-881-1833, option 2.
Directions (courtesy EBRPD):
- Exit Hwy 24 at the Orinda/Camino Pablo exit toward Richmond.
- Go right on Bear Creek Rd. and the staging area is on the right.
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