This is probably one of the strangest parks that I have ever frequented... probably because I don't…read morereally view it as a "park". At any given time, you will probably find graffiti sprayed on the ground and rocks, beer bottles, cigarettes, and sometimes even broken glass. I always make it a point to look down at the ground when I do decide to take a short stroll through the trails. And when I say short, I mean SHORT! The longest trail is probably only about a quarter mile long. However, I don't come here to walk the trails. This place ironically provides me with a sense of solace during my time of need. You can say what you want about the upkeep, but this park has some of the most amazing views of the East Bay. In the summertime, I come here often just to take in the beautiful views of Mount Diablo. I've come here during the Fourth of July to watch the fireworks and it has always been amazing. Although I enjoy hiking, there are those times when I don't feel like hiking for miles just to get to a view point. I can just take a short drive down Taylor boulevard, park my car and post. There have been times when I don't want to go out but I don't want to be stuck at home. When I feel like this, I will often hop in my car and drive to this park. Sometimes I don't even get out of the car. I'll just bump my music and roll my seat back and just relax. The parking lot is small and has maybe about 8 parking spots maximum, but it is almost never full. People don't stay here for a long time, so there usually are always a few parking spots available. I've had quite a few memories coming here and it almost always ends up being so nostalgic when I visit. I've never walked down to the creepy old house nearby because, well... it just looks super creepy! I don't need to walk down there to find that out; I can already feel it from a distance. When they DO take the time to clean this place up, it's actually not half bad. It's one of my favorite places to go when I need to clear my mind. I'm so happy that this place even exists.

Views and a trail loop - more of a natural open space rather than a park with built in amenities…read more Come here for the views. It is a little bit of a walk but worth it. Natural paths - good for walking your dog. Probably not best for kids - especially young ones. I'm not sure if they will value the view. Most kids just like tik toc and i pads. Great place to come to see some nature. Maybe you are not the type to camp and stay over night in the woods... well, you dont have to. Make an afternoon of it here to get 80% of that experience.

Even though I've back doored my way through nearby Black Diamond Mines, this was actually my first…read moretime in Antioch proper even though it's grown to become the second largest city in Contra Costa Country. You really can't tell how big it is from Highway 4. I presume the growth is from suburban sprawl, what I call the Do-You-Know-the-Way-to-San-Jose Syndrome. As everything looks somewhat generic, I was having my usual navigational challenges in getting to the wetlands. You head toward the Antioch City Marina where you see a big parking lot meant to accommodate the trailers for local boat owners. There's also a popular seafood restaurant next to the boats, and then you notice a tree-shrouded walkway where you finally come upon the entrance to the wetlands. There was a brushfire not more than a week before, so the first section of the trail was burnt to cinders with the smell of embers still quite strong. Eventually I came out of it and explored the area first by way of a boardwalk surrounded by tall grasses. It then turned into flat dirt trails that make their way to the edge of the San Joaquin River. You definitely feel like you're deep in Delta country with all the waterfowl and mudflats. There are observation decks that give you clearer views of the 470 acres that make up the wetlands. It was previously called the Dow Wetlands Preserve for the chemical plant nearby. I presume Corteva sponsors the area now, and agriscience seems like a more appropriate connection to make with this area. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

The Corteva Wetlands Preserve is located right in downtown Antioch by the waterfront. It has a nice…read morelittle shaded trail and area that overlooks the water. You can park at the wharf docking area and follow it. It's a small little trail and nice to take the kids for a little walk. There are some tables at the end but lots of places for shade! You get a nice view of the delta and to access you can walk from downtown Antioch or you can walk from the parking area of the wharf which is a huge parking lot.

I've ventured to many of the East Bay parks with this group. Love exploring the miles and miles of…read moretrails. Sometimes it's green, lush, and hilly and other times we're surrounded by redwoods or marshes. Very friendly group. Hike at your own pace, but usually you find someone else that hikes the same pace as you do. Such a great way to get the heart rate going and to keep in shape.

Awesome casual hiking group. I find the pace is quite rigorous. The idea is to just fall in with…read morepeople who go your speed. The leader does not "wait" for people. Make sure you get a trail map and then start with group. Most people finish at different times. Lovely people. Love this group!

"Now I know why there were no other bikers."…read more In past years I started at the far eastern end. Today I started from the northwest Trailhead, which is just off Carquinez Scenic Drive. There's a nice staging area there, which has room for plenty of cars. Plus it also has a restroom there. The trail itself is covered for much of the way going up to the top. For hiking, I can see how it would be a pleasant trip. Not so much for biking. Today, I was planning to bike on this trail, but I did not realize how narrow and steep it was. I did not see any other bikers, and I think I know why. Oh well, I got some exercise pushing the bike up tough sections. When you get up to the top, it's much easier.

Lovely trail several minutes from "downtown" Martinez. Can be a bit strenuous for some with some…read moreuphills, but a great place to take in views of the water (we could see our neighborhood in Benicia...sort of) and Mount Diablo. Vault toilet at the trail head. This is our go to spot when we don't want to drive all the way to the Lafayette reservoir or to the Berkeley hills trails.

Very beautiful place to camp but the only complaint is the wind was non stop and insanely harsh. I…read morewould still go again to be honest.

We LOVE this Campground!!!!!! We are full time RVers who travel the country and this is one of our…read moretop three! We always wants FHU and we always want a well kept site. Great views are a plus. But we don't do the $80 to $100+ campgrounds. We try to keep our nightly costs reasonable. This campground is BEAUTIFUL, well kept, well run, so quiet at night!, large spaces, great "buddy" spaces for groups for camp together, private spaces in C Loop, and it's $30 a night!!!!!!!!!!! For FHU!!! Ririe has a good laundromat, a nice Dollor Store, a post office and gas station. 20 to 25 minutes away in Idaho Falls is a Walmart and anything else you'd need. Swan Valley is a gorgeous drive to the east. We've stayed here in the middle of summer and early fall. The stars on a clear night are magnificent!! No showers or laundry but does have restrooms with flush toilets.

Used to take my kids to this park all the time they loved it and always drained their energy…read morerecommend to all moms

Review #184 - 2019…read more While we were waiting for my nephew to play his basketball game, I decided to take my daughter & niece to the nearest park which was less than five minutes drive from the school. We showed up around 4:15 PM on Saturday, July 20th & there were a lot of people there. It appeared that there were a few different kids's birthdays going on. It's a really nice size park. There was a soccer field, baseball field, two separate playgrounds & plenty of covered picnic tables. The only thing missing was a basketball court; which since my son was watching his cousin play, wasn't a very big deal. They had plenty of benches as well, some under the shades & some in the open. Even though it was 91 degrees out, it was still windy so I didn't mind the partly shaded benches since I needed a little bit of heat to keep warm from the wind. My 14-year old niece enjoyed the swings for a good half an hour. I'd definitely come back & have a family picnic here, even if it's a little out of the way. However, the bathroom could use some cleaning.

The Monument Corridor Trail is a short shared used trail located in the heart of Concord. It can be…read moreaccessed across the street from the 7 Eleven off of Mohr lane and Monument Blvd or on Market street behind the self-storage building. I love discovering new trails and I've had my eye on this one for quite some time. Part of this trail is parallel to the infamous Iron Horse trail that runs alongside the 680 freeway. If you're looking for beautiful views and wildlife... unfortunately, this is won't be the trail for you. This trail is really short and runs about a mile and a half one way. You will find many locals taking a short brisk walk or run along this trail. There isn't really any parking. I walked from my house to the trail, which is about a mile and a half away. The tunnel underpass was pretty dirty but was to be expected since there are homeless and careless teenagers roaming around. What I do like about this trail is that it connects to the Iron Horse Trail at the Monument Blvd entrance. So if you are a local, you have an easy connector trail to the Iron Horse. Overall, this wouldn't be a trail that I would frequent. However, I would definitely use it when I feel like taking a quick run.

In 1974, Walnut Creek residents passed a measure to protect some of its open space for future…read morerecreation. If they hadn't done that, then Sugarloaf would be filled with McMansions. Instead, this former walnut orchard is a medium-sized preserve where you can get a breather. Or really exercise and get out of breath. It's not the great adventure that Shell Ridge is, but it's good enough. It doesn't take much to see it all. It's the workout, views, and break from the normal routine that count. Trails go up to the top of the ridge, where you have a gorgeous view of I-680 traffic. Turn around, though, and you have a better view of the city and Mt. Diablo. Sugarloaf has more amenities that add value. Next to the large parking lot is a large picnic area, which works well for 50 people. Surprisingly, you can also camp here, just make a reservation with the Parks & Rec office. Amphitheater that's rarely used. Be warned that there's little shade when you get beyond the walnut trees. Water is never far away, but be prepared. Enjoy yourself.

Sugarloaf Open Space was mentioned in a prior review as being one of "Walnut Creek's best kept…read moresecrets". I can agree with that HALF-heartedly; yes, it's very secluded and it's not a well known open space. However, it doesn't offer much as far as scenic views are concerned. There are a few decent views of other trails on the hills and Mount Diablo, but other than that... the only other thing that one might call "exciting" about this trail is that you can see the 680 freeway. Not sure about you, but that's not all that exciting to me. What Sugarloaf DOES offer is a mix of great short but heart pumping trails that will work those gluties. I started off on the Ridge top trail which began with a small but steady incline. The whole trail is a mix of hills that go up and down, but it's nothing strenuous. Those hills will get you though, and soon you will feel it all throughout your legs and backside. What made it a little more challenging for me was the high heat and minimal shade along the trails. I would recommend coming in the early morning to beat the heat because it will definitely slow you down. And with minimal shade, you will be making a few more water stops than usual. There are a few benches along the way, but they are few and far between. The Ridge Top Trail is a little over a mile long and ends behind the back of a residence. You'll reach the end when you see a gate and a private residence trail. Ridge Top intersects with many other small trails, most of which will take you back down to the entrance. I wanted to continue the hike and decided to take the Bottom Spring trail. The trail will take you along side the 680 freeway and it also ends behind a residential area. Warning: only about 1/3 of this trail is actually fully paved. The rest of it consists of very uneven terrain! I would suggest wearing good shoes for ankle support if you choose to hike this trail. However, I have to add that it was really quite boring... nothing really to see except for the 680 freeway. I wouldn't recommend taking the Bottom Spring trail unless you really want to explore, but it was really annoying because I had to slow my speed to watch where I stepped. One fun observation though, were all of the dragon flies that I saw. I must have seen about 20 of them roaming around and it was really neat. I didn't see the Sugarloaf to Shell Ridge trail until after I was done hiking, but that trail is probably way more exciting that the others that I tried. Overall, it's decent and there weren't many people at all on this trail... I'm talking only TWO other people, and one guy wasn't even hiking; he was just chilling on the bench. If you like super secluded trails, then this one might be for you. I would be open to coming back to hike the Sugarloaf to Shell Ridge trail, but otherwise I think I'll choose local options before Sugarloaf.