3 hours on the lime ridge South loop. Amazing short hike on lime ridge. Trail was dry and clear. Views are amazing. You'll get a lot more out of this hike if you read up on the geology. This open space is absolutely covered with earthquake faults. Find a interactive geology map and vou'll be able to track your footsteps over the faults. Watch out for bikes because thev are speeding around. But bike riders were ultra friendly. A bit startled by gunshots toward the end of the hike, but I'm assuming, based on the lack of law enforcement. there is a shooting range somewhere nearby. For this hike there are tons of parking places around the Gulf Club. read more

"Just okay." I have hiked many of the Lime Ridge trails around Treat boulevard. The trails are usually well-marked, and well maintained. There is little if any trash on any of the trails. Thanks to the park rangers and making its team for doing a great job. Most of the trail are on plain, unpaved dirt roads. They're okay, but there are better options. I like Shell Ridge better. Keep in mind there are no facilities in the park. At least, I have never come across any. On the other hand, everything is free. So overall, a good asset to our community. read more

Old rock quarries do make fine fodder for suburban hiking, don't they? I discovered this one by driving longer than I ever had on Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek's most congested thoroughfare. It empties out a bit by the time you hit this stretch and turn into the small parking lot where you find the Ridge trailhead. It starts rather unexceptionally through some untamed grassland where your chief challenge is dodging indifferent mountain bikers. Once on the ridge, you see where the lime reference comes from because you soon find yourself surrounded by dramatic limestone escarpments. The hillside stretch from the Ridge Trail to the Manzanita Trail is where you get some of the nicest views of Mt. Diablo and the surrounding 'burbs. You know you've reached the pinnacle when you see the area's one bench. I didn't even have to trip anybody to get dibs on securing a seat. Hey, I deserved it. Don't judge me. I continued my way quite slowly and gingerly down the steep, gravel-strewn Manzanita Trail hoping I didn't end up tumbled into a heap. It would've been the appropriate punishment for my selfish bench behavior, but I tricked fate yet again by making it to the Ohlone Trail where I found the most dramatic remains of the quarry. Even with the Ygnacio Valley traffic buzzing by in the distance, the stretch back to the lot was the most relaxing. Oh but here come the mountain bikers again! RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more

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Noticed stunning yellow carpeting the hills of Lime Ridge yesterday and had to visit. Parking was on the opposite side of the street so we crossed the road and made our way to the gated open space (where the mustards were waving frantically). Slowing time, we watched cattle feeding leisurely in the mustard field. Along a narrow trail, tiptoeing between dancing mustards, we could hear the flowers whispering: spring is near. read more

Lime Ridge Open Space - Concord - Hiking Near Me - Concord, California

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Day 40 and my mantra is no days off. Fasted cardio in the mornings consist of an empty stomach when rolling out of bed and cardio. I was looking around for places to hike and I noticed Lime Ridge Open Space. Nothing but fields of dry grass, dirt, trees, ygnacio valley rd and the views of Walnut Creek. We take advantage of what the bay has to offer and to suck this all in is the best feeling. From reading reviews on Alltrails, I choose to take the Ohlone-Buckeye trail. Of course there were many trails and we got lost lol. Several mountain bike riders and hikers on the way but did not stop us. read more

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After having this park on my list for a while, I was finally able to shred this place with my friends on our mountain bikes! First off, we parked at the lot off of Ygnacio Valley Rd (I believe there is also a lot off of Treat Blvd). This lot is pretty small, maybe 20 spots, and it was full, even on a weekday afternoon. Prepare for the fact that you might not find a spot here. Also, there are no bathrooms at this lot. On to the trails! We biked up Paradise Valley, then down Middle, and down Thorn to make a nice loop. The climb up Paradise was pretty tough. I was huffing and puffing and had to take some breaks for sure. Meanwhile, much to our chagrin, several e-bikes were zooming up the hill with no problems, lol. The downhills thru Middle and Thorn were super fun! Even though they're listed as green trails, they were definitely challenging at some parts (roots, rocks, loose sand, and lots of potholes). There are also some switchbacks and berms. Overall, it was a fun time and I'll definitely be back. The only thing is that some of the trails could use some TLC. I'm not sure if it's due to Covid, or maybe because tons of people have gotten into biking during the pandemic, or both. But I'll be back for sure! read more

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I had driven by and decided to give this place a try. So there's a tiny parking lot so parking is limited. There's no bathrooms here. The trails are wide and open. There are a lot of people riding bikes. There's not a lot of shade here so go early. Overall okay hike good for dogs. read more

Lime Ridge Open Space - Concord - Hiking Near Me - Concord, California

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Limeridge Open Space... the perfect definition of a backyard discovery. Sometimes I get so caught up in trying to hike so many new places that I often fail to realize what's right here in my own backyard. Limeridge is one of those sacred discoveries that not too many people know about. It's often quiet and mostly frequented by the locals in the area. It's not the most beautiful or the most challenging hike that I've ever done, but it's still a beauty. There are several entry points that can be used to access this open space. The two entry points that I usually use are the entrance on Treat Boulevard from the parking lot or from the Contra Costa Canal Trail intersection on Citrus Avenue in Walnut Creek. The trails are mostly dirt trails and are also unshaded with minimal greenery in view. However, what keeps me coming back here other than convenience are the beautiful views that it provides of the city and the amazing sunsets! This open space actually extends all the way through Walnut Creek, but I tend to frequent the Concord side since it's closer to me. Most of the trails are pretty easy and although they are dirt trails, they are still easy to follow. I love that you can veer off onto other popular trails like the Contra Costa Canal trail and the Ygnacio Canal trail. There are a few hills in there for those of you who love inclines such as myself. The California Hiking and Riding trail provides a nice steep hill that you can run up and down if you are looking to extend your endurance. This open space is also full of grazing cows. Sometimes you'll get real up close and personal with the cows, but they are harmless. Unfortunately there are no restrooms on site, but the trails are pretty short and only span a few miles. There are a couple of rest benches and a few trees along the way. I would only stress that you bring lots of water on those warmer days because it gets extremely hot during the summer! There is limited shade and the area is pretty dry, so your body will need all of the water that it can get. I'm very grateful to have Limeridge so close to me! It's a great local option that provides some really nice hiking and walking trails. read more

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I'm so grateful for my local parks and open space! I've had a chance to try hikes from two trailheads so far, one off of Treat Blvd. and one off of Ygnacio Valley Rd. Both sections of Lime Ridge offer free parking lots and easily accessible rolling hills with vista points overlooking Concord and Walnut Creek. Although these hikes aren't typically shaded, there's usually a nice breeze to keep even summer days comfortable. The Treat Blvd. entrance has a restroom a short walk in but the Ygnacio Valley side does not. Treat is also dog-friendly (with leash only) and Ygnacio Valley is not. Don't miss these hikes during spring. The color is unreal! read more

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Such a great place to walk/hike with the pups. There are a few different trail choices; 1 larger and a smaller route to choose from. Pretty view and benches to enjoy the view. Its never overly busy so you can really enjoy the walk without having to smile at random people as you pass haha One of my fav go-to places to walk the pups and get a little glute work in ‍ read more

I love to hike in this open space. So many different looped trails and rolling hills; some steep and some flats. It's a hidden gem. There's a trail for every fitness level. I've even taken my seven year old here. Some people jog or ride their bikes. If you don't know the area you can easily get lost though, so study the map beforehand. There's so many entry points to get to Lime Ridge Open Space but my favorite one is the one closer to where I live which is from Cowell Rd to Court Ln. Not a lot of people know this way except of course the nearby residents and people that heard of it. It's never crowded and sometimes families come here in the late afternoon. There's different shaded areas in the trail with small benches under the trees. The trails are clean for the most part except from time to time you'll see feces from people who don't pick up after their beloved animals. I've seen dogs and horses excrements at different trails. Make sure to apply sunscreen as the sun can get scorching hot. Bring water to drink as there's no water fountain anywhere. And depending on the season there could be wild animals here too so be careful. It's beautiful and the views of the town of Concord, Walnut Creek, and Mount Diablo is breathtaking. And in the summer, wildflowers and wild trees adds to the natural beauty of the place. You'll feel peace and tranquility at this open space. Even perfect for yoga poses. You'll be driving in the city traffic and when you get here all of a sudden you're transformed into a different state of mind. A piece of nature in our backyard. Please be responsible so everyone can enjoy it for years to come. Improve the quality of your life and explore some trails. You'll never feel sorry that you did. read more

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NOTHING BEATS ALL THE BEAUTIFUL OPEN SPACE AREAS WE HAVE TO CHOOSE FROM We're very fortunate to have many choices when we want to spend the day outdoors. Concord residents have access to many different Open Space areas for hiking and biking. We have recently discovered Oak trees with great swings on a couple different local hills. The Lime Ridge Open Space can be accessed on Treat Road and has a safe, somewhat shaded parking lot. Be careful of the cars on Treat flying by as you pull in. It's a fast road. Gravel and dirt trails lead out of the parking lot. If you walk far enough you can connect back to the Contra Costa Canal trail, and take a paved walk back to your car. I prefer the Open Space here that is closer to Ygnacio (on the other side of Treat) but this side is nice too. read more

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Love this place, wish people would clean up after their dogs. Trails in good shape so far. read more

Lime Ridge Open Space - Concord - Nice little hike with Rex. Trails looking good - Hiking Near Me - Concord, California

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Paradise Valley trail is not legal for bicyclists and for good reason. They blow the hikers off the trail or scare them multiple times on a one hour hike. Maybe half say "on the left" but with many blind corners and bicyclists exceeding 20mph it doesn't matter. read more

Great spot to take a quick hike. Easy 1.24 mike walk around the inner trail. Good views and hardly busy. Enjoy! read more

Lime Ridge Open Space - Concord - Hiking Near Me - Concord, California

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Beautiful landscape surrounded by suburbia. Great for dogs. And bikes. Except, those nasty goatheads! Dog paws, and bicycle tires do nothing. The goatheads spread because the thorns hold the seeds. This area needs a distribution of weevil's, who naturally eradicate goatheads. The weather in Concord should be perfect for weevil's. Researching into this now. Community, neighbor, help? read more

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So, even after seeing the sign posted saying that there is a chance to run into Rattlesnakes, Bobcats, Mountain Lions and Coyotes, we still walked on the winding trail, for a good three miles actually. My fear of snakes did flood my mind for the first ten to twenty minutes; however, the hiking path is so visible, that there is no way you wouldn't be able to see one you are coming up on, not to mention hear it. What I personally loved about the trail we walked on, was that most of it ran parallel to Ygnacio Valley Rd.; a road a commute on daily. I did not see any snakes, cats, or animals of any kind, other than the one couple who was walking their dog. I did see a variety of lizards, butterflies, and the constant drone of the insects, whose home we were walking through. We started in Concord and ended in Walnut Creek, where sadly the trail just stopped. There were other, steeper trails to try, but those will be saved for another day. Also, save for some charred remains of a fire, and a few cigarette butts, this place is litter free. The start of the trails has a small parking lot at the corner of Ygnacio Valley rd., and Cowell. For those local hike lovers out there who have not yet ventured in this place, I would recommend it for future hikes. read more

Peaceful and quiet place to get in walk/run. Great views of downtown Concord and Mt Diablo. The hills are not the biggest but some are rather step. The park is off leash for dogs. Lots of trails with shortcuts if you want them. There isn't any water, at least I didn't come across any so make sure to bring your own. read more

Lime Ridge Open Space - Concord - Hiking Near Me - Concord, California

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There is a trail that runs through here called the "California Hiking and Riding Trail", you'll see it on the map. This is a rough, ankle-breaking trench that is only barely suitable for hiking, much less for riding a bike. "Riding" means horses, I guess. In a county with over 1.2 million people, one wonders why horses are still a top priority. It's especially bad in the Cowell area between Alberta Way to the east and San Miguel Rd. to the west, where it is lumpy, hard, rough and not well maintained. The sad part is this is a connecting trail between the excellent canal trails to the west and the rest of Concord. They really, really need to pave this trail and I wish I knew why it is so neglected. Pave it, please, guys! read more

The four stars are for the other side of Ygnacio. This side of the open space is incredibly boring and only good for getting in laps. Now on the other side, it's surprisingly big and has some very interesting sights. It does get kind of dull in the summer when all the grass is dead, but when the grass is green this is one of my favorite local places to hike. Watch out for rattlesnakes! No dogs allowed on the good part of the ridge, and I wouldn't want to bring mine. I've seen rattlers on many different occasions. Hikes range from easy to pretty difficult. read more