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    Old Borges Ranch

    4.3 (29 reviews)

    Old Borges Ranch Photos

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    Asal B.

    I grew up down the street from this gem and loved coming here as a kid. Now I bring my little to explore, see the chickens and goats and get some exercise. I do love coming here, but wish they had more animals out.

    Nice view
    Lisa C.

    This hike offers a moderate challenge, making it ideal for those like myself who don't hit the trails often. Starting from the ranch area--where you can spot adorable Pygmy goats--the route gradually ascends, offers sweeping views, including a glimpse of the city. While there are some inclines along the way, they're generally manageable.

    Goats at the ranch (pastures are currently closed until COVID restrictions are lifted)
    Jennifer N.

    Of all the years I lived in Walnut Creek, it's only during the last year of pandemic shut downs and outdoor activities being key to my sanity, that I've discovered Borges Ranch. Located up a narrow windy road, I've found the parking to be more plentiful and the trails quieter when embarking from here in to the open space. You can easily connect to Shell Ridge and Diablo Foothills from here and loop the two parks together. It was during spring and summer 2020 that I came here more often and have been able to get away from the more crowded staging areas of Shell Ridge. The ranch itself, when there are not restrictions, has pastures you can visit and see the animals up closer. Right now they are closed but you can still say hi to the goats theory the fence. It also has some cool old farm equipment and during non pandemic times, I believe hosted special Ranch Day events with demonstrations of historical "life on the farm." There is also the Hanna Grove picnic area where this is a restroom and additional parking. Be careful on the way in and out-there are some ditches and area of the road that can be dicey-be aware of cars coming your way and take it slow (this is also important because of the deer and turkeys I often see out here.) Wildflowers are abundant on the trail in spring but summers get hot and dry, with very little shade-plan accordingly with plenty of water or come early evening. Gates close half hour after sunset to plan to be back at your car on time to head out. Truly grateful for this local gem for hiking and taking in nature without the crowds. Review #27 of 100 review goal in 2021

    The view from above
    Shayla B.

    This trek is not for the faint of heart. I'm not saying this because there are steep inclines or dangerous heights or anything. The hike through the hills are actually fairly moderate. But, what I am saying it for is because of... field mice. Tons of them all over the trails. So many that it will make your skin crawl. If you're generally not afraid of rodents, then it probably won't bother you. But if you're like me, I would avoid certain trails so that you can fully enjoy your hike. As far as the actual farm goes, I only parked nearby and saw a few of the animals. This review is more geared towards hiking the trails versus the farm area. It was a warm summer evening in July, and I decided to do a sunset hike in the hills. The fun part about hiking in the summertime is that you don't have to rush to beat the sun at night. The bad part?! Well, the obvious scorching heat and limited greenery. If you're hiking here in the dead of summer, don't expect to see many plants or flowers. Just dry brush and several dirt paths. I started my hike from the ranch parking lot at the Borges Ranch Trail going East. The fun thing about Old Borges is that it connects to nearby Castle Rock, Shell Ridge, and the Diablo Foothills. There are a ton of trails to explore here and you can hike for as long or as little as you want to. I took the Borges Ranch Trail to the Costanoan Trail which l slowly took me up a gradual incline. It also exposed me to a ton of field mice. Not sure if they were so prominent because it was a dry summer, but even when I didn't physically see them, I could hear them scurrying in the brush with my headphones on the loudest setting. Yes, it was scary... especially when they were running out in front of me on the trails constantly. I'm just simply not a fan of rodents and I was completely disturbed at how many there were. Didn't see many people out, but I'm sure a dog would have a field day here. I ended up connecting to the Ridge Trail which while dry, was still incredibly beautiful. Something about hiking along narrow ridges in the hills always seems to just tug at my heart strings. At my highest point, I was able to catch a stunning glimpse of Mount Diablo and the gorgeous Walnut Creek back country. Even in the dry East Bay heat, you can also find spurts of greenery on the hills. I spotted a few benches along the way, but I personally wouldn't dare sit my ass upon them unless I was ready to get attacked by field mice! Yeah, I'm probably exaggerating but that was exactly how I felt at the time. The most enjoyable part of this hike was turning around on my way back up the hill to the most lovely views of the sun setting. This is without a doubt, an excellent spot for sunset hiking and especially during the summertime. Would I hike Old Borges regularly? To be honest, I probably wouldn't but only because of the rampant amount of field mice and the limited inclines here. I am planning to come back sometime this spring to see if hiking around this time is better.

    A great place for kids
    Terry T.

    A trip along the narrow road to the Borges ranch is a trip back to the time when this part of Contra Costa consisted of isolated ranches and farms. The Borges family first settled on this land in 1899. They built the redwood house, which us still is standing, in 1901. There are also barns, sheds, farm equipment, corrals, and farm animals, Cows graze on the hillside. There is also a seasonal pond. Driving the narrow road that winds up the hill to the Borges Ranch you will leave the hustle and bustle of urban life and enter farm life in the early 1900s. The ranch is a prime example of the rural cattle ranches that flourished in California in the late 1890s and the early 20th century. If you visit this well maintained park you will get a glimpse of that period. It is a great place for both adults and children. If the history doesn't appeal to you it is also the base for hikes along Shell Ridge Open Space.

    Borges Ranch, Walnut Creek,, CA
    Samantha K.

    We went to Old Borges Ranch. its a historic ranch, with barn, ranch home, and animals. Its great for the entire family. There is also many trails to hike in this area.

    O M G.

    I went down a road that seemed suitable as one lane so I don't know how it would work if someone came from the other direction. Luckily, I didn't have to find out. I went down this road and there were signs of Old Borges Ranch and I followed it until that's where I ended up. There were a row of parking spots.. You can walk around and check it out. You're welcomed to go in the pens with the animals at you own risk.. meaning if something happens, it's your fault. I've seen many goat screaming like a human videos on YouTube and I was so amused to walk around and hear this very sound of goats that sound like humans screaming coming from the pens. ..but all I saw were goats and chickens.

    Philip S.

    Even though you can drive to Borges Ranch, it makes a great destination for a hike in the Shell Ridge Open Space. If you have kids or are kids at heart, the best attraction is being able to pet the sheep and goats. You can even brush the sheep!

    Beautiful green space! The trails are well maintained and the park is very clean. Plenty of trails to choose.

    Melanie B.

    Old Borges Ranch is great place to get a good work out. I've been here only twice in my life, but the incline on the hills do help your calves and thigh muscles! It connects to castle rock park as well, so you'll have plenty of land to cover! Check it out.

    The goats were out
    Trish R.

    Great place to take the dog for a walk/hike. It's off leash once you hit the trails. I really enjoy the options of trails to take. There are ones for the physically fit and others for the not so much. The trails are shared w/bikers and horse riders. I didn't see any cattle grazing but some of the woman I went with say there are at times. My only problem is there aren't enough signs posted to tell you which trail to stay on. I could have easy gotten lost if the woman I went with didn't know there way back. No water fountains or bathrooms along the way so bring the water and go b/4 you head for the trails. Also...be aware of horse and cow poop along the trails.

    Gorgeous open trails.

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    Review Highlights - Old Borges Ranch

    its a historic ranch, with barn, ranch home, and animals.

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    Iron Horse Trail

    Iron Horse Trail

    4.0(47 reviews)
    3.4 mi

    First let me say that this trail is far from uniform from one part to another. The northern portion…read morenear Concord COULD be scenic if all the encampments and trash was cleared out. This portion, miles 0-4, was recently repaved However there are no restrooms along this section. Miles 4-8 can be very congested with people walking dogs and pushing strollers. Even sections with "pedestrian only access" are largely unused and the multi purpose trail has most of the traffic. Miles 8-14 are not very scenic. Mostly backyards. Lots of cross streets making cycling less enjoyable. Miles 14-20 are more backyards and several more cross streets. There are a few narrow bridges over small creeks. Miles 20-24 are fairly industrial. The trail is much cleaner and better patrolled from Walnut Creek south. North is a totally different story. One park employee told me he thought I was brave to ride on that section of the trail. Not a place for families for sure.

    I absolutely adore the Iron Horse Trail. Been walking and running this trail for many years now,…read moreand it's still just as beautiful as the first time that I stepped upon it. The entire trail measures roughly 32 miles one way and stretches from Concord all the way to Pleasanton. I've only been on the Concord/Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek side, but my dream has always been to traverse the entire trail in increments over time. The trail is a flat paved path that will take you through a plethora of parks, connecting trails, under freeway overpasses, and through a few tunnels. There is always greenery on the trail, no matter what season it is. It's not particularly challenging and there aren't any inclines, but it's perfect for a casual stroll or a long distance run. At any given time, you'll witness people walking their dogs and pushing strollers. Many people train for marathons and long distance running here. It's a wonderful family friendly and community driven trail that feels very safe. What I enjoy most about traversing this trail are the stunning views that I'm graced with every single time that I'm here. This trail has truly exposed me to the beauty of Contra Cost County. So many gorgeous wild flowers and lush vegetation. An ample amount of rampant wildlife. The most beautiful and peaceful community parks. Entrancing Views of the nearby communities. You will get to experience all of this along the Iron Horse Trail. People are so friendly on this trail. You tell get a sense of community here. There are also many bikers that use this trail too. There are several rest benches and doggie pooh pickup stations. You always see a trash can nearby to encourage cleanliness. There are mile markers on the main trail, and a second path that also runs parallel to the main path for most of the duration. It's a great place to clear your mind and to breathe in the fresh local air. Walking down this trail has gotten me through some tough times in the past, and it's filled with so many memories. So grateful to have this local gem practically in my backyard.

    Photos
    Iron Horse Trail - Crossing over the bridge in Walnut Creek

    Crossing over the bridge in Walnut Creek

    Iron Horse Trail
    Iron Horse Trail - Bridge

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    Bridge

    Diablo Foothills Regional Park - Trail

    Diablo Foothills Regional Park

    4.5(45 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    Perhaps unfairly, but as an outsider, I tend to view this part of Contra Costa County as, how do I…read moreput it diplomatically...snooty. There are tract homes that are really mansions in gated communities here. You get a pretty good indication when you take the Livorna Road exit off 680 and head toward the hills. There's a convenient parking lot at the staging area, and the walk begins along a tree-laden path that leads into the Shell Ridge Trail. This is where the open rolling hills provide some challenges to the calves. You eventually make it to the most picturesque portion of the hike on the Mokelumne Coast-to-Crest Trail. This is where the residential areas disappear and you're at one with nature...except for the occasional mountain biker. Small mouth was warranted during such disturbances, but they didn't prevent me from a scenic view of Mt. Diablo (photo: https://bit.ly/3hZ96M1). Now I could've gone deeper into Mt. Diablo State Park, but hey, I'm not a rugged mountaineer. Instead I made a turn and precariously made my way downward to the Alamo Trail. I didn't realize I exited the park until I saw distracted people on the path yelling into their mobile phones as they let their dogs do their business. Hey, where's your scooper, sister? I think with more thoughtful planning, you can probably avoid the ritzy people with their ritzy homes. Maybe not. RELATED - Exploring this part of Contra Costa County? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2x1rlsD

    This review is for the trail starting at the livorna road staging area…read more I really liked this trail. It's a lot of up and down. The map on all trails leaves out a few mountain top options, so I went off trail a few times and followed an alternative route. This is definitely a trail that you will need your map in order to stay on. I hiked on a cloudy September day, temperature around 75 to 80°. On a hot day with direct sunlight this would be potentially unbearable.

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    Diablo Foothills Regional Park
    Diablo Foothills Regional Park
    Diablo Foothills Regional Park

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    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    East Bay Regional Park District

    4.7(594 reviews)
    9.8 mi

    Peak My Interest…read more ***PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE YELP PAGE FOR REINHARDT REDWOODS REGIONAL PARK*** I was attempting to change the name to the proper moniker that included "Reinhardt," but Yelp mods, being the highly regarded sort, somehow decided in their infinite wisdom that they should change it to "East Bay Regional Park District"?! What the what?? 0_o So, that's on me, kids. My bad. Onto the review... A giant ±1,833-acre redwood forest nestled in the Oakland Hills, this park was a former logging site back in the 1800s. Fortunately, there has been a nice resurgence of redwoods to replace those that were cut down. It ain't old-growth, but we'll take what we can these days. The Good: * Free at certain times of year and at certain entrances (more below) * Mountain biking on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Horseback riding on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Camping available (check website for info and reservations) * Reservable and non-reservable picnic tables (check map & website) * Restrooms available in parking lots, as well as at some campsites * Nearly forty miles of trails with something for everyone * If you're looking for a moderate ±4.5-mile loop, go to the Skyline entrance and take the Serpentine Prairie Trail to Dunn Trail to Golden Spike Trail, then back to Dunn Trail The Meh: * $5/vehicle entrance fee on weekends and major holidays between April and October, only at the Redwood Gate entrance * Most of the trails are pretty decent, but some are in rough shape due to water damage The Ugly: * One of the few parks I've seen with "off-leash" sections for dogs--which is fine, except you know there's a good majority of dog owners who think they can control their dogs but really can't. We saw a panicked guy chasing his dog down a trail at one point, and who knows when--if ever--he caught up to it. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Conclusion: Great park with tons of trails and lots to see and do.

    This park is fantastic. The first time we visited was back in 2018 and honestly we can't remember…read morewhere we parked or which trails we hiked. But I know we enjoyed ourselves. Fast forward to yesterday. We had a restaurant in Albany that we wanted to check out so of course we had to hike first to get our appetites whet. I found a loop I wanted us to try on AllTrails. It's called the Dunn Trail--Monteiro Trail Loop. We parked at the Richard C. Trudeau Conference Center on Skyline Blvd. It was the perfect spot to start. Free parking. Public restrooms (even flush toilets!). If you have a dog, most of this trail is off-leash which I have never seen before. Every dog we saw were well behaved and having a great time. We don't have dogs of our own but I am a big dog person. This particular loop was exactly what I was looking for. It had several different biomes. Despite what AllTrails said, it is not all shaded but it was a beautiful, sunny, windy day. We saw lots of wildflowers blooming. We found there to be a difference between AllTrails and our measurements. AllTrails said it was roughly 500+ ft elevation gain but ours said 1000. That's a huge difference! But I would believe ours over theirs. There were a lot of inclines. Also, their's said it was 3.5 miles but ours said a mile longer. The trails were all very well maintained. We saw gorgeous views, small waterfalls/creeks, redwoods, butterflies--just lovely. It was less busy than I anticipated but we arrived before 9 a.m. We finished by 11. This is a big park and lots to explore. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

    East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

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    Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

    Old Borges Ranch - hiking - Updated May 2026

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