We just went last month again and went different direction---we all LOVED it! Great parking lot…read more Water views, horses, birds, ground critters, trails thru meadows, woods, by river, by reservoir, by creek, behind peaceful subdivision w beautiful backyard gardens, tons of dragonflies when we went this time! Love seeing these pics of my kiddo growing up on the same trailhead.

The Upper San Leandro Reservoir was created in 1926 by impounding the San Leandro Creek. The dam…read moreget most of its water from the Mokelumne Aqueduct that brings water from the Sierra Nevada's. The original earthen dam was deemed seismically unsound and a new dam was build just past it in 1977. The water is distributed to local communities by the East Bay Municipal Utility District. There is an extensive public trail system that surrounds the lake, but no fishing or boating is allowed.

I've lived near Howe Homestead Park for many years but only recently discovered it when driving…read moredown Walnut. While in and of itself it's a small park, it's a convenient and less crowded jumping off point to the Kovar trail leading in to Shell Ridge Open space and endless hiking loops. There is a small lot and water fountains and restroom facilities (fountains and bathroom currently closed due to COVID precautions.) The park itself is rather small but features a few pieces of old farming equipment, some benches to sit and relax on and a nice large lawn for dogs and kids to run around on. Adjoining it is also a community garden which was fun to walk around and see what neighbors are planting. It's a cute little neighborhood park perfect for coming to relax and read a book or to find an easy parking spot for hikes in to Shell Ridge. Love that I can walk here and spend some time enjoying this small, local green space. Review #16 of 100 goal review in 2021

Love has struck me yet again... and it's right here at this adorable park. A hidden discovery that…read moreI will now bask in until my darkest days... or at least until it becomes unbearably overcrowded. Howe Homestead Park is a small recreational park tucked right behind the streets of downtown Walnut Creek. I would have never guessed that a little park like this would be hidden only a few miles from the downtown area that I so often frequent. Coming down Ygnacio Valley Rd from Concord, you can reach this park by simply turning left on Walnut Blvd and keeping straight until you reach a small parking lot on the left hand side. I first came here on a warm Saturday afternoon, and there was virtually no cars parked in the lot. Parking is free and there is a little path that will lead you to the park. The park itself is small with many preserved antiques set along its' path like an old farming wagon and beekeeper boxes. There are a few benches where people can relax and have a nice picnic. The bathroom is immaculately clean, and there's also a beautiful community garden along the path behind the park. Perhaps, what is the most compelling aspect of this park for me is the Kovar hiking trail that leads you to the back of Shell Ridge open space. Once you pass the garden, you will see a badly degrading sign that will faintly read "Kovar Trail". You can follow this trail all the way up until you reach the top of a hill with a three-way trail intersection. I veered to the right and ended up going up some mini steep inclines. There's a beautiful viewpoint where you can see all of Walnut Creek, the beautiful rolling hills, and the highway 24 and 680 freeway. I kept going up until I reached a point where I could see tons of trails! It's a peak where you can see all of the various trails centered on Shell Ridge open space. At this point you'll begin to descend downward, however it can be quite dangerous. I'm not really into rock climbing, but I actually found myself doing this while trying to make my way down. Unfortunately, I got too afraid of slipping and took my ass back up the rock and back down the hills to the park. It's a great workout but I advise that you go early or bring LOTS of water because it gets HOT! I was drenched and extra tired because of the heat. This trail is one that is less traveled, making it more enjoyable for you to really soak up the views. I'm so happy that I discovered this amazing little hidden gem, and I can't wait to go back to hike a new trail next time around!

"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.

This is a large staging area with plenty of rooms for cars. Keep in mind that on the weekends it…read moredoesn't open till 8 a.m., so if you're an early hiker you'll have to wait. However, the ranger opened the gate promptly at 8. The whole area is well-maintained. I only saw a few bits of trash. There are several trailheads right off the parking lot, making this a very convenient location. There is also a rustic restroom there. I did not see any drinking fountains. There were lots of trail maps in the parking lot.

Although I probably couldn't pronounce "Nejedly", I know it's the name of the staging area for a…read moremoderate hike with views of Carquinez Strait, Suisun Bay, west delta, and Mt. Diablo. There is no fee here to park in one of two parking areas: Shaded lower parking area and a bigger upper parking lot with room for trailers. There's also a bathroom and some picnic tables too. If you're coming here to hike something like the Franklin Ridge Loop Trail, the trailhead is on the west end of the upper parking area. You'll notice buckeye, oaks, and eucalyptus trees along with wildflowers. One thing that was pretty interesting about this place was how empty it was; that feeling was intensified by the cemetery just adjacent to the staging area. This would be an interesting hike or bike ride after the sun set.

"Secret Trailhead, Ensconced behind Vacant Horse Trailers"…read more This is a perfectly legal access point to this trail, but it's hard to find. The trailhead is located on a private road, Rohrer, and you have to park a little ways away. At least, that's what the local sign says. It's difficult to find the trailhead. There are several horse trailers parked in the cul-de-sac. I'm pretty sure the horse trailers are unoccupied, by either man or beast. Look behind them and you will soon discover the trail. I have posted some photos of the trailhead, so you can see what you're looking for. The trailhead is right next to a horse training facility. The day I visited, I kept hearing the loud snapping sound of a whip. I think they just make the sound to train the horses. I don't think they actually whip them. It's a mystery to me why the trainers make that whip sound. Is it actually made to scare away hikers? If anyone knows please tell me. Assuming you have found the trail, for the first mile it's pretty steep, but it's still a pleasant hike. If you keep on going it will take you to the Clyde Wood trail. From that trail, there are numerous access points to Rossmoor. You can also access this trail from Las Trampas Regional Park. But be prepared--it's a long hike! I enjoyed my hike on this trail, but honestly, it's probably not worth a second visit. It's a long way to get to, no matter which route you take. Keep in mind there are no facilities whatsoever. No restrooms, no water, no nothing. Just the sound of whips.

What a great trail! This leads from a lovely little neighborhood up into the Las Trampas…read morewilderness. There are frequent astounding views. The only negative is that the landowner on the southern trailhead is anti-hiker. They have coned off the parking lot (that's on public land) and parked their trailer in such a way as to try to hide the trailhead. If you can avoid their negativity, it's one of the best trails in the area.

I love me some Lime Ridge. Why it's taken me so long to review this beautiful open space is beyond…read moreme. But I'll tell ya that I hold this place near and dear to my heart. This is one of my local faves. The hiking trails seem to the endless. In late winter and early spring, the hills are so amazingly green that it looks fake. I've hiked here during all seasons, day and night. It's always beautiful here, even in the dead of hawt ass summer. I just LOVE dem hills! The hillsides cannot be touched at Lime Ridge. My favorite trail to hike here is the California Riding and Hiking Trail. I usually start at the intersection of the Ygnacio Canal and Contra Costa Canal Trail near Citrus Ave. This trail starts off with a long and steep hill. Many runners train on this hill to increase their endurance. I love it because it challenges me. I'll usually start here and loop around through a couple of other trails. What's nice is that you can go on for miles or just get a short quick hike in. There's so much versatility. The best time to come is during the spring. The spring greens and bright wild flowers and so abundant during this time. Plus, it won't be scorching hot like it is during the summer time. If I do decide to hike here in the summer, it's usually early in the morning or right before sunset. There's absolutely no shade on these trails, so take precautions and bring lots of water. Also, the summertime can bring bugs and those bloodsucking mosquitoes. Bug spray in the summer as well as sunscreen will keep your skin happy. Lately, the trails have been much busier because of quarantine. However, people respectfully keep their distance on the trails and many also wears masks as well. I tend to stick to the same trails which don't seem to be as busy as the ones that are located deeper into Walnut Creek. Either way, it's still worth a visit because the trails are so versatile.

Hiked Sat 3/13/21 at Lime Ridge Open Space, 47 min drive from my house in Fremont. Free parking in…read moremedium size parking lot & on the street. Across the street is Boundary Oak Golf Course where we used their bathrooms (by Taphouse) cuz none at Lime Ridge. We turned Right at Ohlone Trail gate, passing houses in Walnut Creek. Saw a nice pond with lots of water, climbed up, was on private property land, had to go under the fence to get on park land. Did Manzanita Trail, Lime Ridge Trail, went by a bench and near it is summit marker elev 1,986, Blue Oak Trail, Ohlone Trail, went under tunnel, Lone Oak Trail, Savannah Trail, saw Bayberry Pond (was Dry), went through a lower tunnel, Blue Oak Trail. Ohlone Trail & Ygnacio Canal Link if u climb up a few time and keep going you'll find a labyrinth! We saw it didn't go down to walk it, that would have been nice! Blue Oak Trail to Ohlone Trail back to car. Long day we started 9:10am finished 3:30pm.

We came here a couple weeks ago after a story time at the library, as luck would have it, 4H was…read moreonsite. The young man was so kind to my toddler, he not only explained to her what he was doing, he let her feed some of the animals. My little was over the moon and keeps telling me how she wants to go feed animals again.

A local favorite! Old Borges Ranch is a peaceful step back in time hidden right in the Northgate…read morearea. It's well-known for being a great educational spot for kids to interact with farm animals like rabbits and goats, but don't stop at the ranch fences. The spring hiking here is incredible. The hills turn a vibrant green, and the atmosphere is so serene that it's just you, the birds, and the occasional cow. The trek through the different ecosystems is beautiful, and the panoramic views at the top are worth every step. A perfect escape for anyone looking to trade the city sounds for rolling hills and fresh air.

A lake in Tilden Park…read more A beautiful lake, but as the sign reads, don't let your pet swim or drink the water. They might get sick. Walking around the lake has beautiful views.

First time visiting this lake and it was so pretty! They have a grass lawn to play or hang out on…read more We decided to walk the trail around the whole lake. It's technically a walk but does included some light climbs up and down rocky areas. Loved exploring here and will be back to explore more!