Briones Regional Park. Good condition. Then follow above info to reach the staging area. Briones regional Park is one of my favorite regional parks in the Bay area. Continue left on Russell Peak Tr. Lots of cows. Briones Regional Park is easily accessible by car via Highway 24. Doesn't fling off the tire, builds and builds until your tires lock due to mud jammed in between the frame and tire. This review would be a lot better but I went on a rainy day. After a little ways you will start climbing into the hills and will reach the Briones Crest Trail. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. All other park entrances are open. Meet James at the Bear Creek staging area off . Pro tip: unless you like sticky mud, best to avoid after rain. Briones Overlook Staging Area - Reliable Receptionist Finished at 4.4 miles. Abrigo Falls, Briones Regional Park - The NorCal Hiker The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Stay on Briones Crest Trail and climb till it passes Briones Peak. 13: 8am-6pm, Mar. Lots of cows and calves on the second portion of the loop - make sure your dog is leashed in this area, the mama cows will get protective. Bay Area Ridge Trail; Bear Creek Trail; Black Oak Trail; Black Phoebe Trail; Blue Oak Shortcut; . Very exposed and sunny with few shaded stops. Horses are also able to use this trail. reviewed Briones Crest, Old Briones, Table Top, Crescent Ridge and . We will meet at the lower parking lot of the Bear Creek Staging Area up to the right after the entrance kiosk. At the Bear Creek Staging Area, the park also has two larger, reservable community picnic areas: Oak Grove, which can host 50 people, and Newt Hollow, which holds 150. Beautiful green, beautiful sunset, beautiful moonrise, only saw 1 person. The search at Briones for the missing hiker - Mountain Bike Reviews Forum Tags: bay trees, bear, Briones, creek, kids, newt, picnic. You will pass an archery range, which is a lot of fun with kids if you have access to some bows and arrows. Turn left at the top on Russell Peak Tr. From Briones Peak, the highest point in the park, there are panoramic views of Mount Diablo and the Diablo Valley to the east, the Sacramento River and Delta to the north, the East Bay hills and Mt. Next turn is a right at the Seabourg Trail, which you can follow all the way back to Old Briones Road, turn left and return to the parking lot. Required fields are marked *. A couple steep hills , but pleasant on the return. If you're up for a bit more distance, a much nicer option is to turn left at Homestead Valley and hit the Bear Creek Trail, which meanders through a deeply wooded area, crosses Bear Creek and ends up in the park's picnic area (the parking lot will be on your right). 14-Apr. Today, Briones Park is an important watershed and . From the picnic area, the Bear Creek trail descends down to the creek. Success! Saw cows, millipedes, and a snake. PDF Briones Regional Park MODERATE HIKE Photo: D. Little North MUIR View our Picnic page for information on reservations. View Map. To reach the Bear Creek Staging . Provisional: Either: 1) member of exotic population that is breeding in the wild, self-propagating, and has persisted for multiple years, but not yet Naturalized; 2) rarity of uncertain provenance, with natural vagrancy or captive provenance both considered plausible. Free topomap Briones Regional Park, Fernandez Ranch and Surroundings. This is a one of several staging areas in the park and a great starting point for several trails whipping through the. West Briones Regional Park . A fun out-and-back using the Bear Creek Trail which skirts the southern and eastern shores of the Briones Reservoir and ends near the staging area of Briones Overlook. So lush and green after the recent rains. Think single track is off limits, ive been here a few times with freinds leading, and pretty much did the same singletrack (hiker trail) and it was sweet. Head out of Bear Creek Staging Area, up and around the park on Briones Crest Trail (all the while enjoying . The park is prettiest in mid-April -- when the grassy hills turn a shimmering green, with the wildflowers providing dollops of orange, yellow and purple -- but it's also worth a visit in autumn, when the hills are still golden but the summer heat is fading. Briones Overlook via Bear Creek Trail is a highly trafficked 11.4 kilometer back and forth trail located near Orinda, California, which features a lake and is graded as moderate. Briones is a hidden wilderness surrounded by the towns of central Contra Costa County, with its rolling, grassy hills and secluded, shady canyons. Watch for slick mud after rains. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Labyrinth. Note that only the Bear Creek Staging Area and the Alhambra Creek Staging Area entrances offer equestrian parking. Park Hours. If you do it the other way it'll take you down to Bear Creek Staging area. Briones Regional Park is a 6,117-acre (24.75 km2) regional park situated in the Briones Hills of central Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, in the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) system. Great hike with just the right amount of elevation. Excellent hike, great views. Im a lil biased as Briones is my backyard! Follow Old Briones Road past Valley back to Alhambra, Can be very steep at times, rarely not steep LOL. Amazing views of the reservoir from high above as well as serene views of the surrounding hills, among other wildflowers, dominated by California poppies, purpleheads, lupines and redstem stork's bill. Lafayette Ridge Staging Area is closed due to significant landslides. Good trail muddy after the rain in parts. Experience the beauty of Briones Regional Park at dusk during a short hike from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, led by naturalist James Wilson. I went clockwise, last mile is muddy and theres a big fallen tree but you can get around it. Bear Creek Staging Area | Spaulding Concrete I wouldnt say they are easily passable, so youre going to get muddy in the process. All other park entrances are open. Northeast of Briones Regional Park off of Bear Creek Road, the Hampton Trail access to the EBMUD is often less crowded than the pawpular Bear Creek Staging Area. Shade. A lot of cows. The pilot project is limited to the Pilot Project Zone located in the northeast corner of Briones Regional Park, which is accessible from the Reliez Valley Staging Area, Alhambra Creek Staging Area, and Briones Road Staging Area. But beautiful nonetheless. Alhambra Staging Area: 2537 Reliez Valley Road. The first 1 mile of this trail is very pleasant, meandering through the woods. 9 topics about : hammer strength row alternative ? Bears used to inhabit this area, especially the foothills of Mt. Briones Regional Park provides a range of first-come, first-served picnic sites with tables and barbecues in the Bear Creek Staging Area and the Alhambra Creek Staging Area. Trail Highlights: You may see black-tailed deer, coyotes, squirrels, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and if you are lucky, other more reclusive creatures. Leader: Steve SmithEmail: [emailprotected] From the parking area of the Overlook Staging Area, hop for a brief spell on the Bear Creek Trail before reaching Oursan Trail. Lots of slipping and sliding today. The hike below represents a small sampling of the trails available from Briones' five trailheads. From State Route 24, take the Upper Happy Valley Road exit and follow Upper Happy Valley Road north. Due to the adobe soil right after a rain it becomes very muddy and almost impossible to ride up, or even walk in some spots. Very green, poppies just starting, newts came out at dusk, dozens of them. Parking Fee: $3 when kiosk . Within the park, these leash-required areas are indicated by signage. And the frogs are already loud and it's early February. This park has several entry points from the surrounding towns. Old Briones Road Trail to Toyon Canyon Trail, Contra Costa County, CA, USA . Bear Creek: To reach the Bear Creek Staging Area on Bear Creek Road, exit Highway 24 at the Orinda/Camino Pablo exit and head toward Richmond. The Briones Archers archery range is accessible off the Crescent Ridge Trail from Briones' west-side Bear Creek Road entrance. I do hikes. When rain hitsit goes from cake mix to all out clay sludge and will become impassable in Winter. 2537 Reliez Valley Rd, Martinez, CA 94553, United States. For map users, the intersection of Bear Creek Rd and Happy Valley Rd is close to the staging area. Blue Oak descent..has plenty of single with some airborne options, West end descent of Crest Trail down to the Bear Creek staging area. Barricades and cones have been posted on both ends of the fire trail to warn park users. My dog Kirr Mahal and I enjoyed this trail! The Briones Crest Trail is the spine of the park and offers great views of Mt. Singletracks Merch | There are gorgeous wildflower displays in season. There are gorgeous wildflower displays in season. Views of the west, north and east Bay Area. Guide to Visiting Briones Regional Park | Stay Pleasant Hill beautiful chill day. And cows with calves. link Copy Link. Great sunny day. Such a gorgeous hike at this time of year! Hikers gravitating to Tilden Park to the west and Mount Diablo to the east often overlook Briones, so you'll have plenty of time alone on the the trails. but otherwise dry and very nice. The Briones Pilot Project is a two-year pilot program to test strategies in addressing trail congestion, trail safety, and illegal bootleg trails, which have negative impacts on wildlife, including sensitive and endangered species. . BRIONES REGIONAL PARK. Beautiful panoramic views and everything is lovely and green right now. This is a great spot to hang out and have a snack or lunch, especially with kids or maybe a picnic dinner in the summer. you can also climb from the other side of the park up Old Briones Road. Best East Bay Picnic Spots - CBS San Francisco Not that crowded probably due to the fact that it was super bowl sunday. Went clockwise, and the last mile had several large areas with mud. Briones Regional Park is a huge, uncrowded park with 6,256 acres of parkland for recreation. Hike Details for Briones Regional Park - Bear Creek Staging Area - EBCHG Join us for a 9:30 am hike at Briones Regional Park. Muddy, poppies are starting, incredibly green water everywhere! You can make a left at the trail it crosses and loop back around for a second go. Grass lands between forested areas. Then continue to the Bear Creek staging area. About Us | IMBA Epics | I know its single track but havent been on it recently to see how much poison oak there is. The path provides a range of events, and is open throughout the year. Briones Regional Park, Fernandez Ranch and Surroundings Bing Maps - Directions, trip planning, traffic cameras & more Briones Regional Park | Top Hiking Trails in Pleasant Hills, California Mostly fire trail. Geography. Poison oak is common along narrow trails. So pretty in spring. Then continue to the Bear Creek staging area. Hello Fellow Hikers! DOGS welcome. If youre allergic to poison oak avoid this section, its almost impossible to avoid. Flowers are out in force. Set. Not as many wildflowers as Id hoped in bloom yet. While this is used very well, it's a wide area and people prefer to spread out naturally so it never feels too busy. Briones Regional Park is a 6,117-acre (24.75 km2) regional park situated in the Briones Hills of central Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, in the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) system. The pilot project will establish specific Briones Pilot Project rules, including limitingspecific trail uses (biking and horseback riding) to certain days of the week, and temporarily opening some narrow trails to bikes only, among others. Another idea when poison oak is a concern is to wear long pants and long sleeves and then wash them when you get home. Trail was good, dry not muddy. Length: 2 miles or 5 miles (longer version) About a half mile later you will reach the Crescent Ridge Trail. The staging area is on the right slightly past the Happy Valley Rd intersection. Beautiful trail with lots of ups and downs. Fire roads that feel like you're riding straight up the devil's driveway into pure hell. One of many hikes available from the Bear Creek Staging Area ($3 parking fee when gate is attended). Alhambra Creek single track is bootlegged and not maintained by the park..is a blast, but be . (925) 627-4200. The path provides a range of events, and is open throughout the year. Very few people were on the trails, so I had majority of it all to myself, which was a pleasure so I could hear the birds singing, the rustling of the breeze in the trees, and the crunching of the gravel under my feet. While Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Martinez are close to the park, there are peaks within it from which you can . Barely any covering but you dont need it this time of year! We gave it space and it moved off on its own. So watch out! . Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Yearling cattle are in Deer Creek, Pereirra , Valley, and Briones Crest trail areas. Summer is dry HOT and dusty. A bit challenging for my foot in surgery recovery but oh well A good portion of it was in the exposed sun so you dont want to do it on a hot day. Maps at trail head. Briones Regional Park: A Wildlife Hub | Alameda, CA Patch Briones Regional Park - Reliable Receptionist Briones Regional Park--Bear Creek Staging Area. The singletrack section is steep and rocky - oh and fun. But overall a very beautiful area. January 1-31: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. February 1-March 13: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (LogOut/ Briones Regional Park | Mga Parke sa East Bay Crusty and moist in some steep spots. Still beautiful up there. It was absolutely beautiful if youre into the rolling hills view. Cattle graze at this park; give them plenty of distance, don't alarm them, and don't get between cows and their calves. 16 of the East Bay's Most Incredible Hikes - Thrillist Good trails as no recent rains. What to bring: Lots of flies near the cows. From Oakland/Orinda: Follow CA-24 E to Oak Hill Rd in Lafayette. Briones Regional Park. Location: Lafayette and Martinez Acres: 6,255 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours February through October Getting here: Take the Orinda/Camino Pablo exit toward Richmond on Highway 24. Lovely views. and ascend another hill to the top where all hikers will turn left on an unsigned single track up a small hill to a picnic table to take their rest break and enjoy the views. Several trees down on the last down, major carveout ravines on the ridge before the loop. Other illegal bootleg trails will be closed and restored to protect natural habitats for wildlife. Walk up Old Briones Road from the Bear Creek staging area on Bear Valley Road about 5 miles east of Camino Pablo Road in Orinda. The western end of Briones Regional Park is adjacent to the Briones Reservoir, which is run by EBMUD across Bear Creek Road. Updated April 30, 2023. Elevation Gain: 371 feet It was a wet sloggy mess. 10: 8am-7pm, Apr. The intersection of Briones Crest Trail/ Mott Peak Trail and Briones Crest Trail/ Lagoon Trail is currently damaged but passable with care. (credit: ebparks.org) Briones Regional Park. Briones Regional Park Loop Hiking Trail, Pleasant Hill, California Stunning Spots for Northern California Wildflowers Hike continues right on Briones Crest Trail. You'll be about 4 miles away at the Bear Creek Staging Area (which has bathrooms). The reservoir is the largest of EBMUD's five East Bay terminal reservoirs, with a total capacity of 60,510 acreft (74,640,000 m 3), and it has a total watershed of 8.59 square miles (22 km). Phone . Its all green. Rolling hike that lets the mind unspool as you wind along the troughs and peaks. Public information for Sensitive Species is restricted due to potential harmful impact to these birds. Directions: From Lafayette take Happy Valley Road up over the hill to Bear Creek Road. Great time of year to saunter these grounds !!