IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL: Alamo to Danville

IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL:  Alamo to Danville (and back)

Hike Date:  Saturday, April, 29 2023

Leader:  Robert Hickey (and Edison)  

Leader Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader Phone:  (510) 813-3406

Hike Rating:  Level 4 (if you do the full out-and-back).

Hike Mileage:  11.1 miles (...optional shorter hike, see below).

Elevation Gain:  243'

Description:  The Iron Horse Regional Trail is a multi-use, whole-access trail the follows the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way established in 1891 and abandoned in 1978.  As completed in 2014, it spans a distance of 32 miles.  We'll only hike 5.4 miles of it...out-and-back for a total of 11.1 miles.  This South, Northern section of the Iron Horse meanders its way through the leafy, well-healed backyards of Alamo and Danville...skirting both the business districts of those two towns.  We'll stop in Danville next to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (an old train station) and have a nice leisurely lunch.  Nearby is a small farmers' market and shops where you can buy something to eat (if you didn't bring your lunch with you).  Lunch will probably last a little longer than usual (30 minutes?) so that those who need to buy lunch and/or explore can do so.  Then we'll turn around and head back to our starting point.  Hopefully you'll enjoy the hike and remember (fondly) the Alamo...as well as Danville.  FYI, there are bathrooms where we have lunch and midpoint on our way to Danville and back to the trailhead.

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, good walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and lunch.  Segways optional (just kidding).

Did you know we have sfhiking.com t-shirts available?  Click on the [Store] menu above.

Rain Policy:  Hike will take place rain or shine.

Dogs:  Woof!  Dogs are allowed (mostly on a leash...this is a suburban environment).

Cats:  Never!

Are you up for the hike?  If so, here are the (4) meeting options...

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  (There's parking on the street or below the building).

SF Meeting Time:  9:30 AM (departing shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station.  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  (There's free and ample parking).

East Bay Meeting Time:  9:40 AM (departing shortly thereafter).

NOTE:  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you've arranged for a ride ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).

• Want a shorter hike?  Optional East Bay Meeting Location:  Meet us on the trail near the Alamo Safeway and knock 5 miles off the hike for a total of only 6.1 miles.  The rest of us should arrive around 11:00a to where you'll be waiting.  Then walk with us to Danville where we'll stop for lunch.  On the way back you can ditch us at the Safeway (and end your hike 40 minutes earlier while the rest of us hike back to the trailhead).  Please note, you'll have to arrange your own carpool if you want to meet us at this Alamo Trailhead.  But I hope this opens up options for those who are more comfortable doing a Level 2 hike.  Also, let me know you'll meet us there so we don't miss you.

• TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION:  We'll meet at the very small Iron Horse Parking Lot (...carpooling is encouraged).  There is an alternate parking lot (Rudgear Park & Ride) that is a 5-minute walk away...on the East side of the 680 freeway.  

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:05 AM (hike begins at 10:20 AM).

Map to TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION.

Map to Alternate Parking Location.

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  52 miles (SF), 26 miles (Rockridge BART).

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $8* (SF), $3 (Rockridge BART).

*Includes bridge toll.

NOTE:  I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers.  If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.