GARIN & DRY CREEK REGIONAL PARKS

GARIN & DRY CREK REGIONAL PARKS

Hike Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024

Leader: Sam Kaufman

Leader Email: geogrman@yahoo.com

Leader Phone: 510-599-4056

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

SF Meeting Time: 8:30 AM (departure shortly thereafter)

NOTE: Please only show up at Whole Foods if you have arranged for a ride ahead of time.

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

East Bay Meeting Time: 8:45 AM (departure shortly thereafter)

NOTE: Please only show up at Rockridge BART if you have arranged for a ride ahead of time.

Rating: Level 3

Mileage: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 1050'

Description: Garin and Dry Creek Parks are hidden gems tucked in the hills behind Hayward but feel miles and decades away. The cattle ranches and orchards here have changed little since their 1800’s homestead days. We'll start (and end) near the red barn and make our way gradually downhill by Dry Creek which will I hope not live up to its name. We'll join Meyers Ranch Trail, continuing along the creek to the High Ridge Loop Trail.  We will then ascend to the high point of the hike, providing panoramic views of the central bay (there will be no shade on this section). Eventually we will descend back to Dry Creek via the Newt Pond and return to the barn. Lunch will be at conveniently located picnic tables near the barn and cars at the end of the hike. Those with afternoon plans are free to immediately depart.

Bring / Wear: Please bring plenty of water, lunch, layers and sturdy hiking shoes.

Rain Policy: Cancelled in the event of rain. Contact hikeleader if weather is questionable.

Dogs: "Woof". Yes dogs are welcome.

Trailhead Meeting Place: Garin Regional Park Visitor's Center. From SF, take Hwy 101S to Exit 414B onto Hwy 92E (San Mateo Bridge toward Hayward). From far right lane, take Exit 26A onto I-880S toward San Jose.  After 2 mi, take Exit 25 and turn left (east) onto Industrial Pkwy. After 1.9 mi turn right onto Mission Blvd, then 0.2 mi and left onto Garin Avenue. Proceed 1.0 mi to Visitor Center on the right after traffic circle. We will meet by the map kiosk near the visitor's center barn. Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time: 9:15 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 9:30 AM

Round Trip driving mileage: 64 miles (From Whole Foods) and 50 miles (from Rockridge BART).

Passenger Carpool Fees: $11 (SF); $8 (Rockridge BART)