BRIONES CREST TRAIL (counter-clockwise)

BRIONES CREST TRAIL (counter-clockwise)

Hike Date:  Saturday, May 17, 2025

Leader:  Robert Hickey

Leader's Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader's Phone:  510.813.3406 

Hike Rating:  Level-2

Hike Mileage:  6.5 miles

Elevation Gain:  1,000 feet

Description:  This is a favorite go-to hike of mine, before I joined the club.  This beautiful open space has acres of rolling hills and expansive vistas galore. We'll begin our hike walking along the Old Briones Road trail and through the Valley trail walking past random cows scattered about (you might want to have your dog on leash around the cows, especially around Mama cow and her calves).  About an hour into the hike, we'll have a modest climb up to the Briones Crest Trail where we'll take a quick detour to enjoy a wonderful view of Walnut Creek, Concord, the Delta and Mount Diablo. We'll then continue along the Briones Crest Trail, going gently up and down, up and down with Western views, including Mount Tam and glimpses of the Bay until we descend and return to the Bear Creek Staging Area.  NOTE: There will be no stopping for lunch midway (per our usual hikes) but there will be a picnic area at the end of the hike where we will have lunch before continuing on with the rest of our respective day.  More info @ Briones Regional Park (link).

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, good hike boots, hat, sunscreen and lunch.

Rain Policy:  Canceled in the event of rain.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!  

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

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

SF Meeting Time:   8:30 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).

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

East Bay Meeting Time:   8:40 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).

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

• TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION:  We will meet at the Bear Creek Staging Area (map).

Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:00 AM (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

NOTE:  Drivers, there are three (3) different parking lots.  After entering the park, take the first left (past the Parking Booth) to the lot where we'll all be meeting (near the restrooms).

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  50 miles (SF), 24 miles (Rockridge BART).

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $9* (SF) or $4 (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.