IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL (Alamo to Danville)

IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL (Alamo to Danville)

Hike Date:  Saturday, July 12, 2025

Leader:  Robert H!ckey

Leader Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader Phone:  510.813.3406

Hike Rating:  Level-4

Hike Mileage:  10.2 miles (below, near the end, there is a shorter option).

Elevation Gain:  0'

Description:  I did this hike over 2 years ago (4/29/23).  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 5.1 miles of it out-and-back, for a total of 10.2 miles.  This South, Northern section of the Iron Horse meanders its way through the leafy, well-healed backyards of Alamo and Danville.  We'll stop for a nice leisurely lunch in Danville, next to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (an old train station).  Nearby is a small farmers' market and shops where you can also get something to eat.  After lunch, we'll turn around and head back to our starting point.  FYI, there are bathrooms midpoint on our way to Danville (and back) and where we will have lunch.

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen, and lunch.

Rain Policy:  Hike will be cancelled if rain.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!  

 We'll meet at the very small Iron Horse Parking Lot (map)... carpooling is encouraged.  There is an alternative parking lot, Rudgear Park & Ride (map) that is a 4-minute walk away (on the East side of the 680 freeway).

Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:30 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

Note:  If you are not a member you can:  1) Become a member by clicking on [Join] above and then register for the hike or 2) contact me so that I know that you would like to be part of the hike.

Interested in carpooling?  If so, here are the options...

• SF Carpooling 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:  8:55 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

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

East Bay Meeting Time:  9:05 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

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

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 a ride or can take passengers.  If you want to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.

Shorter Option (Level-2 / 6.0 miles).  You can wait up ahead for us on the trail (map) near the Alamo Safeway.  The rest of us should arrive around 10:20 AM (though I strongly recommend that you arrive earlier).  You can walk with us to Danville and after lunch, on the way back, you can ditch us (ending your hike 50 minutes early).  If you are carpooling, you will need to make your own carpool arrangements.  And, let me know so that we don't miss you as we are walking by... or so we don't wait at the start of the trailhead thinking that you are joining us there.