BRIONES REGIONAL PARK (Bear Creek to the Valley and Crest Trails)

BRIONES REGIONAL PARK (Bear Creek to the Valley and Crest Trails)

Date:  Saturday, May 30, 2026

Leader:  Robert H!ckey | robert3327@gmail.com | 510.813.3406

Hike Rating:  Level-2

Hike Mileage:  6.5 miles

Elevation Gain:  1,000 feet

Description:  Beautiful open space with 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 our biggest 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 for lunch.  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!    (Bye-bye Edison).

TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION: 

Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:30 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).

If you are not a member you can:  1) Become a member by clicking on the [Join] menu 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...

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

Meeting Time:   9:00 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.

Meeting Time:   9:10 AM (don't miss your ride, arrive early).

While there are no guarantees, to better facilitate carpool arrangements for yourself and others, please register and indicate your desire for a ride (or offer to drive) by Thursday, 3:00 PM.  If you have not been contacted by Noon the next day, please reach out to the hikeleader.

Riders wishing to pay with Venmo, PayPal or something other than cash, please contact the hikeleader prior to arriving at the trailhead to see if this is an option (see Carpool Fees below).  Do not show up at a meeting location if you have not been confirmed a rider (or driver) ahead of time. 

Total Driving Distance (round trip):

  50 miles (San Francisco)

  24 miles (East Bay)

Carpool Fees (per passenger):

  $9 (San Francisco)*

  $4 (East Bay)

  *Includes bridge toll.