Our first hike of 2018 was on the McCosker Loop Trail recently opened as an addition to Sibley RP. It is a short hike (just over 2 miles) with plenty of altitude change to make it seem longer. There is little shade, so it isn't a good hike for summer. Nice views!
13 of us walked Mullholland Ridge from west to east on a windy and eventually misty Wednesday. We explored the Hacienda grounds and eventually made our way to the Starbucks in Rheem. 2.5 miles.
This was a short (3.5 mile) walk on the Contra Costa Canal Trail starting from Heather Farms. We all turned around by the Oak Grove crossing, tho several turned back sooner.
We hiked a long loop in Morgan Territory Preserve. We all started out Condor, Volvon, and Blue Oak trails. Then 4 went further out Volvon toward Bob Walker Ridge while the rest of us turned back on Volvon to Prairie Falcon Trail. 4 miles for the shorter loop; about 4.75-5 for the longer hike.
We started from the staging area on Crockett Blvd and went up the Edwards Creek Tr to Wood Rat Tr (Dirca and Oso Berry). We went thru the tunnel under Cummings Skyway and walked SE as far as the picnic tables above Big Valley Trail. It was too windy there to enjoy our lunch break, so we back tracked to the pond and ate there, more or less out of the wind. We returned to the tunnel via Soaring Eagle Tr and descended to the parking lot via Crockett Ranch Tr. 5.15 miles
We visited the newly reopened Vargas Plateau Regional Park in the hills to the east of Fremont. There were lots of birds! We saw plenty of hawks,also meadow larks, bluebirds, juncos and the usual crows. Mileage varied from 3-ish to almost 4 miles.
We went up the stairs by the Greathouse visitors center, up Chaparral Loop to the junction with Manhattan Canyon Tr., then to the top of the canyon and the junction with the Black Diamond fire road. It was very, very dry! We did see some flowers and there were patches of green. About 3.75 miles.
We walked from the Valle Vista Staging area along the Kings Canyon trail until it began ascending. Then we retraced our steps and turned left on the Riche Loop (aka Meadow trail). About 2 1/2 miles.
We started from the Sutherland Dr trailhead and turned immediately right (east) on the Fossil Hill Tr. We followed the Indian Creek Tr ESE and then walked North to Ginder Gap. There the group split with the larger number walking up to the ridge and the remainder following Corral Springs Tr along the north side of the ridge. We met at the big oak by Indian Valley Elementary School and completed our loop to the cars via Fossil Hill Tr. 3.54 for Ridge top group; 3.25 for the others.
13 of us walked Mullholland Ridge from west to east on a windy and eventually misty Wednesday. We explored the Hacienda grounds and eventually made our way to the Starbucks in Rheem. 2.5 miles.
1/17 UC Botanical & art exhibit
It was foggy and gloomy and I had a cold so I didn't go.This was a short (3.5 mile) walk on the Contra Costa Canal Trail starting from Heather Farms. We all turned around by the Oak Grove crossing, tho several turned back sooner.
We hiked a long loop in Morgan Territory Preserve. We all started out Condor, Volvon, and Blue Oak trails. Then 4 went further out Volvon toward Bob Walker Ridge while the rest of us turned back on Volvon to Prairie Falcon Trail. 4 miles for the shorter loop; about 4.75-5 for the longer hike.
We started from the staging area on Crockett Blvd and went up the Edwards Creek Tr to Wood Rat Tr (Dirca and Oso Berry). We went thru the tunnel under Cummings Skyway and walked SE as far as the picnic tables above Big Valley Trail. It was too windy there to enjoy our lunch break, so we back tracked to the pond and ate there, more or less out of the wind. We returned to the tunnel via Soaring Eagle Tr and descended to the parking lot via Crockett Ranch Tr. 5.15 miles
We visited the newly reopened Vargas Plateau Regional Park in the hills to the east of Fremont. There were lots of birds! We saw plenty of hawks,also meadow larks, bluebirds, juncos and the usual crows. Mileage varied from 3-ish to almost 4 miles.
We went up the stairs by the Greathouse visitors center, up Chaparral Loop to the junction with Manhattan Canyon Tr., then to the top of the canyon and the junction with the Black Diamond fire road. It was very, very dry! We did see some flowers and there were patches of green. About 3.75 miles.
We walked from the Valle Vista Staging area along the Kings Canyon trail until it began ascending. Then we retraced our steps and turned left on the Riche Loop (aka Meadow trail). About 2 1/2 miles.
We started from the Sutherland Dr trailhead and turned immediately right (east) on the Fossil Hill Tr. We followed the Indian Creek Tr ESE and then walked North to Ginder Gap. There the group split with the larger number walking up to the ridge and the remainder following Corral Springs Tr along the north side of the ridge. We met at the big oak by Indian Valley Elementary School and completed our loop to the cars via Fossil Hill Tr. 3.54 for Ridge top group; 3.25 for the others.
3-14 No Hike (rain forecast)
3-21 No Hike (rain)
3-28 Donner and Back Canyons, Mt. Diablo
4/4 Sunol
3-28 Donner and Back Canyons, Mt. Diablo
We started from the end of Mountaire Dr in Clayton and split into 3 groups with Susan, Monique and John taking off for a mega-hike up over Meridian Ridge. Shirley led the Donner, Tickwood, Back loop; and the remaining 7 added the Hetherrington Tr and about a half mile up Back Canyon to that. So distances were varied from about 3.3 to double that or more. There was water in the creeks and enough flowers to be satisfying.
4/4 Sunol
We split into two groups with the larger number of hikers going up Indian Joe trail to the pond and then taking Hayfield Tr back. They had lunch at the old barn. 3.46 miles.
The remaining 5 turned east on Canyon View Tr and took that to Cerro Este Tr, then down to Ohlone Rd and back to the cars. Lunch beside Alameda Creek. 3.54 miles
We walked clockwise from the trailhead at Cowell Rd and then split into two groups of 6 at the intersection of Lime Ridge Tr with Manzanita Tr. One group took Manzanita Tr, an unnamed single track trail and Ohlone Tr (about 3.7 miles). The other group continued on Lime Ridge Tr, then Buckeye Tr to Ohlone (3 miles).
It's a long drive to Jepson Prairie Preserve (http://www.solanolandtrust.org/JepsonPrairie.aspx ) to see the flowers associated with the vernal pools. I a good year it is well worth it!
The walk is short on distance and big on ohhs and ahs.
We started from Morgan Territory Rd and walked out Meadow Tr and then up Perkins Tr, crossing the creek and continuing up to the ridge under the power lines. Then we came down Ray Morgan Rd, took the spur trail in to the 1st dam for lunch, and finally returned to the cars. Only 2 1/4 miles, but it seemed longer with the elevation changes.
We took the North Peak Trail out to Devil's Elbow and then on to Prospector's Gap for lunch. We returned the same way. The trail is still steep and slippery at the start and seemed much, much longer than 2 miles.
We made the approx 4.75 mile loop up Hardy Canyon with lunch just over the saddle overlooking Round Valley and Murphy Meadow, then down and back along Miwok Tr. Google Earth says the gain/loss is over 1200 feet.
The grass is drying quickly and flowers were fewer than we have seen when we have visited earlier in the year. Our last visit was April 1, 2015
In honor of Jeanne's 89th birthday Shirley suggested three short hikes. First from Curry Point, then the Camp force Trail to the lookout. Next was Artist's Point for lunch followed by a random exploration of Rock City and eventually a short walk on Wall Point Rd. Distances varied, from 2 to almost 3 miles (lots of wandering and exploring).
We did a counter-clockwise "lollipop"...out Windmill to Woodland, Fernandez Ridge back to the gate at the saddle, then Woodrat back to Windmill. Just under 4.2 miles. We agree that this is better than the clockwise loop we did in June 2017.
Our annual luncheon and thank you to Shirley at Mersea restaurant on Treasure Island. Marvelous views and lots of good fellowship.
Pictures from the preliminary scouting expedition in April (it was slightly clearer that day and there were other flowers)
We headed to Marin hoping to escape the inland heat. We found the special Calochortus and the Silene, were overwhelmed by the amount of Clarkia and Triteleia, and generally felt that, tho short on distance (under 2.5 miles), we were amply rewarded.
We had a leisurely walk from Laurel Picnic Area to the Botanic Garden (2.5 miles).
There were plenty of flowers along the trails and some wonderful things in bloom in the Gardens.
3.7 mile walk starting at the Old Tunnel Rd trailhead. The long up hill toward the Sibley parking lot held some nice surprises and there were still flowers scattered in the grass on the hillsides as well.
We walked clockwise from the trailhead at Cowell Rd and then split into two groups of 6 at the intersection of Lime Ridge Tr with Manzanita Tr. One group took Manzanita Tr, an unnamed single track trail and Ohlone Tr (about 3.7 miles). The other group continued on Lime Ridge Tr, then Buckeye Tr to Ohlone (3 miles).
It's a long drive to Jepson Prairie Preserve (http://www.solanolandtrust.org/JepsonPrairie.aspx ) to see the flowers associated with the vernal pools. I a good year it is well worth it!
The walk is short on distance and big on ohhs and ahs.
We started from Morgan Territory Rd and walked out Meadow Tr and then up Perkins Tr, crossing the creek and continuing up to the ridge under the power lines. Then we came down Ray Morgan Rd, took the spur trail in to the 1st dam for lunch, and finally returned to the cars. Only 2 1/4 miles, but it seemed longer with the elevation changes.
We took the North Peak Trail out to Devil's Elbow and then on to Prospector's Gap for lunch. We returned the same way. The trail is still steep and slippery at the start and seemed much, much longer than 2 miles.
We made the approx 4.75 mile loop up Hardy Canyon with lunch just over the saddle overlooking Round Valley and Murphy Meadow, then down and back along Miwok Tr. Google Earth says the gain/loss is over 1200 feet.
The grass is drying quickly and flowers were fewer than we have seen when we have visited earlier in the year. Our last visit was April 1, 2015
In honor of Jeanne's 89th birthday Shirley suggested three short hikes. First from Curry Point, then the Camp force Trail to the lookout. Next was Artist's Point for lunch followed by a random exploration of Rock City and eventually a short walk on Wall Point Rd. Distances varied, from 2 to almost 3 miles (lots of wandering and exploring).
5/23 - No hike
Weather was dismal.We did a counter-clockwise "lollipop"...out Windmill to Woodland, Fernandez Ridge back to the gate at the saddle, then Woodrat back to Windmill. Just under 4.2 miles. We agree that this is better than the clockwise loop we did in June 2017.
Our annual luncheon and thank you to Shirley at Mersea restaurant on Treasure Island. Marvelous views and lots of good fellowship.
Pictures from the preliminary scouting expedition in April (it was slightly clearer that day and there were other flowers)
We headed to Marin hoping to escape the inland heat. We found the special Calochortus and the Silene, were overwhelmed by the amount of Clarkia and Triteleia, and generally felt that, tho short on distance (under 2.5 miles), we were amply rewarded.
We had a leisurely walk from Laurel Picnic Area to the Botanic Garden (2.5 miles).
There were plenty of flowers along the trails and some wonderful things in bloom in the Gardens.
3.7 mile walk starting at the Old Tunnel Rd trailhead. The long up hill toward the Sibley parking lot held some nice surprises and there were still flowers scattered in the grass on the hillsides as well.
Caples Week July 8-13
Sunday
The trip up rates two albums. First the Mormon Emigrant Trail section with all the wonderful washingtonia lilies for which Lee had been kind enough to provide mileage locations; then a stop at the big Leek Springs meadow.
We met Nick and Jeanne at Red's Lake for a gentle acclimatization hike up the old Hwy 88 grade and also made a visit to the pioneer monuments at the top of the grade.
We were lucky to have a sufficient number of high clearance vehicles this year so took advantage of that to drive in to Schenider's Cow Camp and hike from there to the ridge. Part of the group continued on toward Little Round Top.
Almost all of us headed to Winnemucca starting from Woods Lake; Lee, Chuck, Judy and Donita made the circle up to Round Top Lake and back to Woods via the Lost Cabin Mine Tr. but the rest of us turned it into an "up and back"
Most folks headed off after breakfast. Only six of us were left ande all made the hike up to Meiss Col.
Just the lodge trio was left for a last day of hiking. We went up to the "Two Sentinels" starting from the Thunder Mountain trail head. It was very dry and dusty, but the views were spectacular.
A few miscellaneous pictures (postcard type <g>)
We enjoyed exploring a dirt road we had spotted above the Leek Springs meadow. The Delphiniums we found were worth it, and we stopped for more lily pictures as well.
From the wide turn out at the curve on Skyline up to Roberts and thru woods near the navigation trees monument. A bit over 3 miles, round trip.
We started from the steam train parking lot off Grizzly Peak. This is the segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail that includes the "Skyline Gardens" - 170 native plant species are found along a mile-and-a-quarter of trail. Shirley's car was parked at the end of Fish Ranch to shuttle drivers back up the hill after our early lunch/snack. Only 2.5 miles.
This was essentially the same walk we did on 8-31-16, Starting from Joaquin Miller Court of Mountain Blvd. we went up Palo Seco Creek (Palos Colorados Tr), looped out to Lookout Point, and returned to the cars down Sinawik Trail and a few blocks through the neighborhood, followed by a straight shot along Mountain Blvd. About 2 3/4 miles.
We walked the 3.56 miles from the parking area at Bear Creek Rd, along the south shore of Briones Reservoir to the parking area at the dam. Shirley's car was at the dam lot as a driver shuttle. After collecting the hikers we headed to Briones Park for lunch.
Most of this hike was new to us. We started at the Chabot Equestrian Center on Skyline Blvd. and walked generally north along Goldenrod Tr to Ranch Tr. which took us down zig zags to the valley. Then we followed Grass Valley Tr to Bort Meadow for lunch and walked up toward Redwood Rd where we picked up McDonald Tr to take us back to Parkridge Dr. where Shirley's car was waiting to shuttle the drivers. We have walked the McDonald Tr from Parkridge in the past, but never done Goldenrod or Ranch Tr. Distance about 4.3 miles
No pictures as I did not hike.
We walked the Eastshore Trail to the bridge and then went further up Cameron Loop, then back to the little trail which parallels the main trail and wanders thru the flood plain to find a spot for an early lunch. 5.25 miles for most.
It was only 10:45 when we reached the gate leading into Mt Diablo St. Park, so we kept going for another half hour before returning to the planned lunch spot just back into the Diablo Foothills Regional Park. The grape vines were only beginning to show color, but the poison oak was fully red. About 4 miles.
With the weather warming, we hoped for some shade and breezes along with views from Seaview Tr. Shade we got, but it was very hazy so views were not great; breezes were almost non-existent. We had lunch in the shade at the junction with Lower Big Springs Tr. and took that down to So Park Dr. Drivers were shuttled back to the cars at the Steam Train parking lot. Just under 3.5 miles
For the first time in three years we made the Huckleberry loop starting from the Pinehurst Gate. It is a short hike, about 2.7 miles, but feels longer due to the elevation changes. This time we went around the loop clockwise which seemed easier than CCW.
We made a 3.5 mile loop from the end of Camille Ave in Alamo up Madrone Tr in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness and then down Ringtailed Cat Tr to the Hemme Av trailhead, then surface streets and the Iron Horse Tr back to the cars. Long up followed by a steep down. But it was a beautiful fall day and we were glad to be on the trail.
We started from Blue Oak Picnic Area and took Green Ranch Road to the old Green Ranch home site for lunch then returned to the cars via the Oak Knoll Trail. Only 2.6 miles, but lots to see and enjoy, especially the spectacular displays of colorful grape vines.
We took Old Briones Rd up to the Briones Crest Tr, down to Valley Tr and returned. The group separated into two for our early lunch stop...some in the shade with a northerly view on Briones Peak, the rest in the sun overlooking Walnut Creek with Diablo in full view. The walk which ranged from 4.6 to 4.9 miles.
From the wide turn out at the curve on Skyline up to Roberts and thru woods near the navigation trees monument. A bit over 3 miles, round trip.
07/25 - no hike (heat)
We started from the steam train parking lot off Grizzly Peak. This is the segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail that includes the "Skyline Gardens" - 170 native plant species are found along a mile-and-a-quarter of trail. Shirley's car was parked at the end of Fish Ranch to shuttle drivers back up the hill after our early lunch/snack. Only 2.5 miles.
This was essentially the same walk we did on 8-31-16, Starting from Joaquin Miller Court of Mountain Blvd. we went up Palo Seco Creek (Palos Colorados Tr), looped out to Lookout Point, and returned to the cars down Sinawik Trail and a few blocks through the neighborhood, followed by a straight shot along Mountain Blvd. About 2 3/4 miles.
We walked the 3.56 miles from the parking area at Bear Creek Rd, along the south shore of Briones Reservoir to the parking area at the dam. Shirley's car was at the dam lot as a driver shuttle. After collecting the hikers we headed to Briones Park for lunch.
Most of this hike was new to us. We started at the Chabot Equestrian Center on Skyline Blvd. and walked generally north along Goldenrod Tr to Ranch Tr. which took us down zig zags to the valley. Then we followed Grass Valley Tr to Bort Meadow for lunch and walked up toward Redwood Rd where we picked up McDonald Tr to take us back to Parkridge Dr. where Shirley's car was waiting to shuttle the drivers. We have walked the McDonald Tr from Parkridge in the past, but never done Goldenrod or Ranch Tr. Distance about 4.3 miles
08/29 - Martinez Regional Shoreline
Martinez Regional Shoreline Park along Carquinez Strait, some of it on boardwalk, through the marsh. The loop trails are level but not lengthy, the total about 2 miles.No pictures as I did not hike.
We walked the Eastshore Trail to the bridge and then went further up Cameron Loop, then back to the little trail which parallels the main trail and wanders thru the flood plain to find a spot for an early lunch. 5.25 miles for most.
It was only 10:45 when we reached the gate leading into Mt Diablo St. Park, so we kept going for another half hour before returning to the planned lunch spot just back into the Diablo Foothills Regional Park. The grape vines were only beginning to show color, but the poison oak was fully red. About 4 miles.
With the weather warming, we hoped for some shade and breezes along with views from Seaview Tr. Shade we got, but it was very hazy so views were not great; breezes were almost non-existent. We had lunch in the shade at the junction with Lower Big Springs Tr. and took that down to So Park Dr. Drivers were shuttled back to the cars at the Steam Train parking lot. Just under 3.5 miles
09/26 - No hike: heat
For the first time in three years we made the Huckleberry loop starting from the Pinehurst Gate. It is a short hike, about 2.7 miles, but feels longer due to the elevation changes. This time we went around the loop clockwise which seemed easier than CCW.
We made a 3.5 mile loop from the end of Camille Ave in Alamo up Madrone Tr in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness and then down Ringtailed Cat Tr to the Hemme Av trailhead, then surface streets and the Iron Horse Tr back to the cars. Long up followed by a steep down. But it was a beautiful fall day and we were glad to be on the trail.
10/17 - no hike (too few available)
We took Old Briones Rd up to the Briones Crest Tr, down to Valley Tr and returned. The group separated into two for our early lunch stop...some in the shade with a northerly view on Briones Peak, the rest in the sun overlooking Walnut Creek with Diablo in full view. The walk which ranged from 4.6 to 4.9 miles.
It was a bright, mild fall day at Pt Pinole. We reversed our usual direction and walked a counter-clockwise loop of about 4.4 miles.
11/14 - No hike...SMOKE
11/21 - No hike - rain forecast
11/28 - No hike RAIN
12/5 - Holiday luncheon at the McDougall's
12/12 - Lime Ridge (I didn't hike)
12//19 - Lafayette Moraga Trail
11/21 - No hike - rain forecast
11/28 - No hike RAIN
12/5 - Holiday luncheon at the McDougall's
12/12 - Lime Ridge (I didn't hike)
12//19 - Lafayette Moraga Trail
We walked along the Lafayette-Moraga Trail from the old OSH lot as far as the waterfall and back. There was a detour through the old walnut processing site which is now the home of the Moraga Gardens Farm and we stopped into SiSi Cafe for coffee afterwards.
A bit over 4 miles.
12/26 - No hike
We walked up from Saklan Indian Dr to the labyrinth on the east ridge of Rossmoor. After pacing the labyrinth, we meandered back to Jeanne's (1.5 mile)
12/26 - No hike
We walked up from Saklan Indian Dr to the labyrinth on the east ridge of Rossmoor. After pacing the labyrinth, we meandered back to Jeanne's (1.5 mile)
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