It was a wet sloggy mess. Hiked 2/11. Summer is dry HOT and dusty. But beautiful nonetheless. The hike below represents a small sampling of the trails available from Briones' five trailheads. I happened to spot one in February (see photo). 4508. This tiny amphibian thrives in Briones around Bear Creek. But again, that is a quibble, and this is a Trail well worth walking.. There is a course very much like a 9 hole golf course. It was absolutely beautiful if youre into the rolling hills view. Great views. Good trails as no recent rains. One will be from 6 to 8 p.m. May 4 at Briones Regional Park. Saw cows, millipedes, and a snake. Look out for rattlesnakes in spring/summer - one was stretched across the trail! We will meet at the lower parking lot of the Bear Creek Staging Area up to the right after the entrance kiosk. All hikers continue straight down Russell Peak which becomes Briones Crest, left on Seaborg, take your first left on the lovely shaded Bear Creek Trail (look for Homestead Valley camping area) back to the parking area. January 1-31: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. February 1-March 13: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Very few people were on the trails, so I had majority of it all to myself, which was a pleasure so I could hear the birds singing, the rustling of the breeze in the trees, and the crunching of the gravel under my feet. Probably a rookie move on my part, but definitely a learning experience. There are a couple of muddy spots so its better to wear hiking shoes rather than sandals. Success! Barricades and cones have been posted on both ends of the fire trail to warn park users. Region. Directions: From Lafayette take Happy Valley Road up over the hill to Bear Creek Road. The park also has two larger, reservable group picnic areas at the Bear Creek Staging Area: Oak Grove, which can accommodate 50 people, and Newt Hollow, which holds 150. This is a moderate one way trail to Alhambra Creek Valley Staging Area in Briones Regional Park. Still muddy. 5/18 Alhambra Staging Area 2537 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez, CA Bear Creek Staging Area 1611 Bear Creek Road, Lafayette, CA To Reach Briones Regional Park: From Highway 24, take the Orinda exit on the east side of the Caldecott Tunnel to Orinda/Orinda Village. Take a left and descend back down into the valley. Fees: Parking - $3 . Stay right and you will end up back at the staging area. left on Briones Road trail, left on Briones Crest top top 1483 feet, drop down to Valley Trail to left on Old Briones Road Trail to Newt Hollow turn around. The Briones Crest Trail is the spine of the park and offers great views of Mt. No flowers blooming yet. Good breeze. Change). The pilot project will establish specific Briones Pilot Project rules, including limitingspecific trail uses (biking and horseback riding) to certain days of the week, and temporarily opening some narrow trails to bikes only, among others. . This 7-mile circuit passes the two highest points in the park, Mott's Peak and Briones Peak. The trail provides a range of possibilities for activity and is available year-round. A couple steep hills , but pleasant on the return. This is a one of several staging areas in the park and a great starting point for several trails whipping through the. 6/2020 Alhambra Creek Staging Area 2537 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez, CA Bear Creek Staging Area 1611 Bear Creek Road, Lafayette, CA To Reach Briones Regional Park: Lafayette. Fine for kids. Beautiful scenery all around. Difficulty: Easy. Stunning views of the hills and in one portion, the city below. This trail goes by Briones Peak, Maricich Lagoon, and Labyrinth. Briones Pilot Project Weekend Restrictions Saturday is an date (April 29) - Bikes (& Hikers) are allowed on designated trails in the Pilot Zone - NO Horses in the Pilot Zone Sunday is an date (April 30) - Horses (& Hikers) are allowed on designated trails in the Pilot Zone - NO Bikes in the Pilot Zone Trail use permit required. Buses: $25/per bus. After about a mile you will reach a group camping site called Homestead Valley. Northeast of Briones Regional Park off of Bear Creek Road, the Hampton Trail access to the EBMUD is often less crowded than the pawpular Bear Creek Staging Area. If you are going to do this as a shuttle trip, leave a car at the EBMUD Briones Overlook . Bear Creek Trail winds through a bay forest. Soon you'll come to a broad trail junction, where you can bear right on Briones Crest or go left on Table Top Trail. Take the clockwise route, start with a steep climb then enjoy the view along the ridge. The land was originally part of Rancho Boca de la Canada del Pinole (rancho at the mouth of Pinole Canyon), popularly known as Rancho San Felipe and later Rancho Briones. This review would be a lot better but I went on a rainy day. Briones Regional Park covers more than 6,000 acres in the rolling East Bay hills between Berkeley and Walnut Creek. Old Briones Road Trail and Black Oak Trail Loop, Briones Crest, Old Briones, Table Top, Crescent Ridge and Seaborg Loop, Abrigo Valley Trail to Mott Peak Trail Loop, Briones Crest Trail and Valley Loop Trail, Crescent Ridge Trail to Briones Crest Trail Loop. You are looking : bear creek staging area, Your email address will not be published. Global Ranking. In the Bear Creek Staging Area and the Alhambra Creek Staging Area, Briones Regional Park has a variety of first-come, first-served picnic sites with tables and barbecue stands. I know its single track but havent been on it recently to see how much poison oak there is. The staging area is on the right slightly past the Happy Valley Rd intersection. Cattle were on the road. Good trail muddy after the rain in parts. Such a gorgeous hike at this time of year! Mostly fire trail. Then follow above info to reach the staging area. Several trees down on the last down, major carveout ravines on the ridge before the loop. Menu. The reservoir is the largest of EBMUD's five East Bay terminal reservoirs, with a total capacity of 60,510 acreft (74,640,000 m 3), and it has a total watershed of 8.59 square miles (22 km). Stay on the Oursan Trail for the next 7 miles as you cross private and public lands with cattle gates that take you to walk within feet of the magnificent reservoir from high on the hills above. Great view, lots of greens. Support Us | Follow this all the way back to your start point. The reward: Amazing views of the reservoir from high above as well as serene views of the surrounding hills, among other wildflowers, dominated by California poppies, purpleheads, lupines and redstem stork's bill. You will plunge a little less than a mile into the woods before heading out into the meadows. I went clockwise, last mile is muddy and theres a big fallen tree but you can get around it. Couple steep uphills but pretty mellow overall. 2950 Peralta Oaks Court,Oakland, CA 946051-888-EBPARKS,1-888-327-2757(Deaf or Hearing Impaired, use the TRS at 711). PLEASE NOTE: Dogs arerequiredto be on leash (six-foot maximum) at all times in the following areas: Tavan Trail (all), Diablo View Trail between Alhambra Creek Trail and Hidden Pond Trail, Alhambra Creek Trail from the Alhambra Creek Staging Area south to the water trough, and Orchard Trail between Alhambra Creek Trail and west to the Briones Road gate. Beautiful trail with lots of ups and downs. . Most of us were aware of the situation as we arrived at the Briones Bear Creek Staging area for our Wednesday night group ride. Drive into the park staying to the right and park in the large gravel lot at the end of the road. To (username or email . Sa magulong, madamong burol at liblib, malilim na canyon, ang Briones ay isang lihim na kagubatan na napapalibutan ng mga bayan ng gitnang Contra Costa County. Only dogs or motorcycles allowed on the trails. A visit to the west entrance of Briones Regional Park in the spring offers views of spring wildflowers and spring birds. Beautiful hike with a beautiful view during the first portion of the hike. Lovely views. Briones Regional Park--Bear Creek Staging Area. Doesn't fling off the tire, builds and builds until your tires lock due to mud jammed in between the frame and tire. Take a right on Bear Creek Road and go five miles to the Bear Creek Staging Area. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Widgets, Explore Briones Regional Park is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Walnut Creek, California. This loop is a great tour of the beautiful hillsides of Briones Regional Park. Fire roads that feel like you're riding straight up the devil's driveway into pure hell. Maps at trail head. Explore Briones Bear Creek Staging - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. No bicycles or dogs allowed on trails. From the creek you will ascend into a forest of mostly California Bay Laurel trees a cousin of the Mediterranean Bay tree whose leaves are used in cooking. View Map. Other than that, saw some cool nature. Briones Regional Park offers a number of first-come, first-served picnic sites with tables and barbecue stands at the Bear Creek Staging Area and the Alhambra Creek Staging Area. Best Bike Trails | Whether you're hiking with a meetup, or on your own, please review these hiking safety tips. From Oakland/Orinda: Follow CA-24 E to Oak Hill Rd in Lafayette. Reservable Picnic Reservable Group Camping Archery Pond Gate, No Access . Lupin, poppies, and bright green grass as far as the eye could see. Since we'll occasionally be hiking on East Bay Mud . Beautiful and clear w coyotes, owls, hawks, horned larks and cows. nice and green. A sloppy mess, some dry but 15 min slower. The Briones Archers archery range is accessible off the Crescent Ridge Trail from Briones' west-side Bear Creek Road entrance. Area, exit Highway 24 at the Orinda/Camino Pablo exit . (LogOut/ Tick one off and the ranger will be waiting for you. Hiker's choice of a short 7 mile/1670' moderate+ hike or a longer 8 mile/1870' challenging hike. This trail had way more ups and downs that I had expected, but was such a beautiful hike. Do not waste your time. and ascend another hill to the top where all hikers will turn left on an unsigned single track up a small hill to a picnic table to take their rest break and enjoy the views. East Bay park offers ample solitude, abundant sunshine. . Layers -- temperatures can vary widely Horses are also able to use this trail. Weeknights late and very early AM weekdays and weekends will give the window to play in the no bikes allowed spaces. Hikers gravitating to Tilden Park to the west and Mount Diablo to the east often overlook Briones, so you'll have plenty of time alone on the the trails. Hike begins on Old Briones Road, left on Black Oak . Grab a map at the trailhead to scout out alternatives along the way. View our Picnic page for information on reservations. Follow Old Briones Road past Valley back to Alhambra, Can be very steep at times, rarely not steep LOL. 2537 Reliez Valley Rd, Martinez, CA 94553, United States. Some nice cows and great trees. Briones is accessible from Highway 24 and has five different staging areas . Saw no one, beautiful starry night. Trail Directions: From the Bear Creek Staging Area, park in the far lot. Entering into the park, follow Seaborg Trail and then connect with Lafayette Ridge Trail through the undulating hills and down to Lafayette Ridge Staging Area. Start from the Bear Creek Staging Area and either hike or bike ride the 2.5 mile Abrigo Valley Trail. To get to the Bear Creek Staging Area, (one of the larger parking areas) take the . 2537 Reliez Valley Rd, Martinez, CA 94553. We will meet at the lower parking lot of the Bear Creek Staging Area up to the right after the entrance kiosk. Last night the Coast Range Riders MTB club aided Contra Costa Sheriff's Department's Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, in the search for an 81-year-old man who has been missing since Saturday at Briones Regional Park. Blue Oak descent..has plenty of single with some airborne options, West end descent of Crest Trail down to the Bear Creek staging area. Bear Creek Trail was very different than the map as recorded on my gps, and the seasonal creek crossing is easily passable right now but a little more of an event than a simple staircase. Parking Fee: $3 when kiosk . The Alhambra and Bear Creek Staging Areas are open year-round, however hours vary seasonally. Share this checklist with other participants' eBird accounts. Website:BrionesArchery.org. Good condition. You will pass an archery range, which is a lot of fun with kids if you have access to some bows and arrows. 9+ low pro straight leg jeans most accurate, 9+ put me in my place lyrics most accurate, 9+ how strong are orangutans most accurate, 10+ db drive 8 inch subwoofer most accurate, 10+ califia farms unsweetened almondmilk coffee creamer with coconut cream most accurate, 9+ north face supreme red jacket most accurate. Theres a lovely single track part at the top, There is a dead end one of the hiking trails. Lazuli Buntings are usually present, often the first viewings of the year for most of us. Dry, hot, exposed fire roads that lead to cattle tracked, sun baked, moon crusty trails with zero fun factor. Day-trippers will be charged a flat fee of $3 per day per vehicle and/or trailer. There's a Goldilocks "just right" quality about hiking at Briones: Hills seem to top off just before your workout becomes a wear-out. A decent workout. Lots of flies near the cows. Change time period. Briones Regional Park's three group camping areas--Wee-Ta-Chi, Maud Whalen, and Homestead Valley-may be reserved by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or(1-888-327-2757), press option 2 or by writing to EBRPD Reservations, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, P.O. Rolling hike that lets the mind unspool as you wind along the troughs and peaks. Meet at the Bear Creek Staging Area on Bear Creek Road about 5 miles east of San Pablo Dam Road near Orinda. Challenging at the start, but worth it for the views thereafter. From State Route 24, take the Upper Happy Valley Road exit and follow Upper Happy Valley Road north. Cell Phone: (925) 325-0805. Home; Submit . Beautiful hike overall!! Best MTB Gear | The land was originally part of Rancho Boca de la Canada del . BRIONES REGIONAL PARK. Briones Regional Park. Required fields are marked *. Hello Fellow Hikers! Christian Lenci. 14-Apr. | Dogs: $2 per dog. Welcome to East Bay Hikers. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Tags: bay trees, bear, Briones, creek, kids, newt, picnic. Briones Regional Park. Crusty and moist in some steep spots. Guide and Service dogs are free. Good 3 hour hike. I'm looking forward to going again on a bright, dry day. Stay on the Oursan Trail for the next 7 miles as you cross private and public lands with cattle gates that take you to walk within feet of the magnificent reservoir from high on the hills above. Elevation gain: About 500 feet (trail to falls is mostly level with slight uphills) Fees: $3 day use fee for parking. Horses are capable of using this trail as well. At marker #13 the hikes diverge. About a half mile later you will reach the Crescent Ridge Trail. Park Hours. Contra Costa County . Location: Lafayette and Martinez Acres: 6,255 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours February through October Getting here: Take the Orinda/Camino Pablo exit toward Richmond on Highway 24. Briones Regional Park provides a range of first-come, first-served picnic sites with tables and barbecues in the Bear Creek Staging Area and the Alhambra Creek Staging Area. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. #2 hike out of 33 in Briones Regional Park | MODERATE. Watch for slick mud after rains. Be courteous to the Horseback riders and the hikers and all will be fine. Drive into the park - staying to the right - and park in the large gravel lot at the end of the road. Download your own trail map using the link below. Flowers are out in force. Briones Regional Park is a huge, uncrowded park with 6,256 acres of parkland for recreation. The western end of Briones Regional Park is adjacent to the Briones Reservoir, which is run by EBMUD across Bear Creek Road. Basic East Bay rolling hills read some STEEP. From the Oak Grove picnic area in the Bear Creek Staging Area, get on the Abrigo Valley Trail. There are five major access points, of which the two most developed are the Alhambra Creek Valley Staging Area off Reliez Valley Road near Martinez and the Bear Creek Road Staging Area near Orinda and Lafayette. Park in the staging area pay your money, Briones- Alhambra Creek Single Track-GoPro Helmet. Mud sticks around for a very long time as much of the flat portion is well shaded. Stay on Briones Crest Trail and climb till it passes Briones Peak. A bit challenging for my foot in surgery recovery but oh well A good portion of it was in the exposed sun so you dont want to do it on a hot day. Although the park is close to Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Martinez, there are peaks within it from which you can see only park and watershed lands for miles in every direction. Only people were 2 mountain bikers. A wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers make this an ideal nature-study hike. Please follow all signage and use caution. Martinez, CA 94553. Legoland aggregates bear creek staging area information to help you offer the best information support options. This was the largest bear killed in Contra Costa County. Turn right to ascend the super steep Lafayette Ridge Tr. Join us for a 9:30 am hike at Briones Regional Park. Trail Highlights: You may see black-tailed deer, coyotes, squirrels, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and if you are lucky, other more reclusive creatures. Updated April 30, 2023. The pilot project is limited to the Pilot Project Zone located in the northeast corner of Briones Regional Park, which is accessible from the Reliez Valley Staging Area, Alhambra Creek Staging Area, and Briones Road Staging Area. one of my favorite places for singletrack. All other park entrances are open. Trail was good, dry not muddy. A wide range of trees , shrubs, and flowers make this an excellent hike for research into nature. This hike takes you to Briones Regional Park's most popular destination, an open, rolling hilltop meadow on top of Briones Crest. Terms | Privacy, HWY 24 take the Orindo exit turn left ontu Camino Pablo then Right on Bear Creek Road. Continue on Bear Creek trail to the dirt parking lot and then follow the road up to Briones Park and Bear Creek Staging Area. The singletrack section is steep and rocky - oh and fun. Not crowded. Year. Its all green. Somewhat muddy but you can go around it. I know I sound confusing but it's really easy to follow the trail keeps going and going and about a mile from the top of that hill you'll come to a massive downhill immediately followed by a massive uphill, just past this a singletrack rides up the side of the hill, and that takes you to the beginning of our singletrackyou have to hop a gate at the top and you'll see a bench and a little cement thing announcing that you're at the highest point in Briones if you're sitting on the bench you will see a singletrack to your left that's it. the path down is easy to follow, there's one point where it crosse another trail and you'll hit one fork turn left, this puts youon a fire road for a little bit, but keep your eye out cause just before you cross the creek a singletrack will branch off to the right, and that's were you want to go.. this is a fairly advanced technical trail, few good steep sections, and some roots and rocky parts, you will be riding on narrow, high trails, and look out for low branches lots of fun, and the first "real" singletrack I rode the singletrack brings you right back to the parking lot and you're set *WARNING* DO NOT DO THIS TRAIL WITHOUT A CAMELBAK OR LOTS OF WATER, THE CLIMB UP IS RIDICULOUSLY TIRING You can make this ride as long or as short as you want, so its a great 30 min ride or a strenuous 2 and a half hour ride.