Five Hikes to Enjoy in Fall

October 1, 2019

With crisp, cool mornings, changing colors in the landscape, and stunning sunsets, fall hiking can be spectacular. There is no shortage of great hikes throughout the Regional Parks. Here are a few of our perennial favorites for the fall season.

Bull Valley Trail Loop, Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline
Length: 4.8-mile loop, Intensity: moderate
From the blue waters of Carquinez Strait to the north, to the rolling hills in the south, this park offers magnificent views. The trail traverses open grasslands and small eucalyptus groves that provide welcome shade on a sunny day and, at the midway point, takes you through the historic town of Port Costa.

Indian Joe Nature Trail to Flag Hill Trail, Sunol Regional Wilderness
Length: 4.45-mile loop, Intensity: moderate
This trail offers a partially shaded trail that climbs out of the valley and meanders through grasslands leading to a rocky ridge top. At the pinnacle of this loop, enjoy sweeping views of the region.

Lake Anza to Wildcat Gorge Trail, Tilden Regional Park
Length: 3.5 miles, Intensity: moderate
Start this hike at Lake Anza and descend along the Wildcat Creek drainage through tall redwoods and shady oak/bay woodlands. Climb Meadows Canyon through grassland and scrub, eventually dropping back down to the creek.

Pinole Point Trail to Giant Station Trail, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
Length: 4.13-mile loop, Intensity: easy
This trail brings you right into the park’s most vibrant eucalyptus woods, offering an aromatic experience you won’t forget. San Pablo Bay is typically breezy, making Point Pinole a perfect recreational site on a hot day.

Quail/Bayview Trail Loop, Coyote Hills Regional Park
Length: 2.8-mile loop, Intensity: easy
This hike takes you out around the base of the hills to provide great views of the bay and the multicolored salt evaporation ponds. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a golden eagle amongst the seagulls, shorebirds, and songbirds that call the park their home. The trail is mostly flat and much of it is paved, making it a good choice for runners and walkers alike.

(Photo by www.flickr.com/photos/fromkmr)