Great Holiday Hikes 2021

November 23, 2021

The fall and winter holidays are a great time to get into nature and spend time with family and friends. While holiday gatherings and shopping are an enjoyable tradition, spending time in nature helps relieve stress and improves your physical and mental health. Here are a few perennial favorites.

BULL VALLEY TRAIL LOOP (PHOTO BELOW)
Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline,
Martinez and Crockett
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 and takes you through the historic town of Port Costa.

INDIAN JOE NATURE TRAIL TO FLAG HILL TRAIL
Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol
Length: 4.45-mile loop Intensity: moderate
This trail climbs out of the valley and meanders through grasslands leading to a rocky ridge top. Enjoy sweeping views of the region.

LAKE ANZA TO WILDCAT GORGE TRAIL
Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley
Length: 3.5 miles Intensity: moderate Start this hike at Lake Anza and descend along Wildcat Creek through tall redwoods and shady oak/bay woodlands. Climb Meadows Canyon, eventually dropping back down to the creek.

PINOLE POINT TRAIL TO GIANT STATION TRAIL
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Richmond 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.

QUAIL/BAYVIEW TRAIL LOOP
Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont
Length: 2.8-mile loop Intensity: easy
This hike takes you out around the base of the hills to provide spectacular views of the bay and the multicolored salt evaporation ponds. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a golden eagle.