Hiking

Hiking Activity Calendar
Discover Hiking Activities, Classes and Programs!

> Short-Loop Trails
> Challenge Hikes
> Wednesday Walks
> Pole Walking & Pole Hiking Programs
> Tuesday Twilights
> Trails Challenge
> Wildlife Encounters
> Safety on the Trails
> Trail Mileage Guides

Trails Challenge

New to the Regional Parks? The free Trails Challenge is great way to get to know your Regional Parks.

Short-Loop Trails

Short-loop trails provide opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature on a relatively non-strenuous walk on trails and pathways in the Regional Parks. These walks are suitable for senior citizens, persons in wheelchairs, parents with small children or with children in strollers, or for anyone not ready for the more demanding trails of wilderness parklands. Please read the full description of each hike before you plan your walk–while most are gentle, some trails may have rough or narrow sections or steeper climbs, and there are bicycle and dog restrictions in some of the parklands.

Challenge Hikes

Challenging trails are those that have significant elevation gain (1,000 feet or more), are 6 – 20 miles or more in length, trail conditions vary from good to rugged, and they generally take 4 – 8 hours to complete.  These hikes are not for the faint-hearted! See our listing of Challenge Hikes.

Wednesday Walks

Explore some of the unique habitats of the East Bay with our friendly walking group. Discover the natural and human history of our beautiful parklands and improve your health on a fast-paced, morning hike.

  > Download: Wednesday Walks: Flyer 

Pole Walking & Pole Hiking Programs

Learning how to use poles helps walkers and hikers improve endurance, posture, balance, confidence and strength, and enhances your enjoyment of the outdoors. All class levels focus on anatomically-optimal techniques to achieve your desired performance while learning how to avoid joint stress or strain. The Outdoor Recreation Department offers poles classes taught by Jayah Faye Paley, an AFAA & ACE certified personal trainer, and the creator of the only comprehensive educational media on how to use poles, including two award winning DVDs. More information and register for classes.

Tuesday Twilights

Enjoy sunset in an East Bay Regional Park, Tuesday evenings throughout the summer. Walks vary in terrain and difficulty. These are family hikes, not always suitable for organized groups. Bring water, snacks, and flashlight. Wear good hiking shoes and layered clothing. Call the hike naturalist for more information. Parking fees may apply. 

• Event Guide

Wildlife Encounters

The East Bay Regional Parks are home to many plants and animals.

Can you tell a gopher snake from a rattlesnake?
Do you know how to avoid ticks - and poison oak?
How should you behave around animals in the parks?

Prepare for your outdoor adventure.

• Download the flyer: Wildlife Encounters 

Trail Safety and Etiquette

• Safety tips and resources
• Rules and Regulations regarding Hiking and Riding Trails (Section 600)
• Leave No Trace Principles

Regional Trails Mileage Guides