Overview
Alhambra and Bear Creek: Jan. 1-31: 8am-5pm, Feb. 1-Mar. 13: 8am-6pm, Mar. 14-Apr. 10: 8am-7pm, Apr. 11-Sep. 5: 8am-8pm, Sep. 6-Nov. 6: 8am-7pm, Nov. 7-Dec. 31: 8am-5pm
Parking Lot Hours: 8am to sunset
Parking: $3 per vehicle (when kiosk is attended); $3 per trailered vehicle. Buses: $25/per bus. | Dogs: $2 per dog. Guide and Service dogs are free.
Alhambra Staging Area: 273-181 Brookwood Dr, Martinez, CA
Bear Creek Staging Area: 1611 Bear Creek Road, Lafayette, CA
Reliez Valley Staging Area: 1956 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA
(510) 544-3121
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4508.
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Briones Pilot Project
The Briones Pilot Project is a two-year pilot program to test strategies in addressing trail congestion, trail safety, and illegal bootleg trails, which have negative impacts on wildlife, including sensitive and endangered species. 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. The pilot project will establish specific Briones Pilot Project rules, including limiting specific trail uses (biking and horseback riding) to certain days of the week, and temporarily opening some narrow trails to bikes only, among others. Other illegal bootleg trails will be closed and restored to protect natural habitats for wildlife.
For more information and to sign up for updates, visit the Briones Pilot Project page.
With its rolling, grassy hills and secluded, shady canyons, Briones is a secret wilderness surrounded by the towns of central Contra Costa County. 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.
From Briones Peak, the highest point in the park, there are panoramic views of Mount Diablo and the Diablo Valley to the east, the Sacramento River and Delta to the north, the East Bay hills and Mt. Tamalpais to the west, and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness to the south.
Dog Requirements
PLEASE NOTE: Dogs are required to 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. These leash-required areas are indicated by signage within the park.
To Reach The Park
Maps
Attractions
Briones' 6,255 acres are home to many animals and birds, which forage on the grasslands or find shelter among the oaks and bays. You may see black-tailed deer, coyotes, squirrels, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and if you are lucky, other more reclusive creatures. There are gorgeous wildflower displays in season. Park District naturalists often lead walks to view the park's natural and historic features.
Briones is an ideal park for hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding over the park's scenic trails; picnicking, birdwatching, and similar activities; and informal recreation such as kite flying, photography, and nature study. 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.
Group Camping
BBriones Regional Park features three group campsites ranging in capacity from 50 to 300 campers, reservations required (a minimum of 17 people is required to use the group campsites). All group campsites include picnic tables, BBQ, fire ring, and chemical toilets. View the Camping page for more information, and call Reservations to reserve.
Archery Range
The Briones Archers archery range is accessible off the Crescent Ridge Trail from Briones' west-side Bear Creek Road entrance. Website: BrionesArchery.org
Picnicking
The park also has reservable group picnic areas, view our Briones Picnic Areas webpage for information, and call Reservations to reserve.
Grazing
Cows and calves are in the Tabletop, Spengler, Blue Oak, Buckeye, Sunrise, and Lafayette Ridge trail areas. Yearling cattle are in Deer Creek, Pereirra , Valley, and Briones Crest trail areas. Please call the park if you have trail or grazing animal concerns or comments: 1-888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4508.
