Best trails in Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, California

The route also provides impressive views of the San Francisco Bay and the nearby East Bay Hills; expect to see raptors, deer and the occasional coyote. Trails on this route: High Ridge Loop Trail, Spur to Gossip Rock loop, Tolman Peak Trail, South Fork Trail, High Ridge Loop Trail. Skip the Tolman Peak section to slice three miles from the hike. Best times to go: Early to late spring, when the hills green up and the wildflowers put on their annual show. Winter is fine, too, though bear in mind the trails get very muddy. Give them a few days to dry out after a passing storm system blows through. Summer's too hot, but cooler weather in the autumn make the hiking pleasant.Show more

This route offers scenic views of the surrounding region, as you traverse rolling grasslands and shady woods. Portions of the trail flank a peaceful creek. Steep inclines give way to at overlooks that have full 360-degree views of the park and cities nearby. The hike begins at the Dry Creek staging area. Park in the lot off May Road, next to the Meyers Cottage and Dry Creek Garden. Begin your hike on May Trail, proceeding through the entrance gate, another gate, and heading uphill. Continue straight past the next trail post to get on the High Ridge Loop Trail. After a third of a mile you will intersect with Tolman Peak Trail. Follow Tolman Peak Trail past a corral and through a cattle gate until it reaches South Fork Trail. There are two creek crossings along the way. South Fork Trail will lead you down a narrow, shaded path that overlooks a creek. It then ascends rapidly and offers beautiful landscape views of Hayward, Oakland, and the Bay. At the top of the hill, there is a bench to take a break and soak in the view. South Fork Trail loops to meet Tolman Peak Trail again. Turn left onto Tolman Peak Trail and descend the grassy hills. Follow Tolman Peak Trail back the way you came, making a left onto High Ridge Loop Trail and another left onto May Trail back to the parking lot. Park Hours: 8am to sunset (varies seasonally) Fees: $5 per vehicle (when kiosk is attended); $4 per trailered vehicle, $25 per bus, $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free.Show more

Dry Creek Regional Park is located in the hills above Hayward, a hidden gem that is worth visiting. The park offers sweeping views of the Bay and you also have the option to run up some pretty challenging hills if you’re interested. The hills are especially beautiful and green in the springtime, and there are creeks and wildflowers to enjoy. This route starts at the parking lot on May Road, then follows the path to Meyers Ranch Trail, a huge, long, exposed climb, followed by a fun and flying downhill on the High Ridge Loop Trail. Fees: $5 per vehicle $2 per dogShow more