Diablo View, Spengler, Old Briones Road, Lagoon, Toyon Canyon, Pine Tree and Orchard Loop

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. This trail begins in rolling, grassy hills that offer great views of the East Bay. It then winds its way through shady woodlands before opening near a series of small lagoons in an upper valley. Much of the route is exposed as it traverses the open grassland hills. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat. Keep a lookout for wildflowers in season, as well as black-tailed-deer, and coyotes. Alhambra Creek Staging Area has abundant parking, restrooms and water. Park at the Alhambra Staging Area, walk into the park through the gate and make a left on Diablo View Trail heading up the hill. Remain on Diablo View Trail continuing past the next trail post and through the gate. Make a right at the following trail post to remain on Diablo View Trail. Turn right when you reach the Spengler Trail, which will make a hairpin turn up the hill. Follow Spengler to the Old Briones Road Trail and turn left near the lower Maricich Lagoon. Make a right onto the Briones Crest Trail, and then, at trail post #38, turn right onto Lagoon Trail. Follow Lagoon Trail for a few minutes and, if you like, stop at the lower Sindicich Lagoon for a break. This lagoon has a bench just past the gate that looks out on the water. Continue on Lagoon Trail and turn right at trail post #43 onto Toyon Canyon Trail. Steeply descend for almost a mile. At trail posts #27 and #28, keep going straight. Go through the next gate at trail post #31 and turn right onto Orchard Trail. Follow Orchard Trail past the houses, crossing Briones Road and going through the gates. Orchard Trail will lead you directly back to the Alhambra Creek Staging Area. Fees: $3 per vehicle (when kiosk is attended); $3 per trailered vehicle $25 per bus. $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free