Diablo View, Spengler, Old Briones Road, Lagoon, Toyon Canyon, Pine Tree and Orchard Loop is a 5.4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Pleasant Hill, California that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, horses, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
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
Park Hours: Dawn to dusk Fees: $3 per vehicle (when kiosk is attended); $3 per trailered vehicle $25 per bus. $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free Website: ebparks.org/parks/briones
Take I-680 N. to Pleasant Hill Rd. in Lafayette. Take exit 14 from CA-24 W. Continue on Pleasant Hill Rd., take Taylor Blvd. and Reliez Valley Rd. to Brookwood Dr. Take I-680 S to Alhambra Ave. in Martinez. Take exit 9 from CA-4 W., turn left onto Alhambra Ave., right onto Alhambra Valley Rd., left onto Reliez Valley Rd. and right onto Brookwood Dr.
Went on a Sunday and it was busy! The spengler trail up hill to Brionies peak was a killer!!! View was nice at the top, but I think mottes peak is nicer. Saw park ranger on a quad which was nice to know that they are patrolling.
good, very muddy! trekking poles recommended if you are hiking when it's wet.
definitely not "moderate" as the app suggests. this is a difficult hike. too much for children too although it says kid friendly
Great hike! Went counter clockwise and felt both ways would be a great workout! Both shade and direct sun so bring some shade. Get out there and try it out!
This is a great trail. We did it clockwise, although other trail sites suggest doing it counter clockwise. I think the uphill grades are shorter going clockwise, although they're pretty steep. Anyhow, there are some great views of Diablo and sweeping views of the hills. Plenty of good lunch stops. It's just challenging enough to make you feel like you've had a good workout. I'd do this loop again.
More like 5.7 miles. Energetic up and down. Good view an excellent woodland