Best trails in Danville, California

$10 entrance fee to park. Cell reception can be tricky. Off-line map recommended. Show more

$10 entrance fee to park at the Rock City entrance. From Rock City hike up to the summit. This trial offers scenic views and breathtaking climbs. Although steep in sections, it is a great hike. This park is one of the ecological treasures of the San Francisco Bay Area. Many visitors to Mount Diablo head straight for the summit to enjoy the famous view. Summer days are sometimes hazy, and the best viewing is often on the day after a winter storm. Then, you can look to the west, beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, to the Farallon Islands; southeast to the James Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton at 4,213 feet elevation; south to Mount Loma Prieta in the Santa Cruz Mountains at 3,791 feet elevation, north to Mount Saint Helena in the Coast Range at 4,344 feet elevation, and still farther north to Mount Lassen in the Cascades at 10,466 feet. North and east of Mount Diablo the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers converge to form the twisting waterways of the Delta. To the east beyond Califomia's great central valley, the crest of the Sierra Nevada seems to float in space.Show more

Trail Highlights: This hike takes place in the Short Ridge section of the park. Though short, this trail is quite steep in sections. It is also almost entirely exposed to the sun. Bring water and be prepared to take lots of breaks as you head up the hill. However, the hard climb is rewarded with views at the top. In the rainy season a strong creek rushes under the bridge on the path. Trail Directions: From the parking lot on Sherburne Hills Road, head straight towards the hills. Cross through the cattle gate onto Shady Slope Trail and continue for .43 miles. At the next signpost, turn right to continue following Shady Slope Trail. After .18 miles, turn right on Short Ridge Trail. Continue for .51 miles. Keep straight until you reach the signpost for Sandy Hill Trail, then turn right. Take Sandy Hill Trail for .73 miles, then cross through the cattle gate. Follow the path down past the baseball fields until you come to a soccer field, then turn right and follow the paved path along the edge of the field. At the end of the field, turn left on the paved path and walk for about 40 feet, then turn left again to take the stairs back to the parking lot.Show more

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offers 5,342 acres of wilderness and an expanded trail system that allows hikers and horseback riders to enjoy its remote and rugged areas. The park's size and terrain allow visitors a feeling of privacy and escape from urban hustle and bustle. Carry plenty of drinking water. Two major Bay Area faults--the Las Trampas and Bollinger faults--account for the uplift and exposure of four well-defined geological formations. The Orinda formation holds remnants of ancient beach and shoreline. The El Sobrante formation consists of several fossil-bearing compressed rock layers. The Pinole Tuff is of volcanic origin.Show more

This rugged loop joins all or parts of the Chamise, Las Trampas Ridge, Corduroy Hills, Madrone, Virgil Williams, Del Amigo, Sulphur Springs, Trapline and Mahogany trails, leading you through an amazing variety of terrain, from sun-baked chaparral to shady forest. Some of the best views in the East Bay of Mt. Diablo are to be found on this loop, which passes through a stunted forest of scrub oak and other interesting plant communities. No bicycles or horses allowed.Show more

Park at the end of Holbrook. Head up Sand Hill Trail, right on Short Ridge Trail, left just after fence to connect to Old Blackhawk Rd and turn left on Laurelwood to the end, straight on Tatcan Trail, left on Sand Hill, straight on Short Ridge, left on Shady Slope Trail back to park and turn left to parking lotShow more