I love me some Lime Ridge. Why it's taken me so long to review this beautiful open space is beyond…read moreme. But I'll tell ya that I hold this place near and dear to my heart. This is one of my local faves. The hiking trails seem to the endless. In late winter and early spring, the hills are so amazingly green that it looks fake. I've hiked here during all seasons, day and night. It's always beautiful here, even in the dead of hawt ass summer. I just LOVE dem hills! The hillsides cannot be touched at Lime Ridge. My favorite trail to hike here is the California Riding and Hiking Trail. I usually start at the intersection of the Ygnacio Canal and Contra Costa Canal Trail near Citrus Ave. This trail starts off with a long and steep hill. Many runners train on this hill to increase their endurance. I love it because it challenges me. I'll usually start here and loop around through a couple of other trails. What's nice is that you can go on for miles or just get a short quick hike in. There's so much versatility. The best time to come is during the spring. The spring greens and bright wild flowers and so abundant during this time. Plus, it won't be scorching hot like it is during the summer time. If I do decide to hike here in the summer, it's usually early in the morning or right before sunset. There's absolutely no shade on these trails, so take precautions and bring lots of water. Also, the summertime can bring bugs and those bloodsucking mosquitoes. Bug spray in the summer as well as sunscreen will keep your skin happy. Lately, the trails have been much busier because of quarantine. However, people respectfully keep their distance on the trails and many also wears masks as well. I tend to stick to the same trails which don't seem to be as busy as the ones that are located deeper into Walnut Creek. Either way, it's still worth a visit because the trails are so versatile.

Hiked Sat 3/13/21 at Lime Ridge Open Space, 47 min drive from my house in Fremont. Free parking in…read moremedium size parking lot & on the street. Across the street is Boundary Oak Golf Course where we used their bathrooms (by Taphouse) cuz none at Lime Ridge. We turned Right at Ohlone Trail gate, passing houses in Walnut Creek. Saw a nice pond with lots of water, climbed up, was on private property land, had to go under the fence to get on park land. Did Manzanita Trail, Lime Ridge Trail, went by a bench and near it is summit marker elev 1,986, Blue Oak Trail, Ohlone Trail, went under tunnel, Lone Oak Trail, Savannah Trail, saw Bayberry Pond (was Dry), went through a lower tunnel, Blue Oak Trail. Ohlone Trail & Ygnacio Canal Link if u climb up a few time and keep going you'll find a labyrinth! We saw it didn't go down to walk it, that would have been nice! Blue Oak Trail to Ohlone Trail back to car. Long day we started 9:10am finished 3:30pm.

3 hours on the lime ridge South loop…read more Amazing short hike on lime ridge. Trail was dry and clear. Views are amazing. You'll get a lot more out of this hike if you read up on the geology. This open space is absolutely covered with earthquake faults. Find a interactive geology map and vou'll be able to track your footsteps over the faults. Watch out for bikes because thev are speeding around. But bike riders were ultra friendly. A bit startled by gunshots toward the end of the hike, but I'm assuming, based on the lack of law enforcement. there is a shooting range somewhere nearby. For this hike there are tons of parking places around the Gulf Club.

"Just okay." I have…read morehiked many of the Lime Ridge trails around Treat boulevard. The trails are usually well-marked, and well maintained. There is little if any trash on any of the trails. Thanks to the park rangers and making its team for doing a great job. Most of the trail are on plain, unpaved dirt roads. They're okay, but there are better options. I like Shell Ridge better. Keep in mind there are no facilities in the park. At least, I have never come across any. On the other hand, everything is free. So overall, a good asset to our community.

I've lived near Howe Homestead Park for many years but only recently discovered it when driving…read moredown Walnut. While in and of itself it's a small park, it's a convenient and less crowded jumping off point to the Kovar trail leading in to Shell Ridge Open space and endless hiking loops. There is a small lot and water fountains and restroom facilities (fountains and bathroom currently closed due to COVID precautions.) The park itself is rather small but features a few pieces of old farming equipment, some benches to sit and relax on and a nice large lawn for dogs and kids to run around on. Adjoining it is also a community garden which was fun to walk around and see what neighbors are planting. It's a cute little neighborhood park perfect for coming to relax and read a book or to find an easy parking spot for hikes in to Shell Ridge. Love that I can walk here and spend some time enjoying this small, local green space. Review #16 of 100 goal review in 2021

Love has struck me yet again... and it's right here at this adorable park. A hidden discovery that…read moreI will now bask in until my darkest days... or at least until it becomes unbearably overcrowded. Howe Homestead Park is a small recreational park tucked right behind the streets of downtown Walnut Creek. I would have never guessed that a little park like this would be hidden only a few miles from the downtown area that I so often frequent. Coming down Ygnacio Valley Rd from Concord, you can reach this park by simply turning left on Walnut Blvd and keeping straight until you reach a small parking lot on the left hand side. I first came here on a warm Saturday afternoon, and there was virtually no cars parked in the lot. Parking is free and there is a little path that will lead you to the park. The park itself is small with many preserved antiques set along its' path like an old farming wagon and beekeeper boxes. There are a few benches where people can relax and have a nice picnic. The bathroom is immaculately clean, and there's also a beautiful community garden along the path behind the park. Perhaps, what is the most compelling aspect of this park for me is the Kovar hiking trail that leads you to the back of Shell Ridge open space. Once you pass the garden, you will see a badly degrading sign that will faintly read "Kovar Trail". You can follow this trail all the way up until you reach the top of a hill with a three-way trail intersection. I veered to the right and ended up going up some mini steep inclines. There's a beautiful viewpoint where you can see all of Walnut Creek, the beautiful rolling hills, and the highway 24 and 680 freeway. I kept going up until I reached a point where I could see tons of trails! It's a peak where you can see all of the various trails centered on Shell Ridge open space. At this point you'll begin to descend downward, however it can be quite dangerous. I'm not really into rock climbing, but I actually found myself doing this while trying to make my way down. Unfortunately, I got too afraid of slipping and took my ass back up the rock and back down the hills to the park. It's a great workout but I advise that you go early or bring LOTS of water because it gets HOT! I was drenched and extra tired because of the heat. This trail is one that is less traveled, making it more enjoyable for you to really soak up the views. I'm so happy that I discovered this amazing little hidden gem, and I can't wait to go back to hike a new trail next time around!

Now that I'm such a seasoned hiker (tongue firmly in cheek), I can say with some temerity that I…read morefound this mile-long trail a bit, shall we say, short. I don't mind short trails, but I had to fill up my daily step requirement elsewhere and headed over to Briones for that purpose. That's not to say this trail wasn't worthwhile. It most definitely was as the 13% grade wasn't insurmountable. It allowed nice views of the Carquinez Strait and Mount Diablo at the top. The circuitous trails were surrounded by various oak trees and wildflowers. I made an attempt at following the riding trail that goes through a gamey tunnel under the highway, but it made a dramatic climb which deflated my unearned self-image of a seasoned hiker. Regardless you can see why John Muir took pleasure in taking his daughters with him through these hills. Wanda was the name of his eldest daughter. The trailhead is directly to your right at the Alhambra Avenue exit off Hwy 4. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

When the dog and I need a good hike that isn't too far from home and we can do in a reasonable…read moreamount of time, we come to Mt. Wanda. My man and I are hiking here every other weekend at least. The dog loves it. We recently did the Full Moon Hike that is put on by the Rangers. The kids tagged along. Its free and one of the few times you're allowed on the Mt. during the night. The kids had a wonderful time meandering around in the dark. It was fun to be out of our element with flashlights. The moon was beautiful. The only negative is ticks. We went hiking on Thanksgiving morning with our dog and proceeded to pull seven ticks off our dog. The most yet. Wear bug spray and make sure that your dog is properly protected. Morning, noon or night this is a great hike to take.

I did myself a favor and started purchasing yearly parking passes for the reservoir, so I don't…read morehave to deal with the parking meters anymore. The Lafayette Reservoir is one of the most peaceful places I have ever been. Love it here.

Lafayette Reservoir is a beautiful local park! And there is so much parking and bathrooms with…read moretoilet paper and soap! That's honestly way more than I was expecting. The parking lot we parked in had a max 2 hour limit, which isn't enough time to walk the entire perimeter of the reservoir but it looks like there are other lots that don't have as much time restrictions. Beautiful little walk - not much of a hike because of the paved path, but it's a nice distance and has beautiful views. We would definitely come back again.

In 1974, Walnut Creek residents passed a measure to protect some of its open space for future…read morerecreation. If they hadn't done that, then Sugarloaf would be filled with McMansions. Instead, this former walnut orchard is a medium-sized preserve where you can get a breather. Or really exercise and get out of breath. It's not the great adventure that Shell Ridge is, but it's good enough. It doesn't take much to see it all. It's the workout, views, and break from the normal routine that count. Trails go up to the top of the ridge, where you have a gorgeous view of I-680 traffic. Turn around, though, and you have a better view of the city and Mt. Diablo. Sugarloaf has more amenities that add value. Next to the large parking lot is a large picnic area, which works well for 50 people. Surprisingly, you can also camp here, just make a reservation with the Parks & Rec office. Amphitheater that's rarely used. Be warned that there's little shade when you get beyond the walnut trees. Water is never far away, but be prepared. Enjoy yourself.

Sugarloaf Open Space was mentioned in a prior review as being one of "Walnut Creek's best kept…read moresecrets". I can agree with that HALF-heartedly; yes, it's very secluded and it's not a well known open space. However, it doesn't offer much as far as scenic views are concerned. There are a few decent views of other trails on the hills and Mount Diablo, but other than that... the only other thing that one might call "exciting" about this trail is that you can see the 680 freeway. Not sure about you, but that's not all that exciting to me. What Sugarloaf DOES offer is a mix of great short but heart pumping trails that will work those gluties. I started off on the Ridge top trail which began with a small but steady incline. The whole trail is a mix of hills that go up and down, but it's nothing strenuous. Those hills will get you though, and soon you will feel it all throughout your legs and backside. What made it a little more challenging for me was the high heat and minimal shade along the trails. I would recommend coming in the early morning to beat the heat because it will definitely slow you down. And with minimal shade, you will be making a few more water stops than usual. There are a few benches along the way, but they are few and far between. The Ridge Top Trail is a little over a mile long and ends behind the back of a residence. You'll reach the end when you see a gate and a private residence trail. Ridge Top intersects with many other small trails, most of which will take you back down to the entrance. I wanted to continue the hike and decided to take the Bottom Spring trail. The trail will take you along side the 680 freeway and it also ends behind a residential area. Warning: only about 1/3 of this trail is actually fully paved. The rest of it consists of very uneven terrain! I would suggest wearing good shoes for ankle support if you choose to hike this trail. However, I have to add that it was really quite boring... nothing really to see except for the 680 freeway. I wouldn't recommend taking the Bottom Spring trail unless you really want to explore, but it was really annoying because I had to slow my speed to watch where I stepped. One fun observation though, were all of the dragon flies that I saw. I must have seen about 20 of them roaming around and it was really neat. I didn't see the Sugarloaf to Shell Ridge trail until after I was done hiking, but that trail is probably way more exciting that the others that I tried. Overall, it's decent and there weren't many people at all on this trail... I'm talking only TWO other people, and one guy wasn't even hiking; he was just chilling on the bench. If you like super secluded trails, then this one might be for you. I would be open to coming back to hike the Sugarloaf to Shell Ridge trail, but otherwise I think I'll choose local options before Sugarloaf.

The waterfall Loop of Mt Diablo is categorized as moderate 8 mile hike. I would say that's pretty…read moreaccurate. Park at the visitor center and get a paper map if you don't have a digital map. Fairly easy to follow all the markers. I wish they were all marked by numbers but they're not. The scenery is nice and lots of shade throughout the hike. Many of the roads are narrow and slippery. Hiking poles and good hiking boots are important. The waterfall was mini in beginning of December 2025 but there was a steady stream. Entire hike takes about 4-4-.5 hours to finish. Some steep inclines but not too grueling. Pay parking via QR code and a cc.

I really enjoyed this hike, it had views, wildflowers, streams with running water, and was a good…read moreworkout. I followed the All Trails version of the trail which took around 4 hours and was 8 miles. The hike was moderate to hard because there were some steep parts and parts that were rocky and easy to slip. I'd recommend hiking boots. To see the waterfalls I think the best time to go is Jan-early May but that's even pushing it. By May there are still wildflowers, but the brush is starting to turn brownish, and the water is drying up quick. Probably the most ideal picturesque time for this hike would be early March after a rain. I'd avoid it in the summertime unless you live in the desert and are used to hiking in high temperatures.

We came here a couple weeks ago after a story time at the library, as luck would have it, 4H was…read moreonsite. The young man was so kind to my toddler, he not only explained to her what he was doing, he let her feed some of the animals. My little was over the moon and keeps telling me how she wants to go feed animals again.

A local favorite! Old Borges Ranch is a peaceful step back in time hidden right in the Northgate…read morearea. It's well-known for being a great educational spot for kids to interact with farm animals like rabbits and goats, but don't stop at the ranch fences. The spring hiking here is incredible. The hills turn a vibrant green, and the atmosphere is so serene that it's just you, the birds, and the occasional cow. The trek through the different ecosystems is beautiful, and the panoramic views at the top are worth every step. A perfect escape for anyone looking to trade the city sounds for rolling hills and fresh air.