Beautiful hike in the Spring, and a bit hot and dusty in the Summer…read more Be aware, there are many ticks here in the Spring. I went hiking with my friends here in April, and both their dogs had tons of ticks crawling around in their fur. If you are hiking without dogs, tuck your pants or leggings into your socks and avoid the taller grass if you can. You can also spray tick repellent on your shoes and socks before starting. That usually does the trick. Very fun and laidback hike otherwise. We've been visiting this trail for years now, and always have a nice time. Great views, and rolling hills. Can't ask for much else, locally.

"Hot Dusty Trails, but Lots of Free Maps"…read more I love the East Bay Regional Park system, but this is probably my least favorite park. The main trails are just dirt tracks wide open to the elements. You can imagine how it is on a summer day out here. If you enjoy dusty, desert-like environments with no water, and dying of thirst, you'll love this park. I try to come here once a year. Honestly, that's enough. Besides the main staging area, there are a few tricky entrances to the park. In the California Highlands condo complex, there are a few trails that eventually lead into this park. Keep in mind that those entrances are not open to bikes. I found out the hard way. There is an interesting side trail called Donlon Point. I believe it's the highest point in the park. There's a good view up there, plus lots of cow material. There is drinking water and a modern restroom at the staging area. Additionally, there are plenty of free maps at the gate. That's one great thing about the East Bay Park system. They are not stingy about giving out free maps. The day that I visited, the parking lot was nearly empty. You will not have trouble finding a parking spot. On the other hand, there's probably a good reason for that. As a local alternative, I recommend Las Trampas. The trails there are more interesting. Check out the Camille trailhead in Alamo.

If you happen to be looking for FitBit steps in the Tri-Valley area, here's a relatively manageable…read moreoption to consider. I came here only because the road up to the Mt. Diablo summit was closed for renovation and well, I had time to walk and not the space. I rolled down 680 and discovered this area somewhat hidden among the upscale homes of San Ramon. There are just five miles of trails, but your thighs will get a decent workout from the hillside climbs on the Grey Fox Trail. I walked the length of the Red Hawk Trail on the ridgetop where I took in Mt. Diablo in the distance on one side and fancy tract homes and easily agitated barking dogs on the other. I hit the end when I saw a wooden cross on the hill (photo: https://bit.ly/3t6Dh9i). There was no explanation for its haunting appearance, so I just headed back and turned onto the woodsy and bug-ridden Stream View Trail just to get more variety in my walk. The loose gravel made it more challenging to scale than I expected, but it was over with pretty quickly. But damn, I fell short of my step goal. I think my watch was laughing at me. I hate when that happens. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

"Small Park good for hikers of all abilities."…read more This is one of the smallest Open Space Preserves in the entire East Bay Park system. Even I could not manage to get lost here. There's just a few main trails, and usually you can pick up a trail map at the entrance. Today, all the maps were gone for some reason. I don't believe there is any water or restroom facilities in the entire park, so keep that in mind. Easy, free parking on Morgan drive right next to the trailhead. Today, there were a surprisingly large number of hikers. I didn't notice the park was closed until I exited. For some reason they have closed it down because of the virus emergency. Seems odd, since the county is encouraging outside activity. So overall, a decent park. It's nice to have this small park in our community.

Started from Dublin and ended up here! Very nice and well kept trail for dog walking or biking,…read moresurprising amount of vegetation and tree for shade throughout. Not a strenuous hike by any means but more a suburban hike where you end up in a San Ramon neighborhood. It's quiet and not too populated which I appreciate!

The Alamo Creek Trail is a peaceful and scenic walk through San Ramon residential area. Officially…read morethe trail begins behind Dougherty Station Community Center and Diablo Valley College and ends near Piccadilly Square Park. Also, the trail has multiple trailhead access points throughout the many residential areas this trail weaves through. The majority of the trail is concrete and eventually becomes an earthen trail starting east of Japonica Way. There are also lovely parks along the way and dog friendly terrain. Always love going on this trail and seeing where it takes me!

HEMME CREEK TRAIL REVIEW: First time on this trail and it's easily one of my top 10 trails in the…read moreBay Area. You can park at the Ringtail Cat Staging Area, where there's about 8-10 parking spots. This trail is a loop that takes you literally through a stream. It's lush and woodsy, and there's a pretty steep elevation before you get a breather through a meadowy field of trees and grass. It wasn't crowded, so we took our time and enjoyed the Zen-ness of our hike. From the parking area, there's about a 1/4 mile path before you reach a metal gate where the loop begins. If you go right, you'll start with the Shred Wizard Creek part of the loop. If you go left, you'll start with the Ringtail Cat part of the loop. It's about 3 miles with a 720 foot elevation. There aren't many markers, so I recommend using AllTrails to keep you on track. We started with the creek, and it was so fun. The trail zig zags over the stream at least 25 times. There was one part of the trail where you had to walk in the stream, but it's so shallow we didn't get our socks wet at all. It can be a bit muddy. This was our favorite part of the hike. It's so green and lush. Once the creek part is done, there's a pretty steep climb to get to the Ringtail Cat part of the loop. This part is also very nice as you walk through grassy fields and trees. There's less shade here. There's still more hills and valleys along this part. Overall, this was so much fun, the scenery was beautiful, and you get quite a workout.

Went Sunday afternoon to get some exercise and fresh air…read more Paved Rocky Ridge Trail - AllTrails rate it as moderate and steep. Definitely steep, pass by some grazing cows, minimal shade which was fine on cloudy day but I can imagine this to be quite hot in summer. Great view on top of Mt Diablo and SF Bay. Free entry/parking. Pit toilets at parking lot.

Every time I come here, I see more I like…read more Today, I started my running at independence park, ran over to this parking lot and went for a beautiful 5 mile run. Don't forget to say hi to the riendly volunteer at the main entrance to the park

Today is cloudy . We stoped by the Sycamore Valley Park and was impressed by how beautiful it is …read more It has nice landscaping with trails that lead to different area of the park. We did not go further in to the hiking area . Plenty of car parks . Public restrooms with supplies are near by the children playground . Lots of pickle tables and BBQ grilled . This is a great location for a birthday party or friends gathering. A little further down are the beautiful fountain and a heart shaped pond . Lovely plantations and trees are omit . A few chairs . Perfect spot for photo shoots for groups or for small family. It is going to have more sun the next few days . I could imagine how beautiful this park would be with sunshine and blue sky !

STAR JASMINE, MONARCH RIDGE LOOP TRAIL REVIEW: I found this short, easy trail on All Trails. There…read morewere no signs anywhere, so if it weren't for the navigation on the All Trails app, I wouldn't have known this existed. It's a 2.2 mile, easy walk/hike behind some homes and loops you back to Red Willow Park. The walk is fine, but there's nothing interesting to view, and you can hear the cars nearby so you don't get that out-in-nature feel. The park itself looks nice. There's a little playground with a slide and some swings. There were a few picnic tables with a bbq grill. Looks very clean, and there was no one around on a Saturday morning. We only passed by the park, so this rating is strictly for the trail.

Red Willow Park is a sweet little park at the end of a cul de sac that could be easily missed!…read moreThere a few parking spots and the park is fully loaded with a playground, picnic benches, and bathrooms. I came here to participate in one of the San Ramon hiking challenges, unfortunately there aren't clearly marked signs for the trail, so you kinda just have to follow the trail. The SR hiking challenge has it as a 2.24 mile hike starting at red willow park and then descending with hidden crest loop. Apparently hidden crest loop was really hidden since I couldn't find it! Haha. There were different trails in different directions, but without clear markings and the higher grass like trees it didn't feel like a good idea. You can find the short trail and back right after passing the bathrooms. You start with a steep incline at first, but nothing too major. Once you get to the highest part of the incline, remember to turn around and take in that beautiful view! Along the way you'll see flowers and wildlife such as unique birds. Spring is the perfect time since everything is so green and in full bloom. A word of caution, stay in the middle of the path since getting too close to the outside with high trees, you may find some other wildlife! I did run into a couple of tiny garden snakes when I wasn't on the middle of the path, but they were harmless and merely trying to get away into the bushes. The mantra I kept repeating was that they are more afraid of you then you are of them! Regardless, stay on the path! Definitely a park that should be explored if you're ever in the area!

Super park Perfect for a quick hike outdoors with kids !…read moreRock formations are unique and the scenery is pretty

Fun area to explore especially with kids. Wind caves and giant rocks to climb. There's a trail to…read morefollow called Travel Through Time. Easy but rocky. Not for flip flops. Clean public restrooms nearby.

Sequoians is an inclusive body-positive space for all ages, genders, and body types (including…read morepost-surgery or modified bodies)! It's an overall pretty chill space with a clubhouse, bocce ball, hiking, and pool/hot tub. It's member-only, and the community is tight-knit and welcoming. We have been members for the last year, and my girls (9,7,5) love going. They are treated with incredible love and respect by all the members and there are currently several families with kids, ranging from 5-14 years old. Yes, it's naked. Yes, you will see naked people. Yes, you will be naked! Kids under 18 do not have to be naked if they don't want to, but adults are expected to be clothes-free most of the time. Let me tell you why Sequoians is walking the walk on inclusivity, and why it isn't creepy. 1) Creepiness is gross and bad for all ages; sexualizing kids is wrong, full stop. 2) Creepiness is bad for business! Getting accused of improper activities is bad for business! Sequoians, and nudists in general, have a vested interest in keeping their spaces safe for everyone. 3) Inclusivity is more fun! More people can be included and feel safe, and that feels good. Therefore: Sequoians makes a big deal of vetting potential members, and everyone is educated about body positivity and etiquette. You see consent engagements in real life, in terms of playing with the kids, hanging out in shared spaces, keeping spaces clean, and working together for the benefit of everyone. Everytime we do out there, my kids say "ohhhhh we love it here!" and I do too. If you are interested in learning more, please read the website. And come visit!

Great judgement free spot!…read more Every member I have met has been friendly, helpful and welcoming. The location is somewhat remote - and no cell service is a bonus. I really enjoy being in nature and hearing nothing but birds and wildlife. That said, it is a bit busier on the weekends, but not rowdy. Wonderful place to remove clothing and be in nature. If you're interested in gawking at naked members of the opposite sex, save your time and go to a strip club.