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Ygnacio Canal Trail

4.7 (3 reviews)

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Las Trampas Regional Wilderness - Trails on trails on trails

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

4.5(150 reviews)
6.0 km

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.

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Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

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Iron Horse Trail

Iron Horse Trail

4.0(47 reviews)
5.0 km

First let me say that this trail is far from uniform from one part to another. The northern portion…read morenear Concord COULD be scenic if all the encampments and trash was cleared out. This portion, miles 0-4, was recently repaved However there are no restrooms along this section. Miles 4-8 can be very congested with people walking dogs and pushing strollers. Even sections with "pedestrian only access" are largely unused and the multi purpose trail has most of the traffic. Miles 8-14 are not very scenic. Mostly backyards. Lots of cross streets making cycling less enjoyable. Miles 14-20 are more backyards and several more cross streets. There are a few narrow bridges over small creeks. Miles 20-24 are fairly industrial. The trail is much cleaner and better patrolled from Walnut Creek south. North is a totally different story. One park employee told me he thought I was brave to ride on that section of the trail. Not a place for families for sure.

I absolutely adore the Iron Horse Trail. Been walking and running this trail for many years now,…read moreand it's still just as beautiful as the first time that I stepped upon it. The entire trail measures roughly 32 miles one way and stretches from Concord all the way to Pleasanton. I've only been on the Concord/Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek side, but my dream has always been to traverse the entire trail in increments over time. The trail is a flat paved path that will take you through a plethora of parks, connecting trails, under freeway overpasses, and through a few tunnels. There is always greenery on the trail, no matter what season it is. It's not particularly challenging and there aren't any inclines, but it's perfect for a casual stroll or a long distance run. At any given time, you'll witness people walking their dogs and pushing strollers. Many people train for marathons and long distance running here. It's a wonderful family friendly and community driven trail that feels very safe. What I enjoy most about traversing this trail are the stunning views that I'm graced with every single time that I'm here. This trail has truly exposed me to the beauty of Contra Cost County. So many gorgeous wild flowers and lush vegetation. An ample amount of rampant wildlife. The most beautiful and peaceful community parks. Entrancing Views of the nearby communities. You will get to experience all of this along the Iron Horse Trail. People are so friendly on this trail. You tell get a sense of community here. There are also many bikers that use this trail too. There are several rest benches and doggie pooh pickup stations. You always see a trash can nearby to encourage cleanliness. There are mile markers on the main trail, and a second path that also runs parallel to the main path for most of the duration. It's a great place to clear your mind and to breathe in the fresh local air. Walking down this trail has gotten me through some tough times in the past, and it's filled with so many memories. So grateful to have this local gem practically in my backyard.

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Iron Horse Trail - Crossing over the bridge in Walnut Creek

Crossing over the bridge in Walnut Creek

Iron Horse Trail
Iron Horse Trail - Bridge

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Coastal View Trail

Coastal View Trail

5.0(1 review)
45.3 km

After you ride the Coastal View trail, you will want to sell your earthly goods and then donate the…read moreproceeds to the GGNRA and then devote yourself to mountain biking full time. Really, join me! We'll make it work! We'll live on thistles and spring water, and we'll dance with the butterflies! Oh, never mind, we need beer money...but do check out this trail...I pretty much guarantee you'll love it. Here's my loop: West Blithedale trailhead, up Old Railroad Grade to West Point Inn, past the Inn to Old Stage Road trail, down to Pantoll campground, (through the parking lots) to Coastal View trail, ride Coastal View all the way to Highway 1. Then turn left, ride carefully on Hwy 1 to the Pelican Inn, and have your friend guard the bikes while you get a pot of tea to drink out on the lawn. Then lug your tired rear up Diaz Ridge trail back to Mill Valley and don't hate on me for getting you to a place that's downhill from where you want to be. Alternate plan: Get your friend's husband, who has a truck, to pick you up. Say yes to hitchhikers 'cause that might be you one day and you think you know them maybe a little. But I guess I should review the trail itself: Coastal View is absolutely magnificent. The word 'magnificent' is not an exaggeration, which I am prone to, but not in this case. Single track (but not the scary next-to-a-cliff-you-might-die type of single track) that progresses from wooded bits near Pantoll, to an exposed path, to a Disney-couldn't-design-a-trail-that-looks-this-good segment that winds through some low trees (duck! you might get wet if it's misty), then out to views of the coast (or the fog, depending on your luck). Go with a friend so you can keep saying, "Oh my gosh! This is great! And there's no one on the trail!"* Tons of wildflowers in the spring and great photo ops if you're into that--I am always so blissed out that I forget about photos. Bonus photo op at Muir Beach overlook right off of Highway 1. *OK, you may see a few others on Coastal View trail. On my most recent ride, we saw a single runner (that's it!) from Pantoll to Hwy 1. That said, don't rush it, savor it. Look out for bunnies. PS Yes, you could hike this, too, but I never have. I'm sure it's just as nice on foot. PPS the only place you might lose your way is just past Pantoll, but watch for the signs and I think it is clear.

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Coastal View Trail
Coastal View Trail
Coastal View Trail

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Sugarloaf Open Space - Gorgeous here in morning or at sunset

Sugarloaf Open Space

3.5(14 reviews)
2.9 km

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.

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Sugarloaf Open Space
Sugarloaf Open Space - Roasted on an Open Fire

Roasted on an Open Fire

Sugarloaf Open Space - Restrooms

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Restrooms

Ygnacio Canal Trail - hiking - Updated June 2026

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