Now that cooler fall weather is here, so many gorgeous trails are waiting to be explored. Many of these are spectacular in spring as well, but in the fall, there may be less people about.
Fall is also a good season for longer and more challenging routes given the more temperate weather (and longer days than in winter).
Here are five first-rate trails and parks that our staff members love to hike in the fall.
1. Mount Diablo State Park: The Grand Loop
View from the Grand Loop in Mount Diablo State Park. Photo: Ted Clement
If you’re looking for a challenging workout with even better views, the Grand Loop might be what you’re looking for!
On a clear day, you can see some sensational 360-degree scenery from this trail.
2. Mount Diablo: The Five (or Six!) Summit Challenge
Aerial view of Mount Diablo’s main peak. Photo: Cris Benton
If you were to ask us what the most challenging route in Mount Diablo State Park is, this one would be it. This all-day adventure covers five of Mount Diablo’s peaks, with a sixth optional one at the end.
This trail takes you through nearly every habitat on Mount Diablo, from streamside, shady oak woodland to sunny, dry chaparral.
3. Morgan Territory: Finley Road to Sulfur Springs Loop
View west along the Black Hills to Finley Road Ranch, which was purchased by the East Bay Regional Park District in 2023. Oyster Point, Jackass Canyon, and Riggs Canyon are on the right with Mount Diablo above. Photo: Scott Hein
Morgan Territory Regional Preserve is one of our favorite parks to visit in the fall. The Old Finley Road, Highland Ridge, Black Hills, and Sulfur Springs Loop takes you through beautiful, rolling hills with outstanding views.
In cooler fall weather, this trail is a great pick because it’s often sunny.
Currently, you can’t park at the end of Finley Road, but you can park 0.7 miles down the road and hike to the trailhead. The East Bay Regional Park District has plans to build a staging area close to the trailhead in the future.
4. Henry Coe: Frog Lake Loop Trail
Frog Lake in Henry Coe State Park is a good spot to watch for wildlife. Photo: infoeduc8r | CC BY
Henry W. Coe State Park is another of our fall favorites. Northern California’s largest state park, Henry Coe offers many satisfying or challenging routes to explore and spectacular scenery to savor.
At 4.5 miles and 698 feet in elevation gain, the Frog Lake Loop Trail is actually one of the easier routes in the park. The midpoint of the trail is Frog Lake, where you can watch for wildlife.
This trail is awesome in October and November.
5. Pinnacles: High Peaks Loop
Golden hour on the High Peaks Trail in Pinnacles National Park. Caveat: this photo was not taken in the fall. Photo: Joe Parks | CC BY-NC
Pinnacles National Park is another fabulous park to visit in the fall. We highly recommend the High Peaks Trail.
You could take the Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop or the High Peaks and Bear Gulch Trail Loop.
Both routes offer breathtaking views of varied terrain, are great for hiking or trail running, and are considered strenuous, the High Peaks and Bear Gulch Trail Loop especially so.
October and November are good months to hike in Pinnacles National Park, after summer’s heat has gentled.
Check out our regional trail map to find more great places to hike, run, see birds, bike, or ride horseback.
