Watching the sun rise or set from open space, immersed in the sounds of wildlife, can be a wonderful experience.
Spending time outdoors has innumerable physical and mental health benefits, but it can be hard for those with busy schedules to find the time.
These eight areas are perfect for quick hikes or runs that can be done before or after work. Some also allow mountain biking. They’re also great choices for evening or early morning walks during the warmer months of the year.
An outdoor adventure doesn’t need to be an all-day affair; some of the most beautiful views in the East Bay can be seen on short hikes, runs, or rides. Brighten your day with a quick visit to one of these eight places.
1. Lime Ridge Open Space
Lime Ridge Open Space at sunrise. Photo by Ted Clement
Great for mountain biking and hiking, a quick hike at Lime Ridge brings hikers through oak savannas with an abundance of lizards and birds. The sunlight hits this trail beautifully during sunrise and sunset, making the grass practically glow as you look out over the ridge above Walnut Creek.
Hikers can reach some of the best views early on if they start at the trailhead near CSU East Bay; Lime Ridge doesn’t require a lot of walking to enjoy some of the beautiful views that it has to offer.
It’s also a very popular location to go mountain biking! The wide yet winding trails and views make it perfect for a great ride.
2. Lafayette Ridge Trail in Briones Regional Park
Photo by Nikolai Gates Vetr / CC BY-SA
Get in a good workout with a view of Lafayette and the Diablo foothills on this steep trail. At the top, you can see a lot of the East Bay. It’s a stunning place to watch the sunset at any time of the year. Watch out for cows because they may be grazing in the area.
This part of Briones Regional Park is incredibly close to home for residents of Lafayette, Concord, and Pleasant Hill. For residents of these cities, it’s a great outdoor open space that’s practically in their backyards.
3. Shell Ridge Open Space from Howe Homestead Park
Oak at Shell Ridge. Photo by Stephen Joseph
Starting in the suburbs of Walnut Creek, this open space takes you through a scenic oak savanna and provides beautiful views of Mount Diablo. The trail snakes over and through rolling hills where birds such as golden eagles can be regularly seen.
Hikers on trails here can see ancient fossils from a time when it was at the bottom of the ocean. This area is one of the best places in the East Bay to learn about geologic history.
4. Mitchell Canyon
Sara orange-tip butterfly on fiddleneck in Mitchell Canyon. Photo by Scott Hein
Mitchell Canyon is a flat yet scenic hike with lots to see. It’s a good place to jog, bird watch, or ride your bike in the morning or evening at Mount Diablo State Park.
The trail is flat for the first mile and a half and then climbs steeply up to Juniper Campground in 5.3 miles or summits in 7.4 miles.
In the spring, this area blooms with a bounty of native flowers thanks to its proximity to Mitchell Creek. It has lots of rare and endemic wildflowers! There’s even a small trail named after the Mount Diablo globe lily here.
5. Sentinel Rock Starting at Rock City in Mount Diablo State Park
View from Sentinel Rock. Photo by Scott Hein
Get in a quick climb and scramble at Sentinel Rock!
Start at Rock City and head down the Sentinel Rock trail for about a mile until you reach the distinctive Sentinel Rock. It has stairs and railings carved into it so that it can be climbed safely. Those who do the quick climb to the top are rewarded with a stunning view of Mount Diablo’s backcountry.
Be aware that this route is more of a scramble than a hike in some spots; wear appropriate shoes and long sleeves—the trail can get narrow and is surrounded by a lot of Mount Diablo manzanitas and other shrubs.
6. Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area
Castle Rock. Photo by Stephen Joseph
An easy trail with an iconic view? You’ll get that here.
The trailhead off Castle Rock Road is a very popular hiking spot for numerous reasons. Hikers can enjoy a great view of Castle Rock about two and a half miles in; you can even enjoy it with your furry friends provided they’re on a leash.
It’s a great option for beginner hikers and families.
This park also has a public swimming pool and basketball courts not far from the trailhead.
7. Sugarloaf Open Space
You can find this beautiful spot tucked into the suburbs of Walnut Creek off Rudgear Road. Sugarloaf is generally quiet and ideal for a quick morning or evening hike. There are lots of picnic tables near the entrance under the oak trees.
The main trail takes hikers to the top of a ridge overlooking Highway 680; it provides an expansive view of Walnut Creek and its neighboring cities.
8. Burma Road in Mount Diablo State Park
Burma Road. Photo by Bob Brittain
Burma Road is great for a quick hike through the beauty of Mount Diablo. Situated along North Gate Road, it’s easy to access and enjoy in the morning or evening.
This fire road can be accessed at several points along North Gate Road; it stretches through Pine Canyon and connects to a lot of Mount Diablo’s open spaces.
Top photo by Scott Hein
