Looking for an escape from the city and a great workout? This challenging hike provides all that and more as you traverse the hills of Morgan Territory!
The loop offers expansive views of Mount Diablo, rolling hills, and plenty of wildflowers to admire come spring.
Remember to stop and admire the view of Mount Diablo on this hike. Photo by Scott Hein
Morgan Territory Regional Preserve is a special place with a rich natural and cultural history.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Morgan Territory and its history, see our Audible Mount Diablo guide and Anne Marshall Homan’s book, The Morning Side of Mount Diablo.
Distance: Just under 8 miles (a little less if you don’t take the Prairie Falcon Trail option)
Elevation gain: 1,311 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Travel time: Three to seven hours
Trail surface: Dirt
Best season: Spring or fall
Hours: 5 AM to 10 PM unless otherwise posted
Managing agencies: East Bay Regional Park District
Address: 9401 Morgan Territory Road, Livermore, CA 94551
Trailhead location: Morgan Territory Staging Area
Parking: No fee
Dogs: Allowed
Description:
Start this hike at Morgan Territory Staging Area and head north onto Clyma Trail towards Morgan Backpack Camp. Stay on Clyma Trail for 1.6 miles until you reach the first left turn.
Take that trail to the Highland Ridge Trail, walk a little ways north, and then you’ll arrive at the camp!
Morgan Backpack Camp. Photo by Scott Hein
From Morgan Backpack Camp, this hike will take you along a route similar to the one that we traverse on the final day of our one-of-a-kind Four Days Diablo adventure.
Continue traveling north on the Highland Ridge Trail, then take a right to continue on northward the Highland Ridge Trail for another 0.95 miles until you reach the Eagle Trail.
Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. Photo by Cooper OgdenAfter 0.4 miles, you arrive at a point where the Eagle Trail and Volvon Trail meet. Here, we recommend you take a moment to enjoy the view and relax at the picnic area.
From here, head south on the Volvon Trail for 1.6 miles until you reach the Condor Trail.
If you want to enjoy some good views along the Volvon Trail, veer right and take a half mile walk along the Prairie Falcon Trail and stop at the Lost Lens Cap Overlook.
The Prairie Falcon Trail will reconnect with the Volvon Trail, so you can continue the hike without backtracking.
Once you reach the Condor Trail, keep hiking about 0.6 mile until you’re back where you started at the Morgan Territory Staging Area.
Morgan Territory Regional Preserve is a great place to enjoy the Diablo region’s spring wildflowers. Photo by Scott Hein
Explore this trail in April or May if you want to check out the Diablo region’s splendid wildflowers.
Los Vaqueros Reservoir, seen from Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. Photo by Scott Hein
Before heading out, you should check the weather, and make sure to always bring plenty of sun protection and water.
We hope you enjoy this hike! Check out our Mount Diablo regional trail map to get an in-depth look the hundreds of miles of trails the Diablo region has to offer.
