East Bay Shaded Hikes
Take one of these trails to beat the heat!
The summer sun can make hiking the East Bay’s open spaces a bit intimidating, especially when the temperature rises to triple digits. Before you decide to stay inside and watch reality shows, gather the family and head to one of these hikes—each has ample shade to keep you cool—in the many fabulous wild spaces of the East Bay Regional Park District.
Briones Regional Park
This massive open space between Martinez and Orinda is so secluded, you can imagine what the region was like before freeways and subdivisions were built. The park has miles of hiking trails and horseback riding options, but a great starter hike for families is the Bear Creek Trail. This easy, copiously shaded path can be found just inside the park’s Bear Creek Road entrance.
Diablo Foothills Regional Park
This stunning park is located at the end of Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek. Park in the staging area and hit the trail, which begins in a usually sunny spot (bring sunscreen), but leads to the forested Stage Road, a tranquil and shady hike with great views of the massive Castle Rocks. Stay on the scenic Castle Rock Loop Trail to explore the base of Mount Diablo, then return to your starting point.
George Miller Regional Trail
Named for the longtime U.S. representative who had a passion for environmental issues, this trail was formerly called Carquinez Scenic Drive and can be found between Port Costa and Martinez. The walk offers fantastic views of the Carquinez Strait, and the coastal breezes add an additional cooling effect to the many trees shading the paved hike (or ride, if a bike is your preferred transportation).
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Preserve
Start at the Ringtail Cat Trail, which can be found at the end of Alamo’s Hemme Avenue. The approximately mile-long trail ambles through gorgeous woods. Another path can be found by starting in the Bollinger Staging Area in San Ramon and taking the two-mile loop trail along the wooded creek beds through the preserve.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
This former explosives manufacturing plant is now a massive park next to the San Pablo Bay. With sandy beaches and miles of hiking trails shaded by a canopy of eucalyptus trees, Point Pinole is an ideal destination for dog owners who like to let their pups off leash.
Tilden Regional Park
Tilden Park has many shaded biking and hiking choices, with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay to the west and rolling hills to the east. Tilden also offers miniature steam train rides on the Orinda side of the park as well as a vintage carousel, if extra incentive is needed for your little ones.
Diablo Magazine, Angela Sasse