Pleasanton Pursuit

The rolling green hills of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park are bringing an extra burst of color this spring—wildflowers hidden in the emerald grasses are popping up and should soon be in full bloom (give or take rains!). Enjoy a 4.8-mile loop (and loping) hike among this park’s 5,271 acres.

Specks of lavender and baby blue wildflowers paint parts of this wide-open trail that skims the park’s oak-studded border. Midway an impressive olive grove planted in the early 1900s still stands and makes a nice spot for a picnic break. Continue up the ridge to 1,600 feet and gain views of Pleasanton and the Livermore Valley from the west.

It’s also a great way to survey the flourish of flowers: blue-eyed grass, lupine, poppies, and redmaids color the landscape. You may share the trail with other trekkers and mountain-bikers taking in the vibrant terrain, but the trail grows more solitary the deeper you dip in.

This hike departs from the Foothill Staging Area. Take Oak Tree Trail for 0.15 mile, and turn left on to Woodland Trail. At the top of Woodland, you'll reach a three-way fork. Continue straight to Olive Grove Trail, then take Ridgeline Trail, and Thermalito Trail to loop back around toward the trailhead where you began. For a detailed map, see the park's website. Dog-friendly!