Cull Canyon Cooldown

Hiking in Cull Canyon Regional Recreational Area

Home to shaded trails, shallow creek crossings, ridge-top breezes, and a 1.5-acre white sand swimming lagoon, Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a local’s summer playground. The best slice of paradise? A 10-mile out-and-back journey along the Chabot-to-Garin Trail, a segment of the 367-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail system. Begin from the Swim Lagoon parking lot on Cull Canyon Road and follow signage through a culvert beneath Columbia Drive. Summer sun streaks the undulating creekside path with dappled light as it filters through a canopy of oak and fragrant bay laurel.

Cross cool Cull Creek twice (severed stumps and fallen logs make excellent rest stops to dip your feet!) before climbing through a dense stand of trees. Views of Mount Diablo can be seen between the leaves before coming to a clearing at about 3 miles. The next section requires an easy-to-get EBMUD permit (see below in italics). Return the way you came, or continue north through the gate for an exposed 2 miles to Dinosaur Ridge. Unimpeded views of forested foothills and rolling knolls make this 1,100-foot apex the perfect turnaround. A post-hike lagoon swim awaits you at the bottom.

Park for free in Cull Canyon’s main Swim Lagoon lot on Cull Canyon Rd. and follow the Chabot-to-Garin Trail north across Columbia Dr. At around 3 miles, you’ll enter EBMUD land, which requires a permit. Continue north for 2 more miles to Dinosaur Ridge. Return the way you came to the Swim Lagoon and picnic area. Hours and fees. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View