All Stories from East Bay
Devilishly Hairy
Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo.
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Berkeley Cool
The Bay Area’s coolest place to go this summer? Berkeley’s your basecamp! Say goodbye to summer heat and hello to cooler experiences. From its chill college town energy to the refreshing ocean breeze.
View East Bay Bike With Blossoms
Spring wildflowers are in full bloom on this 15.5-mile bicycle loop through the East Bay that begins at charming Heather Farm Park and features plenty of scenic highlights.
ViewTalk of the Town
We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).
ViewDouble Up on Diablo
Set the tone for 2024 with this twofer summit hike at Mount Diablo State Park. Embark on a 7-mile out-and-back up Mount Olympia and Diablo’s lesser-known summit, North Peak.
ViewTaking 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.
ViewPleasanton Surprise
Huge views and fiery fall colors await just minutes away from downtown Pleasanton on this 7-mile hike through Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park.
ViewTombstones and Tarantulas
Forget black cats; a randy tarantula crossing your path can really get your heart racing. So can spirits in a cemetery! Visit Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and learn about these misunderstood spiders, plus pay a visit to the Rose Hill Cemetery, where ghosts are said to exist.
ViewBiking the Best of Livermore Valley
A perfect day is just a bike ride away in Livermore Valley. From wine pours and beer tastings to BMX courses to sandy beaches, it all goes down smooth on two wheels with this 13-mile hidden gem of a loop through Livermore and Pleasanton.
ViewOh, Brother!
Spending the night on a tiny island in the Bay? Intriguing. Spending the night in a lighthouse perched on that island? Sound the foghorn! East Brother Light Station Bed & Breakfast sits on a small patch of land in the strait that separates San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.
ViewSippin’ on the Dock of the Bay
Definition of a relaxing summer day? Sipping bubbly and sampling wines right on the bay! Riggers Loft is a hidden gem located in the historic Richmond Shipyard.
ViewKeller Hike-in
Hike in to Keller Beach Park in the East Bay on this this 3.5-mile adventure through Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline.
ViewFeather in Your Cap!
Sure, the main summit of Mount Diablo offers one of the best views in the state, but if you’d rather hike than drive to a summit, lace up your boots for the mountain’s spectacular—and less-traveled—Eagle Peak.
ViewDiamonds of Diablo
With its looming peak and devilish name, it’s hard to imagine Mount Diablo having a softer side. But winter’s rains bring an unexpected boon: four watery cascades spill off the mountain’s northern flank.
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The Holiday Spirit of San Ramon
From a holiday ice rink and mistletoe hikes to outdoor fire pits for cozy winter nights, here’s your San Ramon holiday getaway guide
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Unexpected Hiking Vacation
Ready for a local hiking vacation—one that’s unexpected, hassle-free, and comes with bonuses like spas and delicious nearby dining?
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Secrets of San Ramon
Sometimes the best secrets are right under your nose, or at least where you might not be looking! San Ramon is close enough to travel without hassle yet takes you far from the daily grind.
View Plateau Perfection
Set deep in the East Bay hills, Vargas Plateau Regional Park is a secluded grassland that’s home to several endangered and threatened species. Hike a 4-mile loop of the Bay Area Ridge Trail here.
ViewBay Biking
Cesar Chavez Park is a well-loved East Bay Regional Park with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay, and the newly opened Brickyard Cove at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park makes a terrific connection for a glorious bay-side trail pedal.
ViewCarr Ranch
Can’t decide between an epic hike or a relaxing nature walk? The 8.3-mile Carr Ranch Trail loop in the East Bay’s Contra Costa County is the perfect hike for rugged adventurers with a soft side.
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The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!
Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
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