Go Nuts for It

Hike Among Chestnuts and Pines at Briones Regional Park

12.13.2018

Chestnuts and pines: two things that’ll put you in the holiday spirit! Find both on this 4.5-mile loop hike (or mountain bike ride) through the northeastern corner of Briones Regional Park.

Start your trek at the Alhambra Creek Staging Area (there’s a $3 fee if an attendant is on duty). Follow Orchard Trail for 0.8 mile through open hills dotted by distant oaks and vineyards. Break off onto Pine Tree Trail, rising onto a pine-covered ridge and following Briones Road to the Briones Road Staging Area. (If you’re on a mountain bike, follow Pine Tree Trail until it narrows. The wide multi-use trail will take you to Briones Road, where you can continue up the hill on the road to the Briones Road Staging Area.)

Continue along Old Briones Road Trail surrounded by tree-covered hillsides still showcasing fall colors. Be on the lookout for shiny chestnuts along this portion of the trail as you traverse a hillside for a mile before dropping into a densely wooded valley on Spengler Trail. Meander through lush woods and head left on Alhambra Creek Trail. If the creek’s running it’s an extra holiday treat.

Christmas Tree Bonus: Still haven't found your Christmas Tree? Check out Alhambra Christmas Tree Farm located on Reliez Valley Road, just 1.5 miles from the Alhambra Staging area parking lot.

The hike begins at Alhambra Creek Staging Area and crosses the Briones Road Staging Area. Both of these locations have drinking fountains and bathrooms. The trail may be muddy in spots. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View