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. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View