Briones Bountiful!

Hike to Big Views at Briones Regional Park in the East Bay

03.03.2021

As the outdoors are becoming an escape for everyone, one local park seems to remain a great spot for getting outside with as much space as possible. With over 6,000 acres of rolling hills teeming with trails, Briones Regional Park has a classic route to see almost all of what the park has to offer. This 7-mile circuit passes the two highest points in the park, Mott’s Peak and Briones Peak. 

Start at the Bear Creek Staging Area and follow Old Briones Road Trail to the Valley Trail, getting beautiful views of the surrounding green hillsides. After exiting the valley, take a left onto the Briones Crest Trail to continue your climb. After reaching Briones Peak, continue left on the Briones Crest Trail across the nearly flat plateau. Here you get vast views of the Carquinez Strait.

After a slight descent, follow the junction to the right and then again to the left to remain on the Briones Crest Trail. Shortly after passing a small pond, Mott’s Peak will be in your sights, which can be summited by taking a small footpath on your left. After returning to the Briones Crest Trail, the remaining 3.3 miles of your hike continues through varied open terrain with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. 

This hike begins and ends at the Bear Creek Staging Area off Bear Creek Rd. The trail can be quite muddy so it is best hiked on a dry day without precipitation the day before. Map of the park. Some restrooms are unlocked at the staging area; however, no water is available. Dog-friendly! 

Story and photos by Brad Hyland, @bradhylandphotography

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. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. 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

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View