Talk of the Town

Hike to Gossip Rock in the East Bay's Garin Regional Park

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).

From the Garin parking lot, head south toward Jordan Pond. This is a perfect picnic spot for families, and kids can spot frogs, newts, and coots from the wooden pier. Kite Field is located on the eastern shore of the pond and is a great place to kick back and watch colorful kites soar through the sky.

At the southern tip of the pond, turn right onto Dry Creek Trail. This path winds through the creek, cow pastures, and mossy forest. (Keep your map handy. There are some false trails along this section.)

At the intersection, turn left onto Meyers Ranch Trail, then right onto Pioneer Trail. Enjoy the last stretch of shady, wooded pathways before emerging into the open grasslands. Turn left on High Ridge Loop Trail to begin the steep ascent to the ridgeline. At the intersection with Gossip Rock Loop Trail, turn right to reach Gossip Rock. This massive boulder is a shady oasis, the perfect spot to soak up the views of rolling green hills or dish some dirt with a friend.

When you’ve gotten your fill of good gossip, head back to the intersection, and turn right on High Ridge Loop Trail. This scenic route offers beautiful views of San Francisco and Silicon Valley. It’s also a bird-watcher’s paradise, home to colorful western bluebirds and red-winged blackbirds.

Continue along High Ridge Loop Trail as it passes Kite Field and the historic Garin Barn Visitor Center (open June 18 to Labor Day) The trail leads directly to the parking lot.

Garin Regional Park is located at 1320 Garin Ave in Hayward. Map. The park’s springtime hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is a $5 parking fee, and $2 per dog. Bikes and horses welcome on marked trails.

Story by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View