Del Valle Daytrippin'

Reservoir to Ridgetop Hike in Livermore

Livermore is popular for its tasty wines, but it has another liquid asset for a triple-play summer day. Head to the East Bay’s Del Valle Regional Park for a reservoir-to-ridge hike, a scenic boat ride, and some beach time.

From the boat launch area, start hiking on the East Shore Trail. This 3.3-mile hike covers a scenic portion of the 16-mile shoreline and surrounding hillsides. Take the second right onto the Hetch Hetchy Trail (marked by a bathroom!) and hike uphill, soaking in the golden valley views. A bench near the top is a nice spot for catching your breath. At the top, keep left to meet up with the Ridgeline Trail and hike across a narrow ridge with beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding oak-dotted valley before descending back to the shoreline. Make your way back to East Beach for a picnic or a dip in the lake, or rent a pontoon or pedal boat, or go on a history boat tour of the lake.

CAMP HERE: Make a reservation to camp at one of Lake Del Valle’s 150 sites.

The hiking trail offers minimal shade. Water is available along the East Shore Trail near the bathrooms and at East Beach. Boat rentals, including motorboats, canoes, and kayaks, are available at East Beach marina area. Call 510-544-3146 for the boat history tour times. Park entrance fees are $6 per vehicle and $2 for a dog; service dogs are free. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sheep looking at camera in Hidden Villa Farm

    It Takes a Hidden Villa

    Adorable farm animals and peaceful hiking trails: Visit Hidden Villa in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, hike to South Bay vistas and see animal cuteness.

    View
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Up and Umunhum

    Early risers can experience one of the Bay Area’s best morning glory hikes on this 7.4-mile out-and-back up beautiful Mount Umunhum. In early spring if you arrive at the parking area right before sunrise, you’ll get a beautiful eastern view of the sun coming up between Bald Mountain and the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains. On days when fog settles into the valley, the colorful view is nothing short of magical.

    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. 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
  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View