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Features
Views · Wildflowers
Overview
This loop is a great tour of the beautiful hillsides of Briones Regional Park. The park is especially pretty in the spring when the hillsides are full of wildflowers, but it is well-worth a visit during the other seasons as the rolling hills and open meadows make for a great run.
Need to Know
The trails are also open for mountain bike and equestrian use. Use caution and be respectful of other trail users.
Runner Notes
This is a great option for a run with enough hills to keep it challenging and plenty of views to reward you for your efforts.
Description
Start your run on
Old Briones Road Trail. This trail is a north-south trail that bisects the park and provides access to many of the other trails in the area. Like the park, the trail is named after the original ranching family that settled this area in 1829. From the north end, expect some roots and rock and a generally rough road until you reach the junction with the
Spengler Trail. After passing through a gate, head to the right and climb gradually toward Briones Peak and the junction with
Briones Crest Trail.
At the ridge, be sure to look back for a view of the Sacramento River Delta. After passing through another gate, you'll start on a long, winding descent into the Bear Creek Valley. The road flattens at the junction with the
Valley Trail near some corrals. From here, the rest of the trail is relatively flat with a gate or two until you reach the Bear Creek Staging Area.
From the Bear Creek Staging Area, continue straight to pick up the
Briones Crest Trail. Most of this trail is actually a wide fire road that circles the Bear Creek watershed. As you run along the ridge tops, you'll be treated to some splendid views of the area. The views along the trail are beautiful, and if you find you need an excuse to stop and catch your breath, be sure to take the time to take in the sights.
After about 3 miles of running along the
Briones Crest Trail, look for the
Mott Peak Trail which will be on the right-hand side. Use this short, easy trail to connect to the
Black Oak Trail. The
Black Oak Trail descends steeply into a valley, and the sunny slopes are home to many wildflowers in season.
Black Oak Trail will connect back to
Old Briones Road Trail where you'll turn left to retrace your steps back to your car.
Note: If you are looking for a shorter run, park at the Bear Creek Staging Area and complete the loop. There are many other trails in the park giving you a wide variety of loops to choose from.
Flora & Fauna
Wildflowers in season including California poppies, lupines, and buttercups. You may come across cows grazing in the fields.
Contacts
Shared By:
Kristen Arendt
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