Donald Reservoir Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There is very little shade on this trail, so wear a hat and sunscreen on sunny days.

This is a short trail that traverses the headwall of a small valley before descending a ridge to the Donald Reservoir.

This trail can be accessed from the Moraga side by a 0.9 mi run on the Mulholland Ridge Trail, from the Orinda Side by the Donald Drive Trail, or via a short connector trail from the cul-de-sac at the end of Warfield Dr.

This description assumes you are accessing the trail from the Mulholland Ridge Trail. After running 0.9 miles, reach a trail junction in a large opening with sweeping views. Left (southwest) is the Donald Drive Trail. Pass through the gate to the right of the main gate and follow the doubletrack/fire road. Make sure to leave the gate as you found it (typically closed) as cattle graze on the grassy slopes below the trail. Watch out for cow pies.

The trail curves around the headwall of the small valley to the southwest. At about 0.2 miles the trail gains the ridge and descends to the reservoir. Right (west) is an unsigned junction for the Donald Reservoir Connector Trail. Views abound on this section.

The reservoir makes a somewhat disappointing climax to the trail - it is fenced off and there is no way to circumnavigate it to get to good views. Upon arriving at the reservoir, a footpath departs the main trail to the right just before the cattle corrals. This path reaches a fork and gate after about 50 feet. Right loops around the hill and rejoins the main trail. Left passes through the gate then descends to the cul-de-sac at the end of Warfield Dr.

Coyote brush, grasses, and wildflowers (especially poppies and lupines) are common. Birds frequent the area, especially Red-Tailed Hawks catching thermals and Western Bluebirds eating insects.