las trampas regional wilderness

las trampas regional wilderness印象

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  johnmani

  A lesser known, and hence more accessible wilderness in the San Ramon/Danville area, compared to Mt.Diablo.Detailed info about the park - http://www.ebparks.org/parks/las_trampas.For great day hikes in the San Ramon/Danville/Dublin areas, the trails along Mt.Diablo are an obvious choice, and certainly recommended. But, you have to drive up to the park and then up the winding roads for 30 mins (or more or less depending on where you hike), braving bicyclists and other vehicles. The trails are rarely that crowded, but you'll usually still have company.An well deserved alternate is the Las Trampas wilderness park. Much more easy to get to, sufficient parking spaces and very few folks. There are a bunch of trails very well suited for day-hikes. Best time to visit is late winter/spring, when the rains (becoming rarer :( ) have done their thing and the whole hill side is a lush green with wild-flowers sprouting all around. Avoid right after heavy rains as the trails can become quite slushy.My favorite hike is the 5 mile loop starting at the parking lot, then along the Elderberry trail, joining the Rocky ridge trail and back. For an additional workout, add the Devil's Hole trail -> Sycamore trail loop to this one, and you have about 7 miles of solid workout. You will hardly see a soul, and if you have time, the green meadows beckon you to lie down and take a nap! The parking lot has well drawn free maps, so get one (and return when you're done).Summer/early fall is obviously going to be quite hot and dry. And coupled with the lack of shade, I would not recommend this for a day hike.