So many trails, so little time…
The Hills Are Alive
We have been busy since school began last month, but we still manage to get in at least one quick hike on the weekends. Here are three hilly hikes that we have enjoyed in Walnut Creek and Alamo. The hills here change with the seasons. In the winter and spring, these hikes are green, and…
Rock N’ Walk
If you ever tire of the traditional trails through the forests and hills in the Bay Area, there are some really fun rocks and boulders to climb and explore! Here are three hikes that take us to some favorite rock parks and areas. Be prepared for very little shade on any of these hikes. Pack…
Seeing Sutro
There are so many places to hike and things to see in San Francisco. These three hikes are in and near Mount Sutro, the geographical center of the city. Mount Davidson and Stair Loop Mount Davidson is the highest point in San Francisco, and it’s just south of Mount Sutro. This approximately 3 mile loop…
Lake Loops
Here are three easy loop hikes around water – listed here from shortest to longest. The kids like these because they can really see how far we’ve come, and how far we have to go! Oakland: Lake Temescal Lake Temescal is a recreation area that is part of the East Bay Regional Park District, and…
Take the Stairs
It’s the rainy season, so hiking on dirt or tree covered trails can be a muddy mess! Here are three hikes along city roads and through secret and not-so-secret staircases that avoid the mud. We love urban hikes, but there are a lot of stairs involved in these, so they may not be for everyone.…
More Than Just A Walk
These three hikes in the East Bay are a notch above easy walks. They are all 3 miles or less, and they will get the whole family out of the house for a little exercise and fresh air. Lafayette/Walnut Creek – Acalanes Ridge South If you ever drive north on 680 through Walnut Creek, you’ve…
Let’s Talk Tilden
Tilden Regional Park is a wonderful spot that spans the Oakland/Berkeley/Orinda area. It has a variety of facilities and attractions: the Steam Train, Little Farm, and the Merry-Go-Round are family favorites. At the moment, though, the Park has closed all park activities, except hiking and biking, due to COVID-19. Here are three easy hikes in…
Ridge Views in Walnut Creek
With 31 miles of trails, the Shell Ridge Open Space in Walnut Creek is full of possibilities for family hikes. The trails are well marked, and the views are beautiful. There is not a lot of shade here. Watch out for rattlesnakes in the late spring and summer! The hills change colors from winter (green)…
Wander in Redwood Regional
We spend many weekend days in Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. It is an extraordinary place to see the redwoods in Oakland. You can choose your own adventure here, with plenty of well-marked trails to turn on. Here are three of the many hikes we’ve taken in this awesome regional park. The Ladybug Loop A few…
Exploring the East Bay
These were our hikes on Days 5, 6, and 7 of the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. For us, these are at the easier end of moderate hikes. They will all be hot in the summer, muddy after a rain, and most beautiful in the winter and spring. Alamo: Out and Back Hike to…
Let’s Get Physical
When we want a family workout, we look for a hard hike. Here are three of the harder trails that we’ve hiked. Be ready for steep inclines and quick changes in elevation. Danville: Del Amigo Trail to Calaveras Ridge in Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve This is a 3 mile round trip out and back,…
Taking the Easy Road
Some days, we just want to take a walk. Here are three spots that are mostly flat, have views that you can only find in the Bay Area, and are nice for everyone to enjoy. Berkeley Marina: Dorothy Stegmann Trail around Cesar Chavez Park This is an approximately 1.25 mile paved loop around the perimeter…
Measureless Days 