briones park

To someone who doesn't live in the area, this park is not the easiest for figuring out the multiple entrances/exits and all the amenities. Be patient, do your homework and enjoy it. Sometimes a little challenge is good for the soul. I never am one for giving up.

Briones Park is a nice place to hike, bike, or ride your horse. It is becoming more popular so you are likely to see a few people, but it is a great escape.

Hiked this park on a Fourth Friday -- free parking! Great hiking park. Used tbe Almaden Creek staging area. Lots of hike options. Pretty park.

I am staying in Walnut Creek and decided to hike in the lovely golden hills I am looking at every day going to and from work. Admission is free on weekdays, sweet! There are several park entrances, I went to the Bear Creek Staging area. This entrance is very near Lafayette and Orinda and minutes off the highway. The roads leading up to the park are steep and winding, but I loved the drive. The trails are clearly marked, pick up a brochure at the big sign with the map in the parking lot. If you go online there are downloadable resources also. The hiking is on dirt and gravel road for the first mile or so, then just dirt road. This is an area with grazing cattle, so there is some dried manure on trails. My visit was on a hot summer day during a drought, so nice firm footing. There are several port-a-pottys and outhouses and water access on the trail. Bring your own water just to be sure. Also bring a sweater or jacket if you chill easily. The higher elevation trails facing the bay are windy and much cooler than the lower areas on trail. I saw only 2 other people during my 3 hour hike. I had cell phone reception the entire time. I can't wait to go again! Maybe next time I'll try mountain biking.

There are many entrances to this park - the Orinda location label is a bit misleading. Access is just as easy from the north Martinez side and several on the east Pleasant Hill side.It's quite a hilly park, the trails are mostly open and exposed, but there are plenty of shaded options in the valleys and draws. Because the trails are significantly exposed, March - May is your best bet for pleasant weather with greenery and flowers. Avoid for a day or two after significant rain - the trails will be muddy and since most have steep sections they will be treacherous.There will be fees on weekend at the 3 major trailhead parking areas. Go ahead and pay! of all the darned fees and taxes California requires, don't begrudge this one!

Miles of great trails through beautiful valleys and panoramic ridges with incredible views. A great place to spend a day hiking and I've never seen it crowded!

Great location for weekend picnics and hikes. Make sure you have a good sense of orientation. This is an enormous park.Well worth time to get to know.