This is my second photographic visit to Round Valley, and it's turning out to be one of my favorite hikes. The combination of beautiful views, stunning oak groves and a hearty loop hike make this a compelling place to visit.
Dawn light reaches the far hill.
The land for this park was acquired in 1988, saving it from development or being buried under tons of garbage and waste.
A side trail meanders next to the dry Round Valley creek bed.
This is a simple loop hike. Starting at the trailhead, head off across the bridge and head right, on to the Miwok Trail.
Rock layers poke through the hillside.
Following the wide Miwok Trail will take you through a valley of oaks, littered with rocks and boulders.
Rocky trailside along the Miwok Trail.
At 1.49 miles, you'll bear left and start your climb up the Hardy Canyon Trail. Cows graze in the valley below, and up along the trailside.
Grazing cows along the Hardy Canyon Trail
As you climb the Hardy Canyon Trail, the views of Round Valley below display a California that existed before development.
A view in to the valley below from the Hardy Canyon Trail
I don't like the look in those eyes...
All along the trail, the views become more spectacular as the climb becomes steeper. The elevation change on this hike is about 1500 feet, so you'll feel your heart pounding, reminding you to pause and enjoy the views. Along this trail you may see rattlesnakes. Give them wide berth...
This was going to be a landfill at one point!
Cows along the hillside. Those ridges are called terracettes, occurring when wet soil becomes saturated and heavy, slides down, and then dries. This is further exacerbated by the trampling of cows.
A trail leads to an oak grove, with Mt. Diablo in the background.
The cows in Round Valley become specks at you climb up the Hardy Canyon Trail. Once you reach the top of the hill, consider spending some time resting, hydrating and snacking.
The lush and green valley below.
The descent down Hardy Canyon Trail is swift, and you'll pass a muddy, sloppy pond before slipping in to an oak and buckeye grove.
A grove of oaks on the north side of the Hardy Canyon Trail.
Light filters through the trees.
More rock formations poke out from the hillside as the trail winds along High Creek.
Hardy Canyon Trail along the north side of the park.
Ranch country.
The last part of the hike provides a nice view of an oak hillside above and to your left. The total distance is about 4.66 miles. Much of the hike is in full sun with limited canopy exposure. The climb up Hardy Canyon Trail may be too steep for some. A pair of hiking poles might help with the climb and balance along some of the more precarious sections of the trail.
Oak hillside.
Between the oak groves and views of the valley, this hike is a gem. Take your time, enjoy yourself, and expect to feel a comfortable exhaustion when you finish.