Location: East Bay Mud South Watershed, Valle Vista Staging Area
Route: From the staging area, sign in at the gate, and head left on the Rocky Ridge Trail. Keep left, and take the narrow trail down on left as it drops in to a Monterey pine forest. At the fire road, travel right across the bridge and Moraga Creek. Continue on the wide road, looking for water birds in the reservoir. Just past the barn area, there is a little observation area on the right. It's a nice place to meditate and relax. The route continues on to the left, through a cattle gate. Just past the gate is a trail split. Keep right to follow the King's Canyon Loop Trail. Continue on this trail along the reservoir, and watch the bird show, especially in early morning. Spring wildflowers light up this trail, and it's just as lively with birds, squirrels, deer and even wood rats. Follow the trail to the gate to Rancho Laguna Park. Turn left and follow the steep climb up the Rocky Ridge Trail. Look carefully for california newts along this trail, especially in wet, winter months. You may encounter cows here, so keep a friendly distance and watch for cow landmines. They like the trail too. Keep on Rocky Ridge trail. At the split, keep left on Rocky Ridge trail and take the hill down and turn right. Follow back, past the ranch, across the bridge and back left to the staging area.
Mileage: 7.4 miles, 806 feet elevation gain, coming mostly at the end of the hike.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate, with mostly wide fire roads
Description: This is one of my favorite hikes to share with friends. It offers a variety of terrain, mild elevation gain, water birds, oak forests, mossy old bay trees and many surprises. The hike follows along Upper San Leandro Reservoir for a while, and the sounds and sights of birds are plentiful. Deep in the oak woodlands, twisted oaks mix with large California bay laurel and the occasional but rare madrone. Covered canopies open to revealing overlooks, and rock formations and exposed ancient layers can be seen along the hike. On the back side of the loop, you may encounter cows as you look out over the rolling hills of Moraga. They're friendly, but keep a respectful distance, and close all gates behind you. Spring rains bring abundant wildflowers all along the trail.
Trail Map
Trailhead and Parking: Valle Vista Staging Area, Permit Required