Situated along the East Bay of California, Dublin takes up only 15 square miles, but don’t let its small size deter you from visiting. Its proximity to some of the area’s best hiking trails makes it the perfect place to come and check out the sights, some of which are found in nearby national parks. The next time you find yourself near Dublin, break out your walking or hiking shoes and experience breathtaking views by exploring these trails.
Alamo Creek Park Trail
If you’re looking for an easy trail for your entire family, Alamo Creek Park Trail is the perfect option. This 2.1-mile out-and-back trail takes about 40 minutes to complete, and you can run, walk, or bike. While it tends to get busy since it’s such an easy trail, you can find areas of solitude during quieter parts of the day. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Arroyo Mocho Trail
An out-and-back trail that spans 5.2 miles, the Arroyo Mocho Trail is part of a multi-use trail network connecting Livermore with Pleasanton. This easy trail typically takes about 1.5 hours to complete when you hike or walk it. It’s also popular with birders and mountain bikers. Depending on which section you take, you can gain access to parks, neighborhoods, and municipal buildings. In 2017, the trail suffered damage due to a flood, but the city worked tirelessly to clean up and restore it to its pristine condition.
Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail
Located in Dublin Hills Regional Park, the 4.8-mile out-and-back Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail is moderately challenging and ideal for walking, hiking, or running. You can bring your dog along so both of you can get some exercise. It takes visitors about 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. If you need water, stop at the drinking fountain located at the Donlan Point Staging Area parking lot when you arrive.
The trail begins near the Schaefer Ranch development by the gate near the restrooms. It takes you to a grassland area that has remained almost untouched for several hundred years. It’s completely exposed and doesn’t provide shade, so stay hydrated and dress accordingly. Once you reach the fork in the trail, take the path closest to the fence line and continue straight for about one mile to the top of the hill for a stunning view.
Courdet Trail
Venture over to Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park in Pleasanton to tackle the Courdet Trail. This reasonably challenging 3.9-mile out-and-back trail takes just a little over two hours to finish. Parts of the course are steep, and you gain almost 1,000 feet in altitude from start to end. This well-developed trail snakes its way predominantly through trees, but it opens to grasslands as well. Plenty of people will likely be hiking, walking, mountain biking, and watching birds along it. You can take your dog and even allow it off the leash in several areas.
Donlan Loop Trail
The Donlan Loop Trail is another option in Pleasanton, located inside the scenic Dublin Hills Regional Park. This 4.0-mile trail presents a moderate challenge and typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete. Popular for hiking, running, and mountain biking, this trail also offers spots for pure quiet and tranquility if you’re searching for solitude. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash at all times.
Dougherty Hills Open Space Trail
A 2.2-mile out-and-back trail, the Dougherty Hills Open Space Trail is a somewhat difficult trek that typically takes just over an hour to complete. It offers sweeping views of Mount Diablo and the Tri-Valley, and its trailhead is north of Amador Valley Boulevard and east of Stagecoach Road. It’s excellent for hiking, walking, and running, and you can bring your dog with you if it’s on a leash. Note that the trail offers little shade, so make sure you bring water.
Martin Canyon Creek Trail
A slightly tough out-and-back 2.9-mile trail, the Martin Canyon Creek Trail is a rare shady hike found in the heart of Dublin in Dublin Hills Regional Park. Enter the park via Bay Laurel Street after parking on Silvergate Drive or Dry Creek Drive. You can also park in surrounding neighborhoods, but make sure you’re courteous to the neighbors. This trail is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring along your canine companion on a leash.
After beginning on a paved trail behind some homes, the trail snakes out along a creek and through a forest for almost one mile. You’ll also encounter several bridges, providing you with a scenic view, and splits that lead you directly to the creek. Keep in mind that the stream is often dry. Large bay and oak trees provide plenty of shade throughout the trail, which technically ends at a gate where it merges with the Dublin Hills Regional Park. If you continue onward, you’ll emerge on a hillside about one mile later.
The Preserve Trail
This 1.3-mile loop trail takes you past scenic surroundings around Pleasanton. Popular for hiking, walking, and running, The Preserve Trail takes about 40 minutes to complete. Dogs are welcome if they’re on a leash, but bicycles aren’t allowed. Water fountains are available to help you stay hydrated.
Although the trail has limited tree coverage, it more than makes up for it by offering you stunning views of Pleasanton. Some areas are sloped, so be prepared for a few slight inclines. The back part of the route is rather secluded and provides you with plenty of solitude. Depending on the time of year, you might encounter blooming wildflowers.
Gear Up, and Get Ready To Hike
Before setting out on your hiking adventures, ensure you have the right vehicle for the journey. Swing by Dublin Hyundai to find the perfect ride for your Dublin-area excursions. And after exploring, if your car needs a little TLC, there are several excellent car washes nearby to keep your vehicle looking as adventurous as you feel. Let us help you gear up for your next outdoor adventure! Contact us today, and we can schedule a test drive so you can ride away in your dream vehicle.
person carrying yellow and black backpack walking between green plants by Holly Mandarich is licensed with Unsplash License
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