In brief:
4.2 mile out and back hikes through the southern part of Briones.

Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 4.2 mile out and back hike is moderately easy, with about 1150 feet in elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 400 feet. The featured hike climbs to about 1300 feet. There are several steep sections.

Exposure:
Almost totally exposed.

Trail traffic:
Moderate.

Trail surfaces:
Dirt fire roads.

Hiking time:
2 hours.

Season:
Too hot in summer. Best in late winter and early spring.

Getting there:

From CA 24 in Contra Costa County, exit Pleasant Hill Road (exit 14). Drive north on Pleasant Hill Road about 1 mile to the second traffic light (Springhill Road), make a u-turn, then drive south on Pleasant Hill Road and take the first right into the parking lot.

GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude 37°54'22.74"N
Longitude 122° 6'2.79"W
(* based on Google Earth data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)

Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, stores, and restaurants in surrounding Lafayette neighborhoods. No camping.

Trailhead details:
Large parking lot. No toilet facilities. No admission or parking fees. Maps available at the information signboard. There is no direct public transportation to the park. County Connection bus #206 has limited service along Pleasant Hill Road, within walking distance to the trailhead.

Rules:
Most trails are multi-use. A few are open to equestrians and hikers only, and one trail is designated hiking only. Dogs are required to be on leash (six-foot maximum) at all times in the following areas: Tavan Trail (all), Diablo View Trail between Alhambra Creek Trail and Hidden Pond Trail, Alhambra Creek Trail from the Alhambra Creek Staging Area south to the water trough, and Orchard Trail between Alhambra Creek Trail and west to the Briones Road gate. These leash-required areas are indicated by signage within the park. Pets must be leashed in parking lots, 200 feet from any trail or park entrance or as posted, in picnic areas, developed areas such as lawns and play fields, on some trails, and where grazing animals are present. Pets must be under voice control at all times. Clean up after your pet; bag it, bin it. Park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Official Story:
EBRPD's Briones page
Park headquarters 510-562-PARK

Map Choices:

• Map from EBRPD
• Bay Area Trail Map: Carquinez Strait and Berkeley Hills, published by Redwood Hikes, is a fantastic guide to Briones and surrounding parklands.