Winter in Del Valle with Dogs

Del Valle in December

Although we’ve visited Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore, California many times during the warmer months to paddle board, we’ve never hiked there or visited in the off season until now. The park features Lake Del Valle-a 5 mile long artificial lake which is surrounded by miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. Dogs are allowed off leash as long as they are under control and there are no grazing cows present.

We visited on a Saturday in December, and enjoyed a scenic peaceful hike on the East Shore Trail. The leaves were still changing colors, and there were many water birds in and around the lake-white pelicans, blue herons, and egrets. Deer too! Since Luna loves to chase “prey,” she got a lot of “leave it” practice. Del Valle is a haven for bird watchers, nature lovers, photographers, and dogs and people who love to hike!

Great Blue Heron, shot on my Sony a6400

Reactive Note: Although it was a weekend, we did not see any other dogs on the trails. There were a handful of mountain bikers and hikers, but we mostly had the trails to ourselves.

Parking: Parking is $6 plus $2 for dogs. We parked near the boat docks at the main entrance.

Lake Del Valle

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