Dog-Friendly Hiking in Contra Costa County
Luna at Shell Ridge Open Space
Contra Costa County is an outdoor lover's paradise, with its scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and a variety of dog-friendly hiking trails. From leisurely walks or more challenging hikes, there’s no shortage of options for dog friendly exploring. Here’s a guide to some of our favorite dog-friendly hiking areas for those days when a trip to the mountains or beach isn’t possible, or when we’re looking for a convenient after-work adventure.
Shell Ridge Open Space
Location: Walnut Creek
Parking: Lots of free parking at various entry points
Shell Ridge Open Space is a fantastic spot for dog-friendly hikes as well as wildlife viewing! The area features a scenic mix of rolling hills, open grasslands, and shaded oak groves which our dogs love. We've been lucky enough to spot coyotes, bobcats, owls, deer, and various birds while out hiking. With miles of both on and off leash trails ranging from easy to challenging, there’s something for everyone. There are also many wide open trails making it easier to hike with our reactive dog, Linus. For more on hiking with a reactive dog, check out our other tips.
Diablo Foothills Regional Park
Location: Walnut Creek
Parking: Lots of free parking
Diablo Foothills Regional Park offers stunning views of Mount Diablo and the surrounding valleys. The park features several dog-friendly trails, including some off-leash areas. The Castle Rock area is a favorite, with its dramatic rock formations, rolling hills, and nesting peregrine falcons. It also connects to nearby trails in Shell Ridge for extended hikes. In the winter and into spring, Pine creek flows, and Luna and Linus love playing in the water.
Briones Regional Park
Location: Martinez/Lafayette
Parking: Lots of free parking at various entry points
Briones Regional Park is another dog-friendly gem with its vast open spaces, scenic hills, and off-leash opportunities. The park’s extensive trail network offers a range of hikes, from easier routes to more challenging climbs. Dogs can explore off-leash in most parts of the park, and like Shell Ridge there are many wide open trails which are helpful when hiking with Linus. Keep an eye out for cattle grazing in some areas.
Lafayette Reservoir
Location: Lafayette
Parking: Paid parking lot or park for free on Mt Diablo Blvd and walk up the hill to the reservoir
The Lafayette Reservoir is a popular destination for dog-friendly walking and hiking, offering a scenic 2.7-mile paved loop around the reservoir as well as a more challenging 4.7-mile Rim Trail with beautiful views of the water and surrounding towns. It is also home to a variety of birds-osprey, pelicans, egrets, ducks, geese, herons, and even the occasional bald eagle. Dogs must be leashed throughout the park. We like to walk Luna and Linus on the paved trail in the wetter months when our other favorite local spots are muddy from the rain.
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Location: San Ramon/Danville
Parking: Lots of free parking at various entry pointsGet ready for some hill work! Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is a bit more rugged with steep climbs leading to panoramic views of the East Bay and beyond. Some of the trails are narrow and overgrown, so we usually download a trail map to make sure we don’t end up getting totally . Grazing cattle dot the landscape. We get plenty of opportunities to practice the “leave it” command with Luna and Linus, as they have a tendency to find cow patties quite appealing! This area is particularly beautiful in the spring as it is blanketed with colorful wildflowers from wild lilies, lupines, and poppies. Dogs are allowed off-leash in some area.
Some of our local wildlife! Photographed on a Sony 6400 with a 70-350mm Telephoto Lens
While we love our big adventures and weekend getaways, Luna and Linus need their daily fulfillment, so exploring our local parks and open spaces is a great way for us to get some exercise and enjoy nature! Adventure is always waiting, even close to home!
© 2024 by Hazel, Coastal Art Cousins
