One of the nicest open space parks in my current hometown of Livermore is Del Valle Regional Park. I seriously love this park, and have been here now during every season. It's such a large park; however, that I am always discovering something new. This trip, I decided to explore the easternmost side of the park, the Cedar Creek area along the park boundary. I really liked seeing the bright red pop of color of the bark of the incense cedars as I was hiking along! The parts of the park I had previously visited did not have cedars (mostly oaks), so it was really cool to see that difference.
I ended up really liking the route that I took, even though it was a short and sweet hike of probably about two miles total, maybe a little more. I ran out of time, so I turned around for an in-and-out hike when I realized where I actually was on the map. I think I would do this same route again (going all the way to the top at Mendenhall Road) to see the ranching history of the area recorded in the relics of old buildings scattered up and down the steep hills. The cows I encountered along this part of the trail were some of the most skittish cows that I have ever seen on a trail: I was actually worried about them falling down the mountain because they just seems so spooked! Luckily, they were more graceful than I gave them credit for at the time. There was no one else on the trail with me when I went. It was kind of a weird time to go for a hike (pretty late in the day), but also I think most people like to hike with views of Lake Del Valle. This side of the park obscures views of the water, so it might be less appealing to most. I enjoyed the solitude!
I am interested in taking that unexpected single-track Oak Hill Trail in the future. I think it must connect to the Sage Trail, and I would like to take that to connect over to the Cedar Mountain Trail. That could make a nice loop through the campground and then along the East Shore Trail back to the entrance kiosk. Another part of Del Valle that I am interested in exploring is the neighboring Ohlone Wilderness. When I went to Mount Diablo last week to see the snow I could see that there was also snow on the high peaks of the Ohlone Wilderness. I found a roughly 5-mile lollipop trail from Del Valle that seems doable for a day hike (although it would entail probably a ~1,500-ft elevation gain). I think it would be really cool to take this trail in the snow as long as it isn't too muddy. For this route, I would park at the horse camp and take Vallecitos trail up to the trail sign-in panel. Then I would take the Ohlone Trail into the Wilderness Area to loop back on the Rocky Ridge Trail and the Stromer Spring Road. I bet it is possible to see snow up there (especially given the snow last year), but even if there is no snow the views alone should be wonderful. Also, I bet that the wildflowers in spring are really great. I love that there is still so much to explore in this park, even after having been here quite a few times! It is a bounty.
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