This 8-mile hike at Round Valley Regional Preserve is an amazing hike to do in the spring when the hills are emerald green, the wildflowers are starting to pop out, and the heat of the summer has not really gotten into full swing. I loved this hike, and would totally do it again, or a variation of it. Spending the day in the green hills was a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
The EBRPD mentions in their write up of the hike that the single-tracks on along the Miwok Trail all parallel the wide, main trail: "here are smaller, single-track paths paralleling the main trail that dip down to the stream – you may follow these if you choose, as they never stray far from the trail and may in fact have more shade!" I definitely recommend the single tracks. They are just so much prettier. And they let you get closer to the wildflowers, especially the shooting stars, buttercups, and blue dicks.
Then once you get past the bridge where the cows congregate for water, there are three paths to take. I took the Murphy Meadow path and made the loop around Round Valley. The trail was in the bright sunlight, which was fine in the spring but this would have been a hard hike in the summer with no shade. My favorite part of Murphy Meadow Trail was when I was hiking parallel to the ridge of mountains at the farthest edge of the park. There were LOADS of song birds singing, and something about the acoustics of the valley made their songs echo and reverberate. It was just so beautiful! Other notable sounds at the park: the mooing of the cows and the croaking of California red-legged frogs (a threatened species), western toads, western pond turtles and Pacific tree frogs. Never a dull moment. I was all set to make a "lollipop" hike and just take the Miwok trail all the way back, but I was intrigued by the name of the other hike, the Hardy Canyon hike. I decided spur of the moment to give it a shot, since I am not sure that there will be another day quite so perfect for Round Valley this year. This part of the hike was steep. It basically requires you to scale a small mountain or large foothill. But I really liked the majority of the hike: the way up had some gorgeous wildflowers (especially miniature lupine) and very cool outcroppings of rocks with vibrant orange moss on it, and the way down became more beautiful with each step. I was a little disappointed in the view towards Brentwood right when I crested the top of the hill/mountain, but the walk became better and better as I descended into the valley and the valley became the canyon. Be warned, however, that you cannot take "single track" paths on this side. They are cow trails and they will peter out. Stay on the main trail, to the right of the High Creek as you head downhill. I saw California poppies, and lots and lots of buttercups. Eventually you will curve around the slope of the mountain to the left and then eventually parallel Marsh Creek. In March, it was very full with water and there was abundant miner's lettuce everywhere. The park's website says that the creek totally dries up in the summer. All in all, I highly recommend this park, but I think that spring must be the best time to go!
1 Comment
3/1/2024 11:16:17 pm
That appears to be excellent however i am still not too sure that I like it. At any rate will look far more into it and decide personally!
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