Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
730.00 ft (222.50 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
4.00 mi (6.44 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Briones Regional Park is a 6,000-acre open space by Lafayette and Pleasant Hill. The area was originally part of a land grant made to the widow of Filipe Briones in 1842; it was then established as a regional park in 1967. The park includes grazing land, a research center for University of California, Berkeley, and a 1,483-foot peak.

Though there are scores of hiking trails throughout Briones, the Buckeye Ranch area tends to be less traveled, and it offers wildflower-covered hills and beautiful, 360-degree views. Parking is at the trailhead, and once you are through the gate, keep right on the fire road. You will meander through dense woods for a about a mile before you cross a small stream and head uphill. This trail dissipates eventually, and you will find yourself turning right up a steep hill. Continue straight up the hill, and at the top you will hit a perpendicular fire road. Take a break here to appreciate the huge views, then turn left and follow the road through the bluffs.

This route will bring you on a round trip along the ridge. Keep turning left whenever you are faced with a junction. After a few miles you will descend back down to the trail you left in the gully. Follow this trail back your car.

Note that this adventure requires a small section of off-trail hill climbing; be sure to travel with a map of the area.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great views. Wild flowers. Good workout.

Cons

Steep climb. Some poison oak.

Trailhead Elevation

508.00 ft (154.84 m)

Features

Big vistas
Wildflowers

Suitable for

Biking

Location

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