Adventure 16 Blog » Recommended Dayhikes

By Noyan Suel, Adventure 16 Assistant Manager, Solana Beach

Location: Bishop Ranch Regional Open Space and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Both of these outdoor parks are located in San Ramon, CA. San Ramon is in the heart of the San Ramon Valley and is located about 30 miles east of San Francisco in the East Bay Area.

Description: Both Las Trampas and Bishop Ranch Regional Open Space are excellent destinations for a quick hike as well as an all day adventure. Both locations are masterfully disguised amongst urban sprawl. This means that with only a short drive from any surrounding town you quickly find yourself completely immersed in lush, native vegetation rich, preserve that seems almost endless.

I believe the vast majority of this illusion is created due to the location of these two parks. Both being located deep within the heart of two valleys, means no matter where you look, you’re guaranteed to only take in the grandeur of the great outdoors - with the exception of a broadcasting tower, which seems to be unavoidable this day and age.

Although I am an avid fan of both retreats, if one is pressed for time, I would recommend Las Trampas over Bishop Ranch. This decision is based entirely on the size of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Being the larger of the two parks, it contains a broader spectrum of activities to enjoy as well as a good amount of trails that seem to be worlds apart. I always find it surprising, that within such a small space, Las Trampas seems to have the perfect day hike for everyone.

Whether you prefer a slow stroll through rolling grass hills, a tranquil trip through a serene creek-side canopy, or a challenging trek across a jagged ridge line, Las Trampas is sure to satisfy that itch to just get out there. Lastly, the pinnacle of a trip to either park is unarguably their ridgeline views. From any Eastern ridge, the often times snow-covered peak of Mt. Diablo, looms menacingly in the distance. Of course there is then the view from the Western ridge of the valley; on a clear day, one can watch as the rolling foothills of Mt. Diablo, cascade down into the most beautiful and stunning view of San Francisco Bay and its magnificent skyline.

Gear Review:
Camelback Cloudwalker Hydration Pack: Great little pack. One of the very first pieces of outdoor Equipment I owned when I was in Boyscouts.

Tips: I don’t recommend going in the summer time, but if you do go then, bring a lot of water because it gets hot! However, if you plan on staying late, bring a good jacket. It gets very cold on the valley floor at night.

Highlight of trip: Simply being able to hike all the same trails I used to hike when I was a little kid.