All Level Nature Walk, Abrigo Valley
Black Oak Trail, Briones Regional Park
When: Sunday, March 11, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m
Description: We’ll take the wide, nearly level trail that follows Abrigo Valley through riparian and oak woodland until we reach the Mott Peak Trail at approximately 1 mile. This is a good turn-around point for those opting for a shorter, flatter hike. From here, we climb up a steep hillside to reach the Black Oak Trail. Views abound of the north bay from here. Faster walkers may elect to climb higher still to reach the Briones Crest Trail to the left and circle back to the Abrigo Valley Trail which will return to the parking lot. Alternatively we can take the Black Oak Trail (a shorter route) downhill to the Old Briones Road and back to the parking lot.
Where: Bear Valley Staging Area, 16 Bear Creek Road. After passing the park kiosk, turn left into the parking area. We will meet there. Accessible potties are available here. Do NOT go to the Releiz Valley staging area!
Directions:
FROM NORTH BERKELEY BART take Sacramento north to Hopkins and turn Right. At Monterey, turn Left. At Marin, turn slight right, then follow Marin and turn R on Grizzley Peak Bvd. At Shasta Road, turn L. At Wildcat Cyn Road turn right. Follow it until you reach Inspiration Point. Continue on Wildcat Cyn Trail downhill, pass San Pablo Dam Road, where Wildcat becomes Bear Creek Road. Continue on Bear Creek Road 4.4 miles to Briones Valley Road. The Bear Valley Staging area of the Briones Regional Park is at 16 Bear Creek Road. Turn Right here and drive in until you come to the park Kiosk. Turn left into the Parking lot. This should take about 25 – 35 minutes.
FROM ROCKRIDGE BART, Take Hwy 24 east to Orinda exit. Turn L onto Camino Pablo Road. Go 2+ miles till you come to Bear Creek Road and Turn R. Follow this 4.4 miles to Briones Valley Road. The Bear Valley Staging area of the Briones Regional Park is at 16 Bear Creek Road. Turn right here and drive in until you come to the park Kiosk. Turn left into the Parking lot. This should take about 25 minutes.
Carpools: If you need a ride or can provide a ride, especially from North Berkeley BART or Rockridge BART, please send your phone number and street address to Audre Newman, audrenew@gmail.com several days in advance.
Bring: Layered clothing for variable weather, hiking boots or trail shoes; hiking poles if you use them on hikes.) The flat Abrigo Trail may be muddy, so plan accordingly.
Weather: Real rain cancels.
Contact: For questions or RSVP write Audre at audrenew@gmail.com, or phone 510-548-0530 and leave a message.
