Briones Ridge Regional Park We have some ambitious hiking plans in the works for this summer and so we've been trying to get out and get a few miles under our belts during the weekends.  We had high hopes of getting out most weekends, but so far it's only been twice in the last five weeks or so.   But both times have been absolutely beautiful.  The first afternoon was back in late February and we went up to Briones Regional Park outside of Martinez.  We did close to a six mile loop and the views from the top were stunning.  The trail scenery varied quite a bit, but the best part was near the top.  You wouldn't have known that particular day just how hard up for water California is.   

Pleasanton Ridge REgional Park

The second time was a couple of weeks ago and we darted up to  Sunol where we did another five or six mile hike at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park.  It wasn't quite as scenic as Briones, but still it was beautiful and we loved being outside.  We've commented on how grateful we are that despite the crowds and traffic of the bay area that there are still so many close places where we can get out and escape to open space.  We are really enjoying the East Bay parks.

Pictures of our afternoons are in the East Bay Hiking photo gallery.