MEMORIAL DAY HIKE: BRIONES REGIONAL PARK: THE SHADY PARTS
Hike Date: Monday, May 29, 2023
Leader: Peter McCluskey
Leader Email: peter.c.mccluskey@gmail.com
Leader Phone: 408 315-8120
Meeting Location (ONLY IF you've arranged for a ride in SF): Whole Foods;
2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below.
Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: Shortly after 9:00 AM
Rating: Level 5
Mileage: 9.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2500'
Description: Unlike the Briones hikes that the club has previously done, this hike will have at least 60% shade, 60% unmarked single-track trails, and 40% fewer cow patties. Our route will involve hiking four small portions of the Spengler trail: approximately every 2 miles, we will join the Spengler trail, then quickly leave it for a better trail. Flowers will likely include Mt Diablo fairy lanterns, mariposas, buckeyes, sunflowers, and maybe a few Chinese houses. We'll visit Briones Peak (the park's high point). We'll have views of the north bay/san pablo bay, the windmills in the delta, and Mt. St Helena. We will have lunch in a tree near the Alhambra Creek entrance. That will be less exotic than it sounds. Dogs are allowed on leash.
Bring / Wear: At least three liters of water (some of which should be frozen if it's a warm day), lunch, hat, sunscreen. Poles if you use them.
Weather Policy: Contact hike leader if weather is questionable.
Alternative Meeting Place: Rockridge BART, bottom of the escalator.
Alternative Meeting Time: 9:20, departing shortly after 9:20.
Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the intersection of Reliez Valley Rd and Gloria Terrace: Take 24 east to the Pleasant Hill Rd exit. Go north on Pleasant Hill Rd. Stay in the left lane, which becomes Taylor Blvd. Turn left onto Withers Ave. At the end of Withers, turn right onto Reliez Valley Rd. Park on the street just after Gloria Terrace, and meet in the (probably full) parking lot at Gloria Terrace. Google Maps Link
Trailhead Meeting Time: 9:45 AM
Trailhead Departure Time: 10:00 AM
Total driving distance, there and back: 53 miles (SF); 28 miles (Rockridge)
Carpool Fees (incl. pkg fee) from SF: $9 From Rockridge BART: $4
Level-1
|
Level-2
|
Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
|
easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
|
moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
|
strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
|
very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
