Relaxed hike around Contra Loma lake and the hills nearby.

Location: Contra Loma Regional Park

» Official Trail Map: Good map showing various trails. Also see Text Side. In April 2011, Old Ranch Loop was heavily overgrown. It seems that the park authorities have stopped maintaining it. The trail meanders around the park boundary, which is fenced. So following the trail was not difficult. It's a nice trail to get away from the humdrum of picnickers to get some quiet time for oneself, provided you can walk in "cross-country" style on an unmarked and unmaintained trail. Watch out for ticks.

Trailhead: Parking lot at the bend in Frederickson Lane, before the entry kiosk.

Route in brief: East Shore Trail → Old Ranch Loop → East Shore Trail → Ridge Trail → Lake View Trail → Old Homestead Loop → Homestead Trail.

Notes: This route takes you through all major trails in Contra Loma Regional Park.

1. April 2011: Old Ranch Loop was heavily overgrown. It seems that the park authorities have stopped maintaining it. The trail meanders around the park boundary, which is fenced. So following the trail was not difficult. It's a nice trail to get away from the humdrum of picnickers to get some quiet time for oneself, provided you can walk in "cross-country" style on an unmarked and unmaintained trail. Watch out for ticks.
2. April 2011: There was no sign for Lake View Trail at the intersection of Lake View Trail and Ridge Trail. Maybe this section of Lake View Trail is also overgrown and unmaintained - I'm not sure.

Location: 1200 Frederickson Ln, Antioch, CA . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From CA-4 East, take exit 28 for Lone Tree Way / A Street. Turn right onto Lone Tree Way and drive for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Golf Course Road and drive for 0.7 miles. Turn right onto Frederickson Lane and drive for 1.0 miles to reach the entrance kiosk for Contra Loma Park.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: $3 per vehicle (last visited: April 2011)

Capacity: Dozens of cars may be parked inside the park.

Latitude: 37.965228     Longitude: -121.822361