A pleasant walk along all major trails along Shadow Cliffs Lake.

Location: Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area

» Official Trail Map: Good map showing various hiking trails with mileage. Also see text section of the map.

Route in brief: From the parking lot near the entrance kiosk, follow an unnamed trail in the north (0.8 miles) to return to the parking lot. Then follow Lake Trail, which first follows a paved walking path adjoining the lake, then becomes a single track hiking trail until it reaches the south east corner of the lake (0.8 miles). Then climb up switchbacks to join Levee Trail and reach a gated entrance in the south east corner of the park (0.3 miles). Return by Levee Trail, turning left to talk around an unnamed pond, then continue along North Arroyo Trail to reach a short bridge over Arroyo Del Valle (1.3 miles). Cross the bridge and walk along a loop, returning to the bridge (0.7 miles). Cross the bridge and turn let on Levee Trail, walking all the way to BMX Park, then return to the bridge (1.0 mile). Finally, follow an unnamed trail to the parking lot (0.2 miles).

Location: 2500 Stanley Boulevard, Pleasanton, CA 94566xs . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From I-680 North, take exit 25 for Sunol Blvd / Castlewood Drive toward Pleasanton. Turn right onto Sunol Blvd and drive for 1.1 miles. Continue onto 1st St and drive 1.0 miles. Continue onto Stanley Blvd and drive for 1.3 miles to reach Shadow Cliffs.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: $6 per vehicle (last visited: Jun 2012)

Capacity: Dozens of cars may be parked inside.

Latitude: 37.671734     Longitude: -121.845055