A pleasant hike through rolling hills in Round Valley. Recommended in spring when valleys are lush green.

Location: Round Valley Regional Preserve

» Official Trail Map: Good map showing various trails. Also see Text section of the map.

Route: Miwok Trail (0.1 miles) → Hardy Canyon Trail (3.1 miles) → Miwok Trail (1.1 + 0.5 + 0.1 miles).

Notes: While going clockwise around Hardy Canyon — Miwok loop, I faced strong winds when descending into the valley along Hardy Canyon Trail. In April 2011, Marsh Creek and Round Valley Creek had plenty of water, High Creek was dry. At one point, there was an intersection with an unnamed trail. The trail map showed me that Hardy Canyon Trail meandered next to High Creek. That helped me decide which trail to follow.

Location: 19450 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA 94513 . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From I-580 East, take exit 55 for Vasco Road towards Brentwood and follow signs for N Vasco Road. After 14.6 miles, turn left on Camino Diablo Road and drive 3.6 miles. Continue along Marsh Creek Road for 1.5 miles to reach Round Valley Regional Park entrance on left.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: None (last visited: April 2011)

Capacity: More than 20 cars.

Latitude: 37.870034     Longitude: -121.750145