Long hike along rugged fire roads encircling Lafayette Reservoir. Great panoramic views of the lake and valleys nearby.

Location: Lafayette Recreation Area

» Official Trail Map: Good map showing various trails.

Route in brief: Follow Rim Trail around the lake.

Notes: Water is available at Rheem Reservoir, at approximately the half way mark along the hike (see trail map). The hiking route goes up and down along hills throughout. A few of these hills are exceptionally steep. In June 2010, we had to walk really slowly down such hills to avoid slippage.

Location: 3849 Mount Diablo Blvd Lafayette, CA 94549 . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From CA-24 East, take exit 11 for Acalanes Rd/Mt Diablo Blvd toward Upper Happy Valley Rd. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Acalanes Road / Mount Diablo Boulevard and merge onto Mt Diablo Blvd. Within 1.1 miles, Lafayette Recreation Area is on the right.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: $6 per vehicle (last visited: June 2010)

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

Latitude: 37.888015     Longitude: -122.139875