Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park 2015-08-23

Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park is interesting in how it is laid out: more than 5200 acres spread pretty much north/south with just one staging area in Foothill Rd, off Hwy 680. The staging area, located in the south side of the park, can be reached by taking Calaveras Rd in Sunol (if traveling north) or Castlewood Dr (if traveling south).  In addition, the north and south sides are separated by Augustin Bernal Park belonging to the city of Pleasanton.  

Kilkare Canyon

We started our hike from Oak Tree Trail. A really wide fire road, Oak Tree Trail climbs steadily as it winds up the hills. About a mile and quarter later, Oak Tree Trail cuts Ridgeline Trail (marker #5). We continued on Oak Tree Trail, descending over the next 1/2 mile or so before it reached Thermalito Trail junction (marker #8). 

Thermalito Trail

We continued north on Thermalito Trail, turning right at marker #8. Thermalito trail provides great views of the Kilkare Canyon on the left and continues the climb up Pleasanton Ridge. It also provides some much needed shade when it runs parallel to Olive Grove Trail. We stayed little more than a mile and quarter in Thermalito Trail. 

Just after marker #13, there will be a pond on the left. The drought had left the pond nearly dry with a small strip of grass around it. It provided a unique photo opportunity to see this pond laid out like this. I am sure after the next winter rains, the scene would be dramatically different!

Ridgeline Trail

We turned around at marker #15 connecting to Ridgeline Trail. We had reached the highest point of our hike today as we continued south and a gentle descend by Ridgeline Trail that runs right on top of the Pleasanton Ridge. Ridgeline trail offers fantastic views of Sunol and Pleasanton and the Livermore hills on the left.

On the way back, we cut through Olive Grove Trail before continuing on Ridgeline Trail and reaching marker #5.  Woodlands Trail provided a variation from here to reach the staging area. Apollo had a field day yet again, being able to trot leash free for most of the hike. And my daughter Sanjana had joined me in the hike today, giving me a hand keeping Apollo on check as he did his best to explore the open spaces without control.

We did nearly 6 miles today, climbing little more than 1300 feet. With very little shade, this is an ideal spring time hike or cool summer morning hike. Except Woodlands trail, all others were multi-use, dirt trails that are quite wide.

More pictures from our hike today. 

With several more miles of hiking trails available in the north side, I expect to return to this park again.
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