Brushy Peak Regional Preserve 2015-10-29

Brushy Peak Regional Preserve is located off Laughlin Rd, Livermore. The Laughlin staging area can be reached by taking Vasco Rd exit from Hwy 580 and following directions to the preserve. The equestrian friendly park has plenty of parking is available in the lot.

Brushy Peak Loop trail

We had an early start to our hike today. A crisp fall morning and valley fog that hadn't yet burned off set the stage for the hike. I decided to do the Brushy Peak loop in a counter clockwise direction. We started our hike from Brushy Peak Loop trail the entry to which is right by the park residence.

The highlight of the first 1/2 hour of the hike today was the fog that was gently burning off as the sun started climbing the eastern horizon. Brushy Peak Loop is a fire road dirt trail that climbs up hill gradually. The seasonal pond close to the parking lot was absolutely dry today.

As we continued forward, I could see the windmills located beyond the park boundary. Three distinct phenomenon - fog, a near full moon had not yet set and rising sun combined to create a truly spectacular experience.

As the climb gets steeper, Brushy Peak Loop trail starts going through a different terrain. Plenty of rocks and boulders line up by the trail as it becomes narrow and weaves its way through them. The peak is off limits to hikers, but it is hard to miss the peak studded with several small trees and brushes amidst rocks - probably why the preserve was named so!

Brushy Peak

From this point, the trail starts descending gradually going in a southerly direction and offering panoramic views of the valley. Brushy Peak Loop connects to the West Side Loop trail from where going in either direction will lead you to the trail head. 

I decided to go left, a segment that goes by another seasonal pond which had some water and showed signs of life. And in about a mile, we were back at the Laughlin parking lot. 

The 5 mile loop over 800 feet elevation that we did today is fully exposed. It's easy to add another 2 miles by including the Laughlin Ranch Loop to the hike if you so desire. And I have made a mental note to repeat this hike in spring when the hills should present a greener face.

More pictures from our hike.
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