Five Canyons Open Space 2015-10-26

Diamond View trail

The trail system in Five Canyons Open Space can be accessed from Five Canyons Park (located at Five Canyons Pkwy) or several other spots along the trail system including Five Canyons Pkwy, Boulder Canyon Rd in Castro Valley. A good portion of the trails is in the neighborhood of a residential area. I had parked in the Five Canyons Park where plenty of parking is available.

Apollo and I started our hike from Diamond View trail. The trail descends by the hills as it runs parallel to a storm drain system. Turning left at the first major junction, we followed the trail down to the valley floor. At the next junction with Sandstone trail, stay right. I had taken the trail to the left which happens to dead end at Blackstone Ct.

Deer Canyon trail

Retracing our steps, we went forward in Sandstone trail, which in a short while led us to the junction with Deer Canyon trail. As with Diamond View and Sandstone, Deer Canyon trail is also a dirt trail with residential neighborhood on one side and thick woods on the other. 

Deer Canyon trail crosses Recreation Center Rd before coming upon Shady Canyon trail junction. We turned left and headed north. Turning right would result in a shorter loop. Shady Canyon trail also crosses couple of roads, Canyon Terrace Dr. and Boulder Canyon Dr. as it continues north.

The trail goes through another neighborhood park, Ridge Trail park before reaching Five Canyons Pkwy. Turning right and crossing the parkway, we joined the Chabot-Garin Regional Trail that is part of the Bay Ridge Trail system. Over the next mile, the trail climbs steeply and gains about 600+ ft. while passing two water towers along the way. 

While the climb was intense, the reward at the end of it is great views of the valley, homes in Hayward, Castro Valley, Oakland and other east bay cities. The trail also levels off atop the ridge and starts descending from here. This section of the trail is open with sweeping 360 degree views. 

We turned into Shady Canyon trail while Chabot-Garin trail continues towards Garin Regional Park. Passing through couple of gates, Shady Canyon trail gives up all the elevation by the time it reaches the valley floor at the other end of Deer Canyon trail junction. 

Deer Canyon trail climbs up from the valley over the next 1/2 mile or so as it crosses Five Canyons Pkwy. To wrap up our hike, we turned left and walked to the park where I had parked the car making this a 5.75 mile hike with some 1000 ft. climbing. 

More pictures from our hike.
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