Las Trampas Regional Wilderness 2016-02-12

For our second outing at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, we used the Ringtail Cat Staging Area in the unincorporated town of Alamo bordering Danville. This staging area is located at the very end of Hemme Ave, off Danville Blvd, accessible taking El Cerro Blvd exit from Hwy 680. 

Mt. Diablo

The first time we hiked this park in early December, it was a completely foggy day. In contrast, today was a perfect spring hiking experience: mid-50s cool start, warm sunshine amidst high clouds for much of the hike, green rolling hills and excellent visibility to view Mt. Diablo and the valley below to my hearts content.

Ringtail Cat trail

We started our hike by Ringtail Cat trail that runs parallel to a creek for a while. The single track dirt trail doesn't get much sunlight and the ground was damp from the rains even though it's been dry for more than a week now. Ringtail Cat trail is about a mile long and for a third of that, the trail runs by the creek.

Making a sharp turn, the trail starts ascending steeply as soon as it leaves the creek behind. In the remaining two-thirds of a mile, the trail gains more than 700 feet! Half way, the single track makes way a wider trail as the grade eases. 

By the time Ringtail Cat trail connects to Madrone trail, the grade is definitely easier. We turned right on Madrone trail, enjoying the meadows and open space. We spotted a small herd of cattle enjoying the lush green grass. I haven't normally come across a bull, but I did today. Apollo, who had been off leash for a while, had to go back on leash as we passed the bull, couple of young calves and several cows.

Madrone trail

Madrone trail is a long two mile hike to the next junction. The extremely wide dirt trail makes its way through predominantly oak woodlands, descending couple of hundred feet and crossing the creek before starting to ascend again. If you are lucky, you might get to see a mini-waterfall in the creek on your left.

There is a scenic vista point where Madrone trail meets Las Trampas Ridge trail. And a bench to sit, catch your breath, take a water break as well as enjoy the scenery. The ascend by the ridge trail will continue to put you through your paces as it comes to the land bank through which the trail passes.

The green rolling hills and sweeping views over the next half mile will easily make you forget that you are continuing your climb towards the highest point of the days hike.  I must admit that the 360⁰ views from this stretch today is one of the best I've experienced.

Las Trampas Ridge trail

Apollo and I also made the brief side trip to Las Trampas peak, standing tall at 1827 ft. four miles into our hike. We continued by the ridge trail, now back within the East Bay park boundaries and enjoying the great views of the valley on either side from the ridge top. 

Corduroy Hills trail

At its intersection with Bollinger Creek Loop trail, we stayed on Las Trampas Ridge trail, now a narrow single track trail. Continuing to go up and down the ridge, sometimes going through heavily wooden sections, we were on the ridge trail until it came to the Corduroy Hills trail junction.

Corduroy Hills trail is one of the best segments this wilderness park has to offer. Open for only hikers, the trail has three distinct characteristics. The first stretch is a narrow trail, making its way through a rocky zone. Apollo had come back on leash for this section, but at multiple places, I had to scramble, both of us fending for ourselves! The high point in this stretch was passing through an interesting rock formation by Eagle peak (1720 ft.)

Corduroy Hills trail

Continuing to remain a single track trail, Corduroy Hills trail passes through meadows, open spaces and woodlands next. I noticed bike tracks at multiple points. Whoever biked Corduroy Hills trail is more a fanatic, well beyond the serious mountain biker category.

And for the final stretch, Corduroy Hills trail becomes a tame and wide double track trail. After passing Eagle peak, the hike is predominantly a descend. We turned left at the Madrone trail junction, completing a six mile loop by the time we reached the Ringtail Cat trail. 

We wrapped up our hike by continuing the descend on Ringtail Cat trail. Adding the two miles on this trail, we ended up hiking 8 miles today, ascending about 2000 ft overall. Anyone with a good level of fitness would surely enjoy this hike, one of the best we've done.

More pictures from our hike.
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