Coyote Hills Regional Park 2015-05-05

Coyote Hills Regional Park is best reached by Patterson Ranch Rd (off Paseo Padre Pkwy in Fremont). We, however, chose to park near Newark slough and hike a small portion from Day 2 of my SF Bay Walkabout. A quarter-mile hike by the quarry trail crossing over Hwy 84 Dumbarton bridge toll plaza will lead you into the park. 

We headed north on Apay Way. The dirt trail is bordered by gentle rolling hills on one side and the bay on the other, providing great views of the bridge and beyond. You will find a couple of hills on the left with benches at the top if you would like to sit and enjoy the views. Another 1.5 miles later, Apay Way reached a junction that provided plenty of options for us.

I had hiked the Bayview Trail the last time. Apollo and I chose to hike the Red Hill Trail. Also a dirt trail, this one went right through the hills and made us climb up and down multiple times. Each climb is probably no more than 200 feet, but we had to do this at least three times over the next 1.5 miles. However, the reward is outstanding views of the bay as well as the entire trail system in the park. 

A little more than three miles into the hike, we started our return and turned right into Bay View Trail. This is a paved trail that leads you to the visitor center. There is a bird and butterfly garden in this area (Nectar Garden) that is open at specific times. 

We continued our way back by Quail Trail, connecting to Bayview Trail and Apay Way to where I'd parked the car. We hiked about 6.8 miles in 2 hours. The park has more trails we could spend time in, though. It also connects with the Alameda Creek Trail, allowing you to customize a hike to however long you want it to be. Most trails are open to dogs, but some of them aren't. There are clear signs where dogs are not allowed. 

Apollo recently turned 5; the hike today was a special one celebrating his birthday!

Pictures from the hike today.
#Hiking #HikingWithDogs #CoyoteHillsRegionalPark #EBRPD