California

Sunol Regional Wilderness Distance: 5.5 miles round trip, 3 Hours (My time=1.5 hours) Elevation Change:    800 feet Level:    Moderate Rating:    3 Stars   “If the main part of Sunol (See 66) is too developed for your tastes, you’ll love the Welch Creek area.  You won’t find picnic areas, horse rentals, or a visitor center there; … Continue reading »

Sunol Regional Wilderness Distance: 6.0 miles round trip, 3 Hours (My time=2.5 hours) Elevation Change:    1,700 feet Level:    Moderate Rating:    3 Stars   “A trip to Sunol is like a trip to the country…When you hike the grassy, oak-studded hills…all you see are more grassy, oak-studded hills…It is protected land surrounded by protected land.”   … Continue reading »

Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve Distance: 4.4 miles round trip, 2 hours (My time 1.5 Hours) Elevation Change:    550 feet Level:    Easy Rating:    4 Stars June 16, 2002 “Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve is more than 1,500 acres of windswept ridge top paradise…Its acreage combines several plant environments, including lush grasslands, creeks, springs, and oak-shaded … Continue reading »

Mission Peak Regional Preserve Distance: 6.6 miles round trip, 3.5 hours (My time 2.5 Hours) Elevation Change:    2,000 feet Level:    Strenuous Rating:    4 Stars June 16, 2002 “The grassy slope of 2,517-foot Mission Peak are a prerequisite hike for outdoor lovers in Alameda County…hundreds of East and South Bay residents make the pilgrimage to Mission … Continue reading »

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Distance: 8.0 miles round trip, 4 Hours (My time=3 hours including 1.5 extra miles) Elevation Change:    1,100 feet Level:    Moderate Rating:    3 Stars   “Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is best known to two kinds of people: those who love easy to reach, panoramic views and those who fly kites…includes … Continue reading »