The Ultimate Bay Area Outdoors Guide Tom Stienstra's favorite state and regional parks, recreation and wilderness areas

In nearly four decades as an outdoors columnist, Tom Stienstra has made sharing love of the outdoors his life’s work. Since April of 1980, going on 39 years as a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, he’s hiked roughly 45,000 miles, traveled a million miles on the road and flown 275,000 miles looking down at the Bay Area and beyond. He’s camped, boated, fished and cycled at more than 250 of the greater Bay Area’s state and regional parks, wilderness and recreation areas, popular and little-known spots. Read Q&A

Castle Rock State Park Santa Cruz County A seat with the world at your feet Atop Goat Rock, where sculpted sandstone makes for a perfect seat, you can feel as if you are on top of the world. The view crowns Castle Rock State Park. Looking west, you can see across a sea of conifers, across Big Basin to Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. On perfectly clear days, those with sharp vision can see the white of the ocean breakers. On foggy days, you are above a blanket of gray that’s just as pretty. The top of Goat Rock has a few cupped “chairs,” shaped by wind-driven rain over thousands of years. This top-of-the-world perch is one of the best sites anywhere for a trail lunch. Castle Rock also has sensational hikes to a waterfall, along the base of honey-combed sandstone, to a trail camp, the headwaters of the San Lorenzo River, and the best launch point for the 34-mile Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. Trail camp: Requires an easy 2.8-mile hike; $15 per night, $8 per extra vehicle, open year-round; first-come, first-served. Use the self-registration system at the parking lot. Up to six people per site. Climbing: Technical climbing is permitted at Goat Rock. I once free-climbed it with ropes and a spotter and was able to rock-scramble to the top, so you know it isn’t that difficult. Good to know: On weekends, the parking lot can fill. Many park on the shoulder of adjacent Skyline and walk in to avoid paying the fee; there have been reports of cars being vandalized while parked there. Related Story Access Wheelchair access is limited, impossible when trails are wet. No mountain bikes on trails. Get there 15000 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos. $8 parking. No smoking, glass containers, dogs, firearms, bikes on trails (OK on service roads) 408-867-2952. www.parks.ca.gov

Angel Island State Park Marin County Make it your own From Lookout Bench on the south edge of Angel Island, you can see the San Francisco waterfront to the Golden Gate Bridge and take in miles of water, passing ships and all the landmarks. For those familiar with Angel Island, one of the best strategies is to search out the hidden beaches in coves or to camp and climb to the top of the island’s peak, Mount Livermore, at night. For those on a first trip, biking the Perimeter Road or hiking to the Livermore Summit are essentials. In the process, you might imagine all those who have come before, a history that is as dramatic as the views. Ferry boats out of Tiburon leave daily for Angel Island. On weekends and in summer months, you can board ferry boats out of the East Bay at Alameda Main Street, Oakland Jack London Square or the Vallejo ferry docks for the ride to the San Francisco Ferry Building and transfer to the ferry that heads to Angel Island. When you arrive: Ferries dock in Ayala Cove. The cafe, bike rentals and other concessionaire services will be on your left. It’s a short walk to the small visitor center at the foot of Ayala Cove, where a map/brochure is available. A beach rings the foot of Ayala Cove, and a shaded picnic area is just beyond. Bike: The best trip for most is the 5-mile ride on Perimeter Road. After an initial short climb, the route undulates around the island, passing a series of lookouts, along with short cutoff spurs to historical sites. If you’re bringing your own gear, hybrids and mountain bikes are the best fit for the road surface, which is packed gravel. Hike: The peak of 788-foot Mount Livermore has one of the best urban views anywhere. From the visitor center, walk along Perimeter Road a short distance to the Sunset Trail. Turn left, hike inland and climb to Summit Ridge and then to the junction with the North Ridge Trail. Take that final push to the top. It’s a 4.5-mile round trip. Bikes are prohibited. Camp: California State Parks operates 10 walk-in campsites. On the west side of the island, you get nearby views of the Golden Gate, and on the east side, pretty sunrises and short nighttime treks (with a flashlight) to the Livermore Summit. At night on top, the lights of the cities and the bridges ring you in a 360-degree panorama. Related Story Access Visitors must be able to board a large ferryboat and then walk up a paved walkway to reach the site of the prison. No dogs. Get there From Marin: Angel Island Tiburon Ferry, first-come-first served, $15, cash or checks only. www.angelislandferry.com. From San Francisco: Blue & Gold Fleet, weekends only. Depart from Pier 41 or Ferry Building; $19.50 round-trip; first-come, first-served. www.blueandgoldfleet.com

Mount Diablo State Park Contra Costa County Rock City to landmark summit Big views, great hiking trails and mountain biking routes, sandstone monoliths at Rock City and campgrounds that always seem to have open sites — Mount Diablo is a king of outdoor places. The moment hit the trail, the sensation of freedom can wash over you like a rain after a dust storm. The views are world class, spanning Diablo’s high crags and then plummeting into canyons far below. To the east, you can see across the San Joaquin Valley to the snow-covered Sierra crest. From the Juniper Camp parking area and viewpoint, you can see west across the ridges of the East Bay and Peninsula to the ocean. Diablo summit: On the drive to the 3,849-foot summit, there are several turnouts with plunging views below to the Diablo Valley and the Interstate 680 corridor. The visitor center sits right on top of Mount Diablo. The summit of Mount Diablo actually pokes up through the floor of the visitor center. Outside, stairs lead to a castle-like perch with sensational views. On clear afternoons, you can see downtown Sacramento and across the San Joaquin Valley to the Sierra crest with its bright white snow. Mount Hamilton, Mount Tamalpais and Mount St. Helena are among the landmarks. Mary Bowerman Trail: To the left of the visitor center is the trailhead for the Mary Bowerman Trail. This is a near-level arc around the summit with a series of views, crowned by Devil’s Pulpit and beyond to the Livermore Valley. On clear days, you can see the high-rises of downtown Sacramento without binoculars. Devil’s Elbow to North Peak: At the foot of the summit, 0.7 of a mile from the first parking lot, you’ll see a small signed trailhead on the east side of the road. This is Devil’s Elbow, the trailhead to the 3,557-foot North Peak. It’s an incredible rock perch on the east side of the North Peak that towers over the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and San Joaquin Valley. The trek includes one of the steepest sections, about 150 yards, of trail/road anywhere. The hike starts out easy, and descends 500 feet to Prospectors Gap. You then turn right to North Peak and climb 600 feet in less than a mile to the crag-spiked summit. 4-mile round trip. Juniper Camp/Diablo Overlook: Mount Diablo State Park provides campsites at Juniper and Live Oak Campgrounds. Juniper is the first choice, perched high on Diablo, only a five-minute walk from the Diablo Overlook. Reserve campsites at www.reservecalifornia.com. Rock City: This is a complex mosaic of sandstone rock formations that you can hike past, climb or use to create your own perch for a picnic. When you enter the park, get the map for the Trail Through Time. The No. 1 location is Sentinel Rock, where a rock staircase leads up the back side to where you top off the climb with an easy scramble, with cables set up like guardrails. Start at the Live Oak Campground. Mitchell Canyon: The best hike is a sensational 8-mile loop with a 1,600-foot climb on the way up, with creeks, wildflowers and ultimately towering views across Carquinez Strait. History: According to an account published in 1995, Mount Diablo received its name in 1805 when a local tribe escaped from Spanish military into thick brush. They named it Monte del Diablo which means “thicket of the devil.” In time, others then distorted the word “Monte” to make it Mount Diablo, says the account. Related Story Access The park features several accessible picnic sites, camping areas and walking trails. The Mary Bowerman Trail at the summit is wheelchair accessible and offers fantastic views. For more details visit the park website at https://access.parks.ca.gov. Get there Summit Road, Mount Diablo State Park. $10 entrance. Park brochure/map provided with park entrance fee. Detailed trail map, $7.50, free with membership in Mount Diablo Interpretive Association, www.mdia.org. No beer, wine or other alcohol of any kind is permitted. No dogs permitted on trails. Mount Diablo State Park, recorded information, 925-837-2525; Summit Visitor Center, 925-837-6119; www.parks.ca.gov

East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail Alameda County 31 miles across the best of the East Bay All this trail needs is a few campgrounds along the way and you’d have one of the best urban hikes in America. As it is, 31 miles with a shuttle ride home each day, it is a spectacular two-day trek (as I did it) or three days for the less ambitious. The East Bay Skyline National Trail runs from Lake Chabot Regional Park near Castro Valley to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in the Richmond hills. You pass through six parks in the East Bay Regional Park District, getting a feel for many of the region’s wildest lands and loveliest views. Bicycles and horses are permitted on 65 percent of the trail. In addition, each of the sections can make for a great day hike. Here’s how to do it, south to north: Proctor Gate to Bort Meadow: The trailhead is next to the Willow Park Golf Course. It starts with a steady climb to a ridge and enters Anthony Chabot Regional Park. You continue past Stonebridge and into Grass Valley, gorgeous in spring with blooming blue-eyed grass, wild radish and poppies, and beyond to Bort Meadow. Total: 6.5 miles. Bort Meadow to MacDonald Gate: From the picnic area at Bort Meadow at the head of Grass Valley, the trail climbs steeply and then becomes a service road. You head north (look for a view window in the bushes to the right) and then drop 500 feet to Redwood Road, where you cross the road to gain entrance to Redwood Regional Park. Total: 2.7 miles. MacDonald Gate to Skyline Gate: The trail doubles as the Stream Trail, where you hike along Redwood Creek, flanked by redwoods. Total: 5 miles. Skyline Gate through Huckleberry Preserve to Sibley Preserve: The upper end of this section gets little traffic. The route passes through upland habitat with lots of songbirds, then rises nearly 500 feet into Huckleberry. Total: 3 miles. Sibley Preserve to Lomas Cantadas, Tilden Regional Park: It feels like something of a phenomenon to see Sibley and its volcanic past, and then walk over the top of the Caldecott Tunnel. It’s then a 600-foot climb to Tilden. Total: 3.4 miles. Lomas Cantadas to Inspiration Point, Tilden Regional Park: Once you top the ridge, you descend nearly 900 feet with views across the foothills to the east. You emerge at famous Inspiration Point. Total: 3 miles. Inspiration Point to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park: This section of trail starts out paved, famous and popular, and is heavily used for 4 miles. You then break left, where the route turns to dirt. You cross through a gate and hike along San Pablo Ridge with spectacular views of the bay to your left, below to San Pablo Reservoir on your right. You are encircled by wildlands during an 800-foot descent through Wildcat. Total: 7.2 miles. Related Story Access The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Get there Southern trailhead: 17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley; northern trailhead: 5755 McBryde Ave., Richmond. Parking fee may be charged at some trailheads. Dogs permitted. Mountain bikes are restricted in some sections. East Bay Regional Park District, 888-327-2757, www.ebparks.org

Skyline's Highway 35 San Mateo County 13 Trailheads lead to parks, nature center You could search every corner of the nation for the best drive with views, parks and trailheads and not find a better one than the Peninsula Skyline’s Highway 35. In the 28.6 miles from Highway 92 to Castle Rock State Park in Santa Cruz County, there are 13 launch points for views, hikes, mountain bike trips and many surprises. The surprises include the Methuselah Tree, the Tafoni Monolith and many pristine sites along creeks in canyons and clearings with long-distance views. Here are the highlights, north to south. Purisima Creek Redwoods, 1: A 6.5-mile loop drops 1,600 feet into redwoods in Whittemore Gulch, before returning on a wilderness ridge. Location: From Highway 92, 4.5 miles south on right. Purisima Creek Redwoods, 2: The Redwood Trail is a short, easy loop walk through redwoods and links to a trail that descends along headwaters of Purisima Creek. Location: From Highway 92, 6.5 miles south on right. Methuselah Tree: This 2-minute walk leads to the biggest redwood on the north Peninsula. Location: From Highway 92, 9.1 miles south. El Corte de Madera: A 6.5-mile hike that leads to the Tafoni Monolith, and then to an picnic site perched at 2,200-foot Vista Point. Location: From Highway 92, 9.6 miles south. Wunderlich: The 4.5-mile loop descends into a pristine and remote redwood canyon with Alambique Creek. Location: From Highway 92, 10 miles south. Windy Hill: From Spring Ridge, a sweeping view across the South Bay. 7.5-mile loop descends into foothills above Portola. Location: From Sky Londa, 2.3 miles south. Coal Creek: At Cloud’s Rest, views plummet to the South Bay, then trail descends to Alpine Road. Location: From Sky Londa, 6 miles south. Russian Ridge: A 0.7-mile hike leads to 2,572-foot Borel Hill for a view to the west across the coastal foothills to the ocean. Location: From Sky Londa, 6 miles south at Gate #RR01. Skyline Ridge: A short walk through a tunnel emerges at a nature center perched on stilts at Alpine Pond. Location: At Alpine Road. Skyline Ridge: An easy 1-mile descent leads to little Horseshoe Lake and trail network. OK for mountain bikes. Location: From Alpine Road, 1 mile south. Upper Stevens Creek: A trailhead for a great mountain bike ride, 2 miles downhill on a fire road along Grizzly Flat and into Upper Stevens Creek County Park. Location: From Alpine Road, 2 miles south on the left. Long Ridge: This 4.6-mile loop hike descends into a valley and then climbs 400 feet to Long Ridge and the Stegner Bench, a prize lookout across Butano Rim and the coast near Pescadero. Location: From Alpine Road, 3.3 miles south. Saratoga Gap: The trail leads into Upper Stevens Creek County Park. Location: Junction with Highway 9. Related Story Access Redwood trail: three accessible picnic tables; roadside parking at the trailhead on Highway 35. Russian Ridge: short paved path leads to a wheelchair-accessible lookout with ocean views. Skyline Ridge: level, smooth trail circles Alpine Pond; wheelchair-accessible viewing scope and floating pier. Windy Trail: 200-foot-trail leads to views of Portola Valley, Stanford and Mount Diablo. Get there Parking, access free. Midpeninsula Open Space District, 650-691-1200, www.openspace.org; San Mateo County Department of Parks, 650-363-4020, http://parks.smcgov.org

Mount Tamalpais Marin County Trails to the state's best lookouts Connect one of the prettiest drives in the Bay Area to one of six trailheads at Mount Tamalpais. From Marin City at sea level, the drive ascends through redwoods and grasslands to one of the best lookouts in California — the Mount Tam summit. You pass trailheads at Bootjack, Pantoll, Rock Spring, Mountain Theater and East Peak, with nearby Laurel Dell just a short jog away on Mount Tam’s west flank. Mount Tamalpais, of course, is the peak that towers over Marin County. The trip ends at 2,571 feet at the Gardner Lookout at the East Peak. From each side of the lookout, take in miles of beauty and dozens of landmarks. To the west, the ocean stretches out forever, often obscured by a sea of fog, always with great sunsets. As you drive in, these are the trailheads you will pass. Note: All trail miles listed here are one-way distances. Bootjack: A 1.8-mile hike to the West Point Inn. Take the Matt Davis Trail 1.3 miles, turn left on Nora, 0.5 mile to inn. Walk-in campsites available at Bootjack. Pantoll: A 1.5-mile walk into Steep Ravine, where a redwood canopy and fern grottoes shelter Webb Creek, is one of the Bay Area’s most pristine hikes in winter. You cross a series of wood bridges en route to a miniature waterfall. Walk-in campsites available at Pantoll. Rock Spring: Cross the road on southwest side, then take O’Rourke’s Bench Trial for 0.3 mile to, you guessed it, O’Rourke’s Bench for beautiful ocean views. Mountain Theater: Walk past Mountain Theater and then continue on Rock Spring Trail for 1.4 miles to West Point Inn. East Peak: Take Summit Trail for 0.2 mile, short but steep with 330-foot climb, to lookout and one of the ultimate views in the Bay Area. East Peak, bike down: From the parking lot, ride down a short distance to Railroad Grade on the left, then take Railroad Grade 1.4 miles to West Point Inn. Stay on Railroad Grade down the mountain to the trailhead at the end of West Blithedale out of Mill Valley; a famous 281-turn, 2,200-foot descent, one way with shuttle car. Laurel Dell: Walk down the fire road 0.7 mile to Laurel Dell picnic site, then turn left on Cataract Trail for a 1-mile descent into a steep canyon to see Cataract Falls, a series of tiny waterfalls in a lush setting. Related Story Access The Verna Dunshee Trail (East Peak) offers 0.7 miles of wheelchair-accessible trail. Park also features several accessible campgrounds and pinicking areas. https://www.friendsofmttam.org/park/access.html Get there GPS location: East Peak Parking Lot, E. Ridgecrest Blvd., Mill Valley. $8 per vehicle at Bootjack, Pantoll, East Peak. Parking free at Rock Spring, Mountain Theater, Laurel Dell. Mount Tam Trail map, Tom Harrison Maps, www.tomharrisonmaps.com. Mount Tamalpais State Park, 415-388-2070, www.parks.ca.gov; West Point Inn, www.westpointinn.com

Butano State Park San Mateo County Camping, redwoods and rim-top views Everywhere you look at Butano State Park, another reward is unveiled. I’ve been exploring for a long time, and Butano is one of my favorite parks. Here, you get hikes on trails through redwoods to match your ambition; a mountain bike route on the Butano Rim that is one of the best anywhere; and campsites to suit your style, whether it’s RV, tent or a distant trail camp. There are two little-seen attractions: a hidden abandoned airstrip with a view and the Candelabra Tree in a remote forest on the edge of Gazos Canyon. Jackson Flats Loop: A 5-mile loop has a steep start at the Mill Ox Trailhead. That climb ends at the Butano Rim, a service road. Turn right. The route has good views over the valley below and glimpses of the ocean. To complete the loop, turn right on Jackson Flats Trail. It plummets a short distance over a sandstone face, then enters forest for an easy walk through redwoods. Best all-round hike in the park. Abandoned airstrip: Hidden on a sloped flat near the back of the canyon, 6 miles in, off the Butano Rim, is an abandoned airstrip that provides views to the west of Butano Canyon and beyond to the ocean. It is best to get there on a mountain bike off the access point at Cloverdale Road (not from inside the park). The climb is 600 feet in the first 2 miles, a challenge, then a less steep climb of 800 feet in 4 miles, with a spur on the right that leads to the site. Candelabra Tree: The tree is named for its five huge stems, which extend from a trunk that is 20 feet around. From the park entrance station, take the Año Nuevo Trail, steep for a mile (the former lookout view is blocked by trees), up to the Olmo Fire Road, then continue a short distance to the turnoff on the right for the Candelabra Trail. Descend into Gazos Canyon to the short spur for the Candelabra Tree. Little Butano Creek: The best easy walk at Butano is the Little Butano Creek Trail. It runs for 1.5 miles on the center of the floor of Butano Canyon along a pleasant creek edged by redwoods and ferns. The trailhead is on the main park road on the left, just before you reach the turnoff for the campground. Camping: Butano has three styles of campsites: 21 drive-in sites, 18 walk-in sites and a trail camp with eight sites for backpacking. The fee is $35 per night. Reserve at www.reservecalifornia.com. The trail camp requires a 5.5-mile hike (one way) with a 1,550-foot climb; pump-filter water from a creek about 400 yards away. Register at the park entrance for trail sites, first-come, first-served. Related Story Access The campground and main park road are wheelchair accessible. No mountain bikes on trails; mountain bikes permitted on Butano Rim (a fire/service road), with access from Cloverdale Road, not from within the park. Get there 1500 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero. $10 per vehicle. Map/brochure available at entrance kiosk. No dogs on trails or service roads in the park’s interior. Butano Redwoods State Park, 650-879-2040, www.parks.ca.gov

Indian Rock Park Alameda County A climbers' mecca in the Berkeley hills A panoramic view of San Francisco Bay, framed in the distance by the Golden Gate, awaits visitors at Indian Rock Park. It’s one of the best lookouts around, yet is known mainly by Berkeley locals and a handful of rock climbers who scale the face of Indian Rock in preparation for the big walls of Yosemite Valley. Those climbers have included the late Galen Rowell and present-day legend Hans Florine, who went on to establish records and new routes in Yosemite. Both were elected to the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. Another route, an easy walk for most, provides a way for non-climbers to get the big view. Indian Rock Park is in the Berkeley hills, with views facing west to San Francisco Bay. When you arrive: This is a small city park that often is overlooked by out-of-towners. The centerpiece is Indian Rock, which rises in a monolith above the hills around it. You don’t have to be a climber to enjoy it: Steps are carved into the rock to provide a route up for the world-class views of the bay. You don’t have to be a rock climber to enjoy it. The climbing route is on the face, not the steps. Adding to the trip: Most visitors walk up the rock stairs to get the view of the bay. Or they take a seat and watch the climbers scale the wall. The park also has a picnic area and small play area that makes it a local getaway, where you can go for a spur-of-the-moment picnic, a short walk up the rock and a view. History: In 1917, the man considered “the father of modern rock climbing,” Dick Leonard, developed his skills at Indian Rock. According to several accounts, environmentalist David Brower used the rock-climbing knowledge he learned at Indian Rock to develop training manuals the Army used for surprise approaches against Germany in World War II. Related Story Access The parking area and access to the Indian Rock Path, which extends three blocks, is wheelchair accessible. Get there 950 Indian Rock Ave., Berkeley. Free parking. No restroom, no off-street parking. City of Berkeley parks, 510-981-6660, www.ci.berkeley.ca.us (click on Services, and in the pull-down menu, click on Parks, Recreation and Waterfront).

China Camp State Park Marin County Walk through history at bay's shore The sight of San Pablo Bay from picnic sites perched on shoreline bluffs is reason enough to make the trip to China Camp State Park. You can crown the day with the hike to a lookout for a five-bridge view, launch a kayak and paddle along a marsh or take in the park’s history and landmark settlement. The park has also become one of the most popular in Marin for mountain biking. China Camp is on the shore of San Pablo Bay near San Rafael. Bayfront picnic: As you enter the park, get a brochure/map, on which you will find picnic sites on bluffs along North San Pedro Road. They include Buckeye, Weber and China Camp Point. Pick your favorite, spread out the map on a table, take in the view and enjoy lunch while planning the rest of your trip. Five-bridge view: From the top of the McNears Fire Trail, on clear days, you can see the Bay Bridge, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, Carquinez Bridge, Benicia Bridge and the tops of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a 2.5-mile loop with a 500-foot climb on the way up. Start at the ranger station. Take the Shoreline Trail north to the Oak Ridge Trail. Turn left and then climb to a junction with the McNears Fire Trail. Turn right and you emerge at a lookout. Kayak: Launch your kayak at China Camp Beach (there’s an adjacent dock). The wind is often light here and the water flat. Paddle north along the Marin shore. You will pass Rat Rock en route to Jake’s Island, adjacent to a saltwater marsh. Shorebird numbers are often good, water views spectacular. Note: No kayak rentals on site. Camp: Walk-in trail sites for tents, with hikes that range from 50 to 300 yards, are available at Back Ranch Meadows Campground ($35 per night). Reserve at www.reservecalifornia.com. History: China Camp is named for the settlement of 500 Chinese, mostly shrimpers. The park maintains many photos, artifacts and structures from the period, extending back to the late 1800s. Related Story Access The park features several wheelchair accessible trails, picnicking areas and campsites. Details can be found at https://access.parks.ca.gov. Dogs aren’t permitted on trails, but allowed at campgrounds and day-use areas. Get there 730 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. $5 parking. China Camp State Park, 415-456-0766, www.parks.ca.gov

Alcatraz Island San Francisco County Bay tours aren't just for tourists The first U.S. fort and lighthouse on the West Coast were built on Alcatraz. The island also gained notoriety during the 18-month occupation by the Indians of All Tribes starting in November 1969. But most know Alcatraz as the site of the federal penitentiary that housed many of the nation’s most infamous criminals from 1934 to 1963. There’s nothing quite like sitting in a cell on Alcatraz, even for just a minute. On one of my visits, I asked the guides to lock the cell and leave, and in that moment, I imagined being Al Capone. It’s a strange sensation to be confined to a tiny cell where the walls were painted in two tones of light green to create the illusion of a larger space. Alcatraz is just a short ride out of Pier 33, yet only about 20 percent of the 1.3 million visitors to the island each year are from the Bay Area. On the Rock: From Pier 33 it’s a quick but dramatic 1.4-mile ferry ride across the bay with views of the San Francisco waterfront and Golden Gate Bridge. From the dock, hike up a hill to the main doors of the prison. Visitors can sit in an old cell, take in the bay views and tour the main cell block, the dining hall, the library (don’t miss the photos of the thugs posted next to the barbershop). An audio tour explains the history and includes interesting anecdotes. You might sense the ghosts of the famous inmates once jailed there: Birdman (Robert Stroud), Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone. The Agave Trail is a short walk to the island’s southern tip for dramatic views across the bay to San Francisco and west to the Golden Gate Bridge. Garden surprise: Alcatraz’s gardens are alive with species that thrive in harsh conditions. Planted in the 1930s by the warden’s secretary, they survived four decades of neglect. In 2005, they were restored thanks to the Garden Conservancy and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in partnership with the National Park Service. Take a self-guided or docent-led tour starting at 9:45 a.m. Fridays and Sundays. A “Star Wars” secret: When an electronic switch is thrown, all the cell doors slam shut with a whoosh and a bang. George Lucas spent a day recording the sound; it’s what you hear when the door slams shut on Darth Vader’s star cruiser. Related Story Access Visitors must be able to board a large ferryboat and then walk up a paved walkway to reach the site of the prison. No dogs. Get there Tours depart from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on the Embarcadero. Tickets: $35, senior discounts; reserve at 415-981-7625 or www.alcatrazcruises.com

Marina Green to Fort Point San Francisco County Get to know S.F.'s waterfront One way to beat vacation stress is to avoid it altogether. You can do that when an international destination is in your backyard: the San Francisco waterfront from the Marina Green to Fort Point along the Presidio, a former military post. The 1.5-mile (one-way) segment of the Bay Trail provides a succession of views across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk your dog, bike, skate, run, picnic or simply snap photos. Marina Green: From Gashouse Cove, the Bay Trail runs along the waterfront, past the harbor, then turns right toward the bay frontage and along the St. Francis Yacht Club. You can then continue past the Golden Gate Yacht Club to the mouth of the harbor and, at the entrance, the Wave Organ. When the tides and wind are just right, best on high and incoming tides, it creates sounds from the movement of water into 25 plastic pipes set in concrete. If you hike from Marina Green to Fort Point, this side trip adds about a quarter mile to the trip. Beach at Presidio: From the St. Francis Yacht Club, continue west on the Bay Trail and you will arrive in minutes at the beach at the Presidio. The beach stretches west for more than a mile. It’s great for dogs and, often in the afternoon, windsurfing. Crissy Field: The Bay Trail borders bay beach frontage to your right, the restored Crissy Field marsh on the left, and then continues past Crissy Field into the Presidio. Torpedo Wharf: Most locals call this the Fort Point Pier. Visitors can walk out to the end to watch passing boats and ships. Fishing is tide-dependent for shiner perch, which you then use for live bait for halibut. Rock crabs, not Dungeness, work the bottom. Fort Point: At the end of the trail is Fort Point, a historical landmark. During the Civil War, Fort Point and its 126 cannons protected the entrance to the bay. The giant brick building is set at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. From the top, look to the bridge across to Marin and beyond to Sausalito, Angel Island and Alcatraz. Good to know: The largest parking area is along the bay waterfront at Marina Green, and just east at the Marina Green Triangle adjacent to East Harbor/Gashouse Cove (marina). Parking is also available just west of the St. Francis Yacht Club and beyond to the west, along the frontage at the beach at the Presidio. Another parking area is available near Fort Point. Related Story Access Dogs allowed in certain areas. Visitor's center at Fort Point is wheelchair accessible. At Crissy Field, there are two beach wheelchairs located at East Beach in the parking lot near the Crissy Education Center. The storage sheds are located next to two accessible parking spaces. Get there Marina and Scott Street, San Francisco. Parking, access free. Map/brochure available at the visitor center. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 415-561-4700, www.nps.gov/goga; Fort Point National Historic Site, 415-556-1693, www.nps.gov/fopo; Crissy Field Center, 415-561-7690, www.parksconservancy.org

Tilden Regional Park Alameda County Inspiration Point's portal to the wild Even a famous spot can surprise you. Inspiration Point at Tilden Regional Park, well known and popular, is such a place. A short walk leads to a view of San Francisco Bay, and that is as far as many get. But you can keep on, by bike or on foot, to remote foothills with excellent hilltop lookouts or descend on a trail into Wildcat Gorge. Inspiration Point is on Wildcat Canyon Road in the Berkeley hills, part of the East Bay Regional Park District. It is common to arrive on weekends and find the parking area full. Don’t despair. Often spaces open up quickly. Easy and short: The primary trailhead is Nimitz Way, a paved byway marked with lanes that separate traffic. Many will park at Inspiration Point, walk 5 minutes to a bench with a lookout, and stay just long enough to take in the view west across Meadows Canyon and beyond to San Francisco Bay. Bike and hike: On a mountain bike, ride out on paved Nimitz Way, with pretty foothill views and a glimpse of San Pablo Reservoir off to your right. At 4.1 miles, the route turns to dirt and to your left continues through a gate. A series of hilltops rise along the route. Lay your bike down in the grass and hike up to a summit for a big-time 360. It’s a 10-mile round trip. The view: Along the trail, you are surrounded by miles of wilderness-like foothills and views across San Pablo Bay to Mount Tamalpais. Below you to the west are San Francisco Bay, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. To the north, you can often see the outline of Mount St. Helena. In spring, the hills glow green and pop with wildflowers. When I hiked the 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Trail, this was my favorite spot, and I keep coming back. Canyon loop hike: At the paved entryway at the start of Nimitz Way, look to the left for the trailhead for the Curran Trail. It leads about 200 yards to a junction. Continue straight on the Curran Trail. This descends for 0.6 mile to the Wildcat Gorge Trail. Turn right and follow along Wildcat Creek for a mile to a junction on the right with the Meadows Canyon Trail. Turn right. This rises 500 feet over 1.5 miles back to the start. 3.1-mile loop. Related Story Access Nimitz Way and the Meadows Canyon Trail both offer wheelchair access, as do parts of the Tilden Nature Area and Inspiration Point. Beach wheelchairs available at Lake Anza. Dogs not allowed in the Tilden Nature Area, but permitted in the rest of the park. Get there Inspiration Point, Wildcat Canyon Road, Orinda. Parking, access free. Map/brochure available at the trailhead; Tilden Regional Park, 888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4562; www.ebparks.org

Coastal Trail San Francisco County Experience the Golden Gate For an easy getaway, head to Battery Godfrey and the San Francisco Coastal Trail. Perched on a bluff west of the Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Godfrey in the Presidio is a turn-of-the-century military bunker armed with three 12-inch guns that could fire 1,000-pound shells 10 miles. What’s left is the concrete structure that supported the cannons. There are concrete steps leading to a platform with a view of the Golden Gate and across to the Marin Headlands. Just beyond is a trailhead for the Coastal Trail, which runs along the bluff tops of the San Francisco Headlands from the Golden Gate Bridge to your right to China Beach to your left. The view: This one is a 10, worth the trip no matter where you live. It’s often best when turbulent skies add drama to the setting. To your right is a magazine-cover-quality view of the Golden Gate Bridge. From the Coastal Trail, the cliffs plunge to the water and extend to the entrance of the bay, where ships, fishing boats and sailboats pass. Directly across are the Marin Headlands, topped by Hawk Hill and tipped by Point Bonita and its lighthouse. The hike, Part 1: Start by walking on the Coastal Trail toward the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a short distance to a spot called Overlook. A bench is sited toward the bridge. The trail extends a short distance to the toll plaza, where you can walk under the road to the well-known designated overlook near the southern foot of the bridge above Fort Point. The hike, Part 2: From Battery Godfrey, turn left on the Coastal Trail and walk along Lincoln Boulevard to Battery Chamberlain and Baker Beach, and beyond to China Beach. The views of the entrance to the bay and passing ships are wonderful. Related Story Access Accessible parking and bathrooms. Dogs permitted. Get there Langdon Court, San Francisco. Parking and access are free. Map/brochure, PDF at www.nps.gov/goga. Not suited for bikes. Presidio Visitor Center, 415-561-4323, www.nps.gov/prsf. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 415-561-4700, www.nps.gov/goga

Lake Chabot Regional Park Alameda County Boats, big fish and bald eagles Your first glimpse of Lake Chabot can catch you by surprise. There’s nothing like the anticipation you feel when you see the emerald water set against a sloping ridge peppered with oaks. Chabot is a great destination to boat, fish, bike, hike and picnic. It’s 315 acres are in a pocket in the East Bay hills on the outskirts of Castro Valley. The lake is shaped like a horseshoe, with little Live Oak Island creating a storybook scene. After Chabot was created in the late 1800s, public access, boating and recreation on the lake were not permitted for 90 years, similar to the rules at lakes on the San Francisco Peninsula and in Marin County. Legislation by a local assemblyman required it be opened for access to boating, fishing, hiking, biking and picnics. Lake Chabot is now the centerpiece of a regional park, and along with Los Vaqueros, Del Valle and San Pablo, is one of the best lake-based destinations in the Bay Area. Walk: Near the marina, turn right on the East Shore Trail, an easy, flat walk along the shore of the lake that extends 1.6 miles to Honker Bay, a 3.3-mile round trip. You will pass Indian Cove and Catfish Landing, then make the right turn at Raccoon Point along Honker Bay. There’s a restroom at the end of the cove at Honker Bay. Bike: Near the marina, turn left on the West Shore Trail. This is a flat ride on a paved road, where the route undulates up and down short hills and provides sweeping views of the lake. It is 1.8 miles to the dam (3.6-mile round trip); an excellent ride for children. You will pass Coot Landing and Alder Point and get a view across to Half Moon Bay. Boat: If you own a kayak or canoe, it is a short portage to the marina, where you then can get your boat cleared as mussel free and hand-launch. An array of rental boats is also available. On the water, the experience is quiet and intimate. You can fish, enjoy seeing birds and have a picnic lunch. Most choose to venture up one of the lake arms. You can head past the island on your left and up the Honker Bay arm or straight out of the marina, past the island on your right, beyond Half Moon Bay and into Bass Cove. Fish: During the cool months, trout fishing is good, both by boat and by shore. In spring and early summer, the big bass start to feed. The first dock by the marina and Raccoon Point are good spots for trout. Rod-and-reel rentals, bait and tackle are available at marina shop. The lake also has some of the biggest and most elusive largemouth bass in Northern California. Boat: rentals Kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, rowboats, boats with electric motors, deluxe electric boats and pontoon boats are available. Several discounts are available, including on weekdays and for seniors. Package rates available for pontoon boats. Guided kayak tour available. Bald eagle: For the best chance of sighting the area’s bald eagles, go to Alder Point, then look across the lake, above Half Moon Bay, where an eagle sometimes perches. In some springs, a mated pair of eagles has tended an active nest here. History: Lake Chabot was built in 1875 and closed to the public for 91 years. Legislation in the 1960s required it opened to the public, and included a caveat that visitors can hand-carry their boats to launch, as well as for other recreation. Related Story Access Accessible parking, restrooms and picnic areas. Trail around lake is paved, though inclined at parts. Dogs permitted. Get there 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. $5 parking, $2 per dog; $2 to hand-launch kayaks, canoes (20 feet or less, short portage required from parking lot), plus $4 watercraft inspection. $5 daily fishing permit. Map/brochure free at park entrance; PDF at website; Lake Chabot Marina, 510-247-2526, Lake Chabot Regional Park, 888-327-2757, option 3, extension 4536, www.ebparks.org

Año Nuevo State Park San Mateo County A walk to view nature's mating game One of nature’s best shows takes place on the southern San Mateo County coast. In one encounter at Año Nuevo State Park, spectators watched a female come ashore and drive the young males crazy. Her blubber quivered as she squirmed across the beach. She used a flipper to throw sand on her coarse, gnarled skin. The males could not contain themselves. In a mass onslaught, they chased her almost 25 feet and cornered her. Off to the side, a monster-size bull, nicknamed the Beach Master by the park rangers, arose to defend the female. This bull, 20 feet and 5,000 pounds, raised his head and issued a warning roar. A mosaic of deep scars marked his neck, the result of dozens of battles. The upstarts experienced a sudden attitude adjustment. Off they went in defeat, vanquished without a single bite. Tours: Roughly 50,000 people take the tour at peak season in winter, hoping to see the elephant seals’ courtship and birth rituals. From Dec. 15 through March 31, docents lead groups of up to 20 people. Each tour is unique; as the elephant seals move, rangers adjust the routes. Groups leave every 15 minutes. What you see: Tours are about 3 miles long. As you walk along roped-off routes within good camera range, some seals are motionless, but some males are constantly wriggling from place to place, occasionally squaring off and fighting with each other. The mainland can get crowded, though, so many of the elephant seals take up residence at nearby Año Nuevo Island. Timing: Elephant seals live on the main beach year-round, but the arrival of migrants in large numbers, often 500, starts in November. The mating shenanigans start in December. Many pups, weighing about 75 pounds, are born in mid-January to early February. History: Año Nuevo is Spanish for new year. For years, the island, just offshore a mainland peninsula, has been off limits to the public. On your visit, though, you can see the broken shells of abandoned buildings on the island where elephant seals now live. An old lighthouse, at risk of falling, was knocked over on its side so no animals would be injured if it collapsed on its own. Related Story Access A shorter wheelchair-accessible route is available. No mountain bikes. No dogs. Get there 1 New Years Creek Road, Pescadero. Reserve tours at www.reservecalifornia.com, $8 per person (plus reservation fee for groups), plus $10 parking per vehicle. Año Nuevo State Park, 650-879-2025, www.parks.ca.gov

Pillar Point Harbor San Mateo County Fish, float, ride, walk on the San Mateo Coast Time it right, and Pillar Point Harbor at Princeton in Half Moon Bay is the kind of place you fall in love with. For more than 10 years, I lived a few minutes away in Moss Beach and El Grenada. It’s all there: kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and boating. Get on a party boat and go whale watching or fish for salmon or rockfish. Hike the beach or the bluffs, ride the Coastal Trail or just take in the views. It’s all within a 2-mile radius. North Beach/Pillar Point Headlands: Just below Pillar Point Head, there’s a small parking lot on the left. From there, a trail extends along a bluff perched above a beach and the waterfront of the harbor, inside the rocky jetty. You walk to the north jetty and then can turn right to Mavericks Beach. This extends out to the point, a great tide pool area during low tides. You can also rock-hop around Pillar Point Head until you reach a cliff that plunges into cove that connects to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Coastal Trail: Near the boat ramp, the bike route extends south 6 miles to Half Moon Bay State Beach. This is routed past Miramar, beyond past several spurs to state beaches, and then eventually past open grasslands en route to the main southern trailhead. Bicycle rentals are available a short distance from the state park, in Half Moon Bay. Kayak/SUP rentals: Get fitted for a wetsuit, and then paddle around the harbor. In a rental kayak near the north jetty, I watched a sea otter swim right up to me. Half Moon Bay Kayak supplies all the gear and offers guided trips, 650-773-6101, www.hmbkayak.com. Fishing/whale watching: Salmon in late spring, rockfish in summer and fall, and whale watching in winter make this a top launch point for ocean adventures. If you own a boat capable of an ocean trip, the boat ramp inside the secondary jetty, on the left as you enter the harbor, is one of the best in Northern California. Queen of Hearts, 510-581-2628, www.fishingboat.com; Half Moon Bay Sportfishing, 650-728-3377, www.hmbfishing.com; Huli Cat, 650-726-2926, www.hulicat.com; New Capt. Pete, 650-726-6224, www.newcaptainpete.com; Riptide Sportfishing, 650-728-8433, www.riptide.net. Related Story Access Accessible parking, picnicking areas and restrooms. Trail is also wheelchair accessible. Dogs can swim and run off leash at nearby Montara Beach. Get there 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay. Parking free in most lots. Boat launch and parking is $13. Daily marine weather, 650-726-6070, ext. 2. Harbormaster, Pillar Point Harbor, 650-726-4382, www.smharbor.com/pillarpoint.

Marin Headlands Marin County Rodeo Beach and a historic lighthouse Rodeo Beach along the Marin Headlands provides a beautiful oceanfront expanse in a wide cove that backs up to Rodeo Lagoon. At the north end of the beach is a Coastal Trail trailhead that leads to Wolf Ridge and 1,053-foot Hill 88 for a 360-degree panorama of the Marin Headlands, Pacific Coast the ocean and — to the northeast — up the flank of Mount Tamalpais. The best drive in is on the Coastal Route at the Marin Headlands, where you pass Hawk Hill. You get a view of the Gate Bridge to San Francisco and across the mouth of the bay. As you drive west, you top a hill for views beyond to the Farallon islands. You will pass the Nike missile site en route to Rodeo Lagoon and parking for Rodeo Beach. Rodeo Beach: A delightful beach set in a half-moon cove, it’s the kind of place where you can take a seat and watch the waves without a care in the world. The far end of the beach is where night photographer Tony Rowell captured his famous nighttime images of bioluminescence, light emitted by living organisms, in 2018. The cove is bordered by Tennessee Point to the north and Bird Island to the south, each with showstopping lookouts accessible by short hikes. Dogs are permitted, including off leash if under voice command. The Marine Mammal Center often releases rehabilitated animals here. Hill 88 Loop: A 5.5-mile loop, with a 1,000-foot climb on the way up. The trailhead starts at the end of the gated service road, the Coastal Trail, just past the foot of Rodeo Lagoon. It climbs, steeply at times, to Wolf Ridge and a spur on the right to Hill 88. Turn right for 0.1 mile, where you reach a concrete bunker and a sweeping view. For a loop hike, return to Wolf Ridge, turn right and, in 1.3 miles at the Miwok Trail, turn right again. That leads down to Gerbode Valley and back along Rodeo Lagoon (and the road) to parking. Point Bonita Lighthouse: A short walk through a tunnel leads to small, white suspension bridge that takes you to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855. It is perched on a crag that overlooks the entrance to the bay. Tennessee Valley: An easy walk or bike ride leads to Tennessee Cove. En route, trails break off into the headlands for valley and ocean views. When you get there: There is a large parking area at the end of the entrance road (on the right) as you arrive past Rodeo Lagoon. Parking is also available along Rodeo Lagoon on your left, and also near Fort Cronkhite (on your right) at large lots off Bunker Road (on your right) near the Marine Mammal Center, which rescues and rehabilitates wildlife. Related Story Access Wheelchair accessible parking, picnicking areas, restrooms and visitor's center. Beach wheelchairs can be reserved in advance. https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/marin-headlands-access.htm. Dogs allowed on leash. Get there 11050 Mitchell Road, Mill Valley. Parking, access free. Park map/brochure at Visitor Centers, PDF at website. Marin Headlands Visitors Center, near foot of Rodeo Lagoon, 415-331-1540, www.nps.gov/goga

Pescadero State Beach San Mateo County Beach, reef, bluffs and marsh You get a twofer at Pescadero State Beach and the adjoining Pescadero State Natural Preserve: beaches, carved-out havens against the cliffs, tidal reefs, lagoons and marshes. I spent years in this region and explored the coastline and hills from Pescadero Creek to Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Often I ended up here to enjoy the marsh, stream, lagoon, beach and sea, all in one easy day. Pescadero State Beach and marsh are along Highway 1, 15 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Four parking lots are available, three along Highway 1, another along Pescadero Road. Pick the right one for what you are looking for. Northern beach: From here, you walk north along a beachfront that extends for a mile along a series of high bluffs. Against those high bluffs is a series of sculpted hideaways, out of view and ideal for picnics with water views. Central beach/marsh: The central beach parking lot is just south of the Pescadero Creek Bridge. Trails lead down to a small beach fronted by a tidal reef. To the immediate north is Pescadero Lagoon, which breaks free and flows to the ocean when winter rains arrive. You can also reach the marsh from this parking lot. To get there, walk across the pedestrian walkway on the Highway 1 bridge over Pescadero Creek, then walk under the bridge to reach the marsh on the eastern side of Highway 1. The Sequoia Audubon Trail then leads a short distance along the lagoon to Pescadero Creek. It is currently closed at about 0.3 mile in because of erosion. Southern beach: After you drop to the beachfront, you get access to small beaches edged by reefs. If you venture north, you can walk to the central beach area and venture to Pescadero Lagoon, Highway 1 Bridge and the route under the bridge to the marsh. Marsh: The dirt lot along Pescadero Road provides access to the trailhead for the walk along the Butano Creek estuary. You get a sweeping view across the marsh. This is an estuary fed by two streams, joined in a lagoon, with habitat that attracts both resident and migrant shorebirds. Guided nature walks: Free guided walks in the marsh are available at 10 a.m. the first Sunday and 1 p.m. the third Sunday of each month." Related Story Access Limited wheelchair access. No dogs allowed. Get there Pescadero State Beach, Highway 1, Pescadero. $8 for developed parking (along Highway 1) at Pescadero State Beach; parking and access are free at Pescadero Marsh (off Pescadero Road). No dogs are permitted on trails at the marsh or at state beach. No fires, collecting, drones or fireworks. Restrooms are available at the northern and southern parking lots for Pescadero State Beach. There is no running water. Pescadero State Beach, Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, both through Half Moon Bay State Beach, 650-726-8819; www.parks.ca.gov

Point Reyes National Seashore Marin County Unmatched beauty, adventure at national seashore In early morning light, the tufts of coastal clouds above Inverness Ridge at Point Reyes look like pink cotton candy. As the day evolves, the changes in light make the park’s landmarks look like murals. Like this beauty, the scope of adventure is unmatched in the Bay Area: miles of ocean; a coast with a dramatic mix of sand, rocks and cliff-top bluffs; grassland foothills loaded with wildlife and the best opportunity to see elk in California; old-growth forests; ridge-top views; and one of the most popular lighthouses in America. Most travelers begin the adventure at Point Reyes National Seashore at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, then choose from a series of major destinations with trailheads. Bear Valley Visitor Center: The park is big, more than 71,000 acres. Newcomers can stop in at the visitor center, get a map and ask questions to match destinations with desires. Trailheads here include Bear Valley Trail, where you can hike out to Arch Rock or turn right and head up to the Sky Trail on the flank of Mount Wittenberg for a panorama of Drakes Bay. Lighthouse: From the visitor center, it is a 20-mile drive to the lighthouse parking lot and staging area. The historic Point Reyes Lighthouse has been renovated and is a great — and popular — late-winter site for whale watching. At the lighthouse, a left turn will take you to the trailhead for the trail to the Chimney Rock Headlands, where an easy hike on clear days provides sensational views, and in late March, a wildflower spectacle. During peak whale watching in winter, a shuttle is required from the Drakes Beach turnoff to the lighthouse or headlands. Trailheads en route to lighthouse: You will pass cutoff roads or trailheads for Mount Vision, Estero Trail, North Beach, Drakes Beach and South Beach. Of these, the Estero Trail is one of the best easy first hikes you can take in the park. Pierce Ranch: You can often see tule elk from the parking lot and dozens more on the hike to Tomales Point. On the drive in, you will pass trailheads for Abbotts Lagoon and McClures Beach. Limantour Beach: Limantour Beach is drop-dead beautiful. The parking lot is bordered by blooming iris in spring, and you can walk for miles along Limantour Spit. On your way to the beach, you will pass cutoff roads or trailheads for the Sky, Bayview, Point Reyes Hostel, Laguna and Coast trails. Of these, my favorite is Sky Trail, where you can create an ambitious loop hike with ocean views, pass through old-growth forest on Inverness Ridge and descend on the Woodward Trail to Coast Camp and the beach. Palomarin: The Palomarin Trailhead north of Bolinas is the launching point for the Coast Trail to freshwater lakes and beyond to Wildcat Camp. The ambitious can hike on the beach for a head-on view of Alamere Falls as it sails over the brink and to the beach below. History: The Coast Miwok inhabited the area after the Ice Age, dating back more than 5,000 years, and more than 100 historic village sites have been verified in the park. Explorer Sir Francis Drake was said to have landed here in 1579. After many shipwrecks, the Point Reyes Lighthouse was established in the late 1800s. Ranching and farming have been common for nearly 200 years, and when the landscape became Point Reyes National Seashore in 1962, many of the existing operations were grandfathered in. In a survey of the California coast in 2010, the cleanest beaches in the state were at Point Reyes. Related Story Access Visitor centers and some short interpretive trails and service roads are wheelchair accessible. No dogs allowed. Get there 1 Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Road, Point Reyes Station. Parking, access, map/brochure, free. No fires on beach. Mountain bikes only on designated roads or trails. Reserve trail camps at www.reservation.gov; reserve lodging at www.ptreyes.com. Bear Valley Visitor Center, 415-464-5100, www.nps.gov/pore

Stinson Beach Marin County Bay Area coast's No. 1 beach From a bluff along Highway 1 in Marin, you can see why Stinson Beach may be the best of the beaches along the Bay Area coast. Three miles of arcing beachfront along Bolinas Bay provides room to spread out. A calm surf, at least most days in late summer and early fall, make it an ideal place to play tag with the gentle waves, stand-up paddle board or swim. The views are gorgeous across the sea to Bolinas and Duxbury Point. It’s common for pelicans to glide past in squadrons and fly out to sea, to see fishing boats up close and tankers and freighters in the shipping lanes. A bonus at Stinson Beach is a giant parking lot at its southern end. That can solve the parking dilemma inevitable at many weekend destinations, especially in Marin. Hike north: The beach leads north to the mouth of Bolinas Lagoon, a pretty spot with a light tidal surge to swim, stand-up paddle board or fish for perch and striped bass when the tide is right. If you instead venture south, you leave the crowds behind and arrive at a more secluded area backed by bluffs, edged to the south by Rocky Point. Upton Beach: To the north, Upton Beach is a county park that is contiguous with Stinson Beach. The border is signed. Many activities banned at Stinson, as a national park, are allowed at Upton. These include beachcombing for shells and pocket rocks and bringing a dog on the beach. Swimming: Rip currents and undertows can make swimming dangerous. If you go in the water, make sure to have a flotation device, like a board, that is tethered to you to keep you above the rips and undertows. Parking/bus route: On warm, clear weekends, even this giant parking lot can fill before noon, there are no overflow sites, and legal spots in town are all taken as well. Late starters should call ahead for parking updates. The best option is to take Marin Transit No. 61, known as the Marin Stagecoach. It runs from Marin City and along the Panoramic Highway to Stinson. Related Story Access Some parts of the beach are wheelchair accessible. Beach wheelchairs can be reserved beforehand and rented on-site. Dogs allowed on leash in the parking lot, picnic areas, and on the adjacent county beach. No pets on the National Park Service section of the beach. Get there Stinson Beach Parking Lot, Stinson Beach. Parking, access are free. Brochure at visitor center. Recorded updates from ranger, 415-868-1922; Stinson Beach Visitor Center, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 415-388-2596, www.nps.gov/goga; Upton Beach, Marin County Parks, www.marincountyparks.org

Tomales Bay Marin County Beaches, hikes and kayaking Once you reach Tomales Bay in West Marin, get off the road and get out of your car and your day will turn spectacular in minutes. No matter what you love, you’ll probably find it here. On a clear day, there are few better places to kayak on flat water, find secluded beaches or take in a landscape of water, foothills and lookouts. You can also hike, view wildlife and camp. This loop ventures first to Tomales Bay State Park, the often-bypassed waterfront park on the western shore of the bay. Soak in the water view at Heart’s Desire Beach, and go for a short hike or launch a kayak. Then loop around to the eastern shore of Tomales Bay, through Point Reyes Station, past Marshall and Blakes Landing. Secret coves: A series of fairly hidden beaches, tucked away along 15 miles of Tomales Bay, includes Chicken Ranch Beach (county park), Heart’s Desire Beach, Pebble Beach and Shell Beach (Tomales Bay State Park), and a series of secluded coves on the northwest side of the bay (Point Reyes National Seashore) where you can land a kayak. Smooth paddling: From Inverness, you can rent a kayak and paddle in flat wind-sheltered water. Paddle to the southern end to a wetlands area for sightings of shorebirds and waterfowl. Rentals are also available out of Marshall, or launch your own out of Miller Boat Launch, from where you can paddle an hour across to the western shore to find secluded beaches and have a water view of the elk at Pierce Ranch. Note: Access to the east side of Hog Island in Tomales Bay is prohibited to protect harbor seals. Wildlife watching: Often you can see tule elk in the vicinity of the parking lot at Pierce Ranch. A short walk to the ridge provides a panorama of Tomales Bay. From Pierce Ranch, hike the Tomales Point Trail. You’ll see game trails that you can trace out to find the elk; the herd numbers over 500, not counting newborns. Bring binoculars and keep your distance. Hike Johnstone: The trail runs (in part) along the shore to Pebble Beach, then arcs in a horseshoe-shaped route to Shell Beach. Jepson Trail goes through the ancient Bishop Pine Forest. Indian Nature Trail, to Indian Beach, is a short interpretive trail to wood tepees. Pitch a tent: A series of 20 boat-in campgrounds, located at secluded beaches along the northwest shore of Tomales Bay, is run by Point Reyes National Seashore; $20 per site; reserve at 877-444-6777, www.recreation.gov. Related Story Access Millerton Point Trail is the park's only wheelchair-accessible trail. Accessible parking and accessible vault restroom are available at the trailhead. One beach wheelchair can be reserved in advance from May through Labor Day. Dogs only allowed at the Vista Point picnic area and they must be on leash. Get there 1100 Pierce Point Road, Inverness. Free access at county park sites and Point Reyes National Seashore; $8 per vehicle at Tomales Bay State Park. Marin County Parks, 415-473-6387, www.marincountyparks.org; Tomales Bay State Park, 415-669-1140, www.parks.ca.gov; Point Reyes National Seashore, www.nps.gov/pore. Kayaks/stand-up paddleboards: Blue Waters Kayaking, 415-669-2600, www.bwkayak.com.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Santa Cruz County Ancient trees and backcountry waterfalls No matter what your age, a trip to Big Basin Redwoods, California’s oldest state park, can feel as if you’re pushing the restart button on life. Walking amid the ancient redwoods has a way of putting everything in perspective. In just a short walk, you can see a series of colossal redwoods, including the Mother and Father of the Forest. Redwood Trail: The loop is 0.6 mile, flat and takes about a half hour. The trailhead is just beyond the west side of the parking lot and is well marked. You pass old-growth redwoods en route to the Mother and Father of the Forest. The Mother has a circumference of 70 feet and is 280 feet tall (the top 50 feet snapped off in a storm a few years ago), and the Father is 250 feet tall. In addition, one tree has so many burls at its base that it looks like a science experiment gone wrong. Views: The Meteor Trail starts along Opal Creek and then climbs 400 feet to Middle Ridge Fire Road and nearby to Ocean View Summit. Waterfalls: The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail runs from headquarters 4.7 miles to 70-foot Berry Creek Falls, and another mile up to Silver Falls, a 60-foot freefall where the trail rises next to the brink, and to Golden Falls, which looks like a water slide with clear water over golden sandstone, and feeds into Silver Falls. Note: In big winters, fallen trees and erosion can close the direct route to Berry Creek Falls; another route is available on the Sunset Trail. Another waterfall, Sempervirens Falls, a narrow chute, is a short distance from the Huckleberry Loop and tent cabins. A personal note: The brink of Silver Falls, where you can reach out from the cable railing and touch the water as it flows past, and where you can turn to your right, take a few steps and look up to the final chute of the Golden Cascade, is my favorite spot in the greater Bay Area. Camping: All styles of camping are available: 31 sites for tents or RVs up to 27 feet or trailers up to 24 feet (no hookups), 69 drive-in sites for tents only, 38 walk-in sites; $35 per night. Reserve at www.reservecalifornia.com. Tent cabins: There are 36 tent cabins (fully booked most Friday and Saturday nights), $85 to $105 per night, depending on amenities, two-night minimum on weekends. Located at Huckleberry Loop. Reserve at www.reservecalifornia.com. Related Story Access Wheelchairs OK. No bikes, dogs or horses. Get there 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek. $10 parking, access. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 831-338-8860, www.parks.ca.gov. Map/brochure available at the park visitor center and at www.parks.ca.gov. Trail map: Mountain Parks Foundation, 831-335-3174, www.mountainparks.org (click on Buy Maps).

Briones Regional Park Contra Costa County Explore a wildland in the Contra Costa hills Every trip to Briones Regional Park is unique, a vast wildland with a network of trails that provides options from short walks to ambitious treks, plus mountain biking and horseback riding. It is crowned by 1,483-foot Briones Peak and its great views. In spring, the hills practically glow, alive with wildflowers. Briones is an island wilderness, bordered to the north by Martinez and the Highway 4 corridor, on the east by Walnut Creek and Interstate 680, and on the south by Lafayette and Highway 24. The park spans 6,255 acres that stretch west to Briones Reservoir, and the wildlands extend beyond on East Bay Municipal Utility District land to San Pablo Reservoir. It is one of the best parks for hiking, wildflowers and foothill views in the Bay Area. The trek: My favorite hike at Briones is the loop route past Briones Peak. From the Alhambra Creek staging area, begin on Alhambra Creek Trail and turn right on Spengler Trail to Old Briones Road Trail. Turn left and hike a half mile to Briones Crest Trail. Turn left again and climb to Briones Peak in less than a mile. To complete the loop, stay to the left for Table Top Trail and then again for Spengler Trail (it bends to the left at several junctions), then right on Diablo View Trail 1.1 miles back to parking. It’s a 5.6-mile loop, 3-plus hours. The views: From Briones Peak, you get a panorama of rolling foothills that extend far beyond to Mount Diablo, the west Delta and Suisun Bay. At the end of the loop, on the Diablo View Trail, you get views to the southeast across the Interstate 680 corridor, past Shell Ridge and across the northwest slopes of Mount Diablo. Waterfall: Abrigo Falls has a 15-foot stream with a hollowed-out plunge pool, pretty after heavy rain. Park at Bear Creek Staging Area, pick up the Abrigo Valley Trail. For the cutoff to the falls, a map is essential. Distance is 2 miles. Briones Reservoir/hiking: No water contact, boats or fishing are permitted at the lake. Instead, venture out on the Oursan Trail; you can go for 5 minutes or 5 hours. Combined with the Bear Creek Trail, a 13.2-mile route circles the lake. From the Overlook Staging Area, you’ll see the trailhead, then turn left and head to the dam for a photo. After you cross atop the dam, the trail ventures to remote watershed lands north of the lake. It climbs 400 feet up a ridge for occasional lake views, then eventually descends along the north shore of the reservoir. Mountain bikes: Allowed on ranch roads, which make up most of the park’s routes. Dogs: Pets must be leashed (6-foot maximum) on the Alhambra Creek Trail (from parking south to the water trough), Diablo View Trail (between Alhambra Creek Trail and Hidden Pond Trail), Tavan Trail and Orchard Trail. In many areas, dogs are allowed to be off-leash if they are under owner control (see rules on website). History: The land is a historic grazing and ranching property, which continues to the present day, and was purchased in 1909 as a watershed. The park was ultimately established in 1967. Related Story Access Poor wheelchair access. Separate parking lot of the park's archery range. Dogs permitted. Horseback riding allowed. Get there 2537 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez. $3 access, parking; $2 per dog; $3 for horse trailers. Map/brochure available at park entrance; PDF at website. Briones Regional Park, 888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4508; East Bay Regional Park District, www.ebparks.org.

Del Valle Regional Park Alameda County From lake to wilderness, park has it all Among the Bay Area’s 275 recreation destinations, Del Valle is the only park that provides top-shelf fishing, boating, mountain biking, hiking, camping, backpacking, wildflowers and wildlife. The park spans 5,000 acres south of Livermore. The centerpiece is its gorgeous lake, marina and campgrounds. Once you’re afloat, miles of lake, coves and quiet water come into focus. Bald eagles sometimes fly in to nab a trout. Boat: The lake is 5 miles long with 16 miles of shoreline and a 10-mph speed limit. Fees are charged for launching, based on the type of boat, and all boats are required to be inspected for mussels before launching. Launch fees are $5 for trailered boats and $3 for car-top (such as a kayak) or inflatables. Mussel inspections cost $7 for trailered boats, $4 for car-top boats. Boats must be clean and dry before launching; 10-mph speed limit, no personal watercraft. Boat rentals available for motorboats, rowboats, canoes and pedal boats at marina. Fish: We’ve had some of our best days anchored at the upper end of the lake on the edge of the underwater channel, rigging with two hooks with Power Nuggets and a night crawler for bait. For the big ones, we have trolled 15 to 20 feet deep with a gold-black jointed Rapala along Swallow Bay and approached the dam on the right. A $5 daily fishing permit is required. Hike: From near the Lichen Bark Picnic Area, take the Ohlone Wilderness Trail to Rocky Ridge (2,426 feet). You get a towering view over the reservoir and across to Cedar Mountain, and then west toward Wauhab Ridge and Rose Peak, with good blooms of goldfields on top in spring. It’s a 4.4-mile round trip, with a 1,700-foot climb. Camp/cabins: Choose open campsites within walking range of the lake, or more private sites amid trees. Sites for tents or self-contained RVs cost $25 per night; RV sites with hookups cost $45 per night. Restroom with showers are available. No generators permitted. Quiet hours are 10 p.m.-7 a.m. The park’s model cabins can be rented for $100 per night, two-night minimum. Bring sleeping bag, cooler with food and drink and other camping gear. Reserve at www.reserveamerica.com. Mountain bike: From the boat ramp parking lot, ride north on the East Shore Trail/Road for 1.8 miles to Venados Group Camp (on left). Turn right on Swallow Bay Trail and make the rhythmic climb up above Badger Cove, then drop down to Swallow Bay. You can continue north to Heron Bay, with several short climbs and drops, for a 10-mile round trip. Related Story Access All bathroom buildings and many water fountains are wheelchair accessible. Family campground has two wheelchair accessible campsites. Paved and gently sloped paths include portions of the Westshore and Eastshore trails. Dogs must be on leash. Get there 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore. Fees: $6 per vehicle, $2 per dog, $14 per boat or trailered RV. A map/brochure is provided at entry kiosk; PDF at www.ebparks.org. Del Valle Regional Park, 888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4524, www.ebparks.org; Del Valle Marina, 925-449-5201, Rocky Mountain Recreation, www.rockymountainrec.com; Rocky Ridge Visitor Center, 510-544-3146.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Santa Cruz County Redwoods, river and a railroad Henry Cowell Redwoods has a 65-year history as a beloved state park for hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming and fishing. Redwoods age well, you’ll find. This trip starts with a scenic drive, either through the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains or on Highway 1 down the coast along the Pacific Ocean. At Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there’s a gorgeous walk amid the trees near the San Lorenzo River, hiking up to a viewing platform or biking a network of fire roads, and a surprise swimming hole. During the holidays, you can finish the day at one of the choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms or take a ride on the adjacent Roaring Camp Railroad. The park is near Felton, about 15 miles inland from Santa Cruz. Walk: From the Nature Center, the nearby Redwood Grove Trail Loop is flat, easy and dramatic. Hike: From the Redwood Grove Trail, you can extend the walk by linking a mosaic of trails into a 4-mile loop hike, finishing with a 550-foot climb to the Observation Deck at an elevation of 805 feet. Mountain bike: Cycling is permitted on Pipeline, Rincon, Ridge and Powder Mill, which are fire roads. Helmets are required for those under 18, advised for all. Camp: Forested campsites are located on campground loops at an entrance apart from the main park entrance. In summer, they attract out-of-state visitors touring Highway 1. In the shoulder and offseason, you can often have the campground largely to yourself. $35. Reserve at www.reservecalifornia.com. Fish: In late December through January, when stream flows are sufficient to allow passage of steelhead from ocean to lagoon and upstream, fishing is permitted on Wednesdays and weekends on the San Lorenzo River. Check for closures and special rules from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. 707-944-5500, www.wildlife.ca.gov. Swim: A swimming hole called the Garden of Eden is off the Ox Fire Road. To reach it requires a three-quarter-mile walk with a 200-foot descent. No diving, alcohol, glass containers or dogs permitted. Dogs: Allowed in paved areas, the picnic area, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and Meadow Trail. They are not allowed on other trails or fire roads. Motorcycles: From Sky Londa, take Highway 35/Skyline for 14 miles to Highway 9. Turn right on Highway 9 and drive 18 miles to Felton, then continue a half mile to North Big Trees Park Road. Turn left to park. Related Story Access Park offers five wheelchair accessible camping sites and a mostly accessible visitor's center. The Meadow, Redwood Loop and River trails each have wheelchair accessible portions. Dogs are allowed on-leash in the picnic area, the campground, on Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail, Powder Mill Fire Road, and the Meadow Trail. Get there For day-use visits, 101 N. Big Trees Park Road, Felton; for camping, 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley. $10 parking; map/brochure, PDF at website. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz County, 831-335-4598; www.parks.gov; Nature Center, 831-335-7077; campground kiosk, 831-438-2396; Mountain Parks Foundation, 831-335-3173, www.mountainparks.org

Pescadero Creek Park San Mateo County Gateway to Peninsula wildlands Pescadero Road provides entry into some of the Bay Area's deepest forests and most extensive wildlands. The heart of it is Pescadero Creek County Park with its redwoods and watersheds. With adjoining Memorial, Heritage Grove and Sam McDonald county parks, the complex encompasses 8,020 acres. Adjacent Portola Redwoods State Park has 2,800 acres, and 18,000-acre Big Basin Redwoods State Park can be accessed by a backcountry trail. The sum is nearly 30,000 acres of contiguous wildlands, mostly redwoods, all accessible to the public. From San Francisco, the preferred route is along Highway 1 for ocean views; start early to avoid traffic. At Pescadero Rod, head inland through coastal grasslands, past Pescadero and into the redwoods at Loma Mar. The road becomes slow, twisty and narrow as you enter the heart of the forest. From the East Bay and Peninsula, take Highway 84 to La Honda and then turn left on Pescadero Road to the Redwood Triangle. Mountain bike: Wurr Road leads into Pescadero Creek County Park and to the trailhead for the Old Haul Road. This is an excellent mountain bike ride on a gravel service road. It extends 5 miles one way along Pescadero Creek, with a graded 500-foot elevation gain (OK for children) into Portola Redwoods State Park. Hike: For those on foot, trails lead into the adjacent Pescadero Creek County Park and to a matrix of trails and roads. Pescadero Creek and its corridor are stunning. A cutoff leads up to the remote Butano Ridge Fire Road and a little-known 1,727-foot lookout and ocean view. Fish: Every winter through early spring, steelhead migrate from the ocean up the creek to spawn in the vicinity of Pescadero Creek County Park and Portola Redwoods State Park. In the summer and fall, the "little trout" you might see are actually steelhead smolts. Fishing for them is illegal. When rain raises the creek and blasts a hole in the sandbar at the lagoon at the Highway 1 bridge, the juvenile steelhead will migrate to the sea. Related Story Access Limited wheelchair access. No dogs. Get there 9500 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar. $6 at developed parking at Memorial. Sam McDonald free at several spots in park complex. For Old Haul Road trailhead, rangers suggest parking at the gate on the left-and side of Wurr Road (do not block road); no fee required. Trail map, $6, available at Memorial County Park ranger station. Memorial and Pescadero Creek county parks, 650-879-0238; San Mateo County Parks Department, 650-363-4020, https://parks.smcgov.org.

Samuel P. Taylor State Park Marin County Woods, water and a few surprises From a small airplane, you could fly from San Rafael to Fairfax to Bolinas, and see the sharpest interfaces from urban to rural in the Bay Area. It’s stunning how the landscape transforms within a mile or two. From your car, you can drive through this same portal. You can leave the city life behind at Fairfax for open foothills and then enter into creekside redwoods at Samuel P. Taylor State Park in western Marin County. With it, you get an array of recreational activities: trailheads for easy walks, a hike to a view, bike rides, a swimming hole. A family-style campground for tents and self-contained RVs sells out most summer days. Redwood walk: The Pioneer Tree Trail starts at the Redwood Grove Picnic Area and runs for 2 miles amid the park’s old-growth redwood trees with a 400-foot climb in and out of Wildcat Canyon and then a loop back along Lagunitas Creek. Barnabe Peak: To reach 1,466-foot Barnabe Peak (on the north side of Sir Francis Drake), you need to connect to the Barnabe Fire Road, a 1,300-foot climb, steep at times. At the summit is a former fire lookout with a view across the foothills and to the Marin coast. Get a state park map/brochure and turn it into a 6-mile loop. Note: The preferred route out of Devil’s Gulch on Bill’s Trail is closed from winter storm damage, with repair dates delayed because of the discovery of spotted owls in the area. Mountain bike: Take the Cross-Marin Trail for 3 miles along Lagunitas Creek, great for kids or as a launch point for mountain bikers. This is a former railroad line, so it’s nearly flat. The more ambitious can link west out of the park to the Jewell Trail, where the climbs start, and into the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. You can connect to Bolinas Ridge and a network of roads/trails. You can also ride east and link to the Inkwells Bridge. Swimming hole: The Inkwells, a series of pools on Lagunitas Creek, provide a swimming hole on hot days. They are just east of the park (near Shafter Bridge on Sir Francis Drake). From the park, take the Cross-Marin Trail east along the creek to the Inkwells Bridge, a bridge for hikers and bikers. Nearby is a short scramble down to the swimming hole (do not jump or dive in). In winter, you can often see coho salmon here, as well as at the nearby Leo Cronin Fish Viewing Area and Shafter Bridge. For the future: Out of Devil’s Gulch, Bill’s Trail will eventually be reopened to Barnabe Peak with its cutoff spur to Stairstep Falls. The trail was closed by a slide, and repairs have been restricted because of a spotted owl nest identified in the area, where crews are prohibited from entering the area most of the year. Camp: Maximum-length RVs, 27-foot trailers, 31-foot motor homes. Some small cabins are also available, and also are booked through most of the summer. Reserve at www.reservecalifornia.com. Dogs: OK on paved areas, picnic area, campground and Cross-Marin Trail. Related Story Access The campground, restrooms and main park area are wheelchair accessible. Mountain bikes are permitted on the Cross-Marin Trail, Bay Ridge Trail and can connect out of the park to the Jewell Trail. Get there 8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Lagunitas. $8 per vehicle at main entrance station. Map/brochure included with entry fee. Samuel P. Taylor State Park, 415-488-9897, www.parks.ca.gov

Los Vaqueros Reservoir Contra Costa County Haven for fish, wildlife, adventure From the shore of Los Vaqueros Reservoir, you can take in what is emerging as the most vibrant fish and wildlife paradise in the western United States. This is by far the biggest lake in the East Bay and, according to scientists with the Contra Costa Water District, supports striped bass, trout, largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill. A 20,000-acre watershed surrounds the reservoir, in remote Contra Costa County. It’s in the Diablo Range, roughly between Livermore and Brentwood. The landscape encompasses miles of oak woodlands, hills and ravines, and is contiguous to parklands and greenbelt. Bobcats and raptors thrive on a robust ground squirrel population. Spend a day fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, watching wildlife. Bring a camera — there are plenty of opportunities for photography. Two access points: There are two ways to get into Los Vaqueros: at South Gate (out of Livermore), which leads to the marina, the choice for those who fish, want to rent a boat or enjoy easy shoreline walks; and at North Gate (out of Brentwood), which leads to a visitors center near the dam, the choice for those who want to hike for ridgetop views or mountain bike amid a matrix of dirt roads. Marina/eagle sightings: For the best first visit, go to the marina and rent a boat. The electric motors look like miniature marine outdrives and are stronger than many expect. Explore the lake and its coves and get a view across the hills. Bring binoculars to see eagles, hawks and falcons. The best spot is often in the hills and oaks above the West Fork of Kellogg Creek. In winter, trails are often closed to keep hikers well clear of active golden eagle nests. Fish: For trout, the best spots are often South Cove or Oak Point, using bait. Trout stocks are high. In the fall, you have the chance to catch scads of small striped bass. Troll until you get a bite, then stop and cast to the school. Before a trip, make sure to get the latest report, including wind conditions, from the marina. At times, most often in the spring, boats can be put on a wind hold. Hike: The best short hike is out of North Gate, with the trailhead near the John Muir Interpretive Center. Take the Crest Trail up to the ridge. You will emerge on the Vista Grande Trail. Turn left and walk toward the dam. It’s easy to turn this into a 2.6-mile loop. What a view from the ridge: across the lake, and to the north, up to Mount Diablo. At the ridge, stop and take in the scene below. At your feet is a vista of water and land like none other. Related Story Access Pier at the Los Vaqueros Marina, the south end of the reservoir, is wheelchair accessible. No dogs. Get there For South Gate/marina out of Livermore: 9990 Los Vaqueros Road, Byron. For North Gate/visitor center out of Brentwood: 19 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood. $6 per vehicle (discounts for seniors, county residents). Daily fishing permit: $5 per day, which pays for trout stocks. No private watercraft, even kayaks, permitted. Los Vaqueros Marina, 925-371-2628; hiking questions, 925-688-8175, free trail guide on website; watershed information, www.ccwater.com/losvaqueros

Sunol Regional Wilderness Alameda County Crags, fossils and Little Yosemite In late winter and spring, rain saturates the hills and flushes water through the aquifers and into the headwaters of Alameda Creek. It turns a dry, rocky gorge into a torrent of miniature waterfalls. This sparks Little Yosemite to life in the Sunol Regional Wilderness. The entrance to Sunol-Ohlone Wilderness is about 6 miles from Interstate 680 near Sunol. It’s a gateway for a wilderness that spans 30 miles east to Del Valle Regional Park (south of Livermore) and 8 miles west to Mission Peak (near Fremont). It’s one of the best parks in the Bay Area for hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching and camping. Abundant populations of ground squirrels give rise to some of the highest numbers of golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, prairie falcons and peregrine falcons anywhere. In addition, there are high numbers of deer, and the predators that eat them, including mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes. Little Yosemite: The trailhead is not near the first parking area, picnic areas and visitor center, but a short distance beyond to the east. The road stops near a restroom with a turnaround. Just beyond is the trailhead, a gated ranch-style road that starts where you cross a bridge over Alameda Creek. From the trailhead, it takes an easy walk of only 0.9 of a mile on a ranch road to reach it — a 1.8-mile round trip. After you cross the bridge, the trail climbs gently, with the creek to your right. The trail climbs a short hill, where you get a view ahead of the gorge. It takes about a half hour for most hikers to reach the cutoff on the right to Little Yosemite and its miniature procession of waterfalls. From a bluff-top perch, you can get a fair glimpse of the gorge, and many don’t get any closer. It’s a short scramble, slippery at times on wet clay and sandstone, down to the water’s edge. A larger boulder is set perfectly alongside a pool, just below the highest fall, a small sheetlike fall. Use your imagination: It takes an imaginative eye to think this looks like Yosemite, but on the left, there is a sandstone escarpment that could resemble a miniature El Capitan, and below, a small spire that looks somewhat like Cathedral Rock or the Lost Arrow Spire. Beyond is an eroded wall, near vertical, that adds to the canyon look. Wilderness camping: Wilderness permit and a camping reservation required. Reserve at 888-327-2757, option 2. Backcountry: A series of sandstone crags, Flag Hill, Cerro Este and others, rises from the ridges. The crags provide towering views over the valley below and the Alameda Creek watershed. On the crags, if you look closely, you can see fossilized shells that tell a story of when these mountaintops were once at the bottom of the sea. From Little Yosemite, the trip can be expanded to these more distant landscapes. Related Story Access Wheelchair access limited. Get there 1895 Geary Road, Sunol. $5 per vehicle, $2 for dogs. Map/brochure at trailhead. Sunol Regional Wilderness, 510-544-3249 or 888-327-2757, option 3, ext. 4559; East Bay Regional Park District, www.ebparks.org

Uvas Canyon County Park Santa Clara County Campsites, trails and surprise waterfalls The trip to Uvas Canyon County Park in the foothills west of Morgan Hill brings with it an easy walk with a series of small, waterfalls, a good loop hike and a campground with a guarantee that you won’t have to deal with parties. Swanson Creek is the heartbeat of the park. It runs down a long canyon, with four small waterfalls that range from torrents in winter and spring to wisps in summer and fall. Uvas Reservoir, about 15 minutes away, provides shoreline bass fishing. Winter, spring weekends: Parking reservations are required for weekend day use when the waterfalls are at their peak, from late winter through spring: 408-355-2201 or www.gooutsideandplay.org. No reservations needed on weekedays. Walk/hike: After parking, walk up the hill and past the restroom to the trailhead. You’ll see a pretty rock staircase that leads to a bridge overlooking a cascade, little Granuja Falls. The trail then climbs for 0.35 of a mile to a spur for Black Rock Falls. Up the hill on the main trail, another spur leads to little Basin Falls. Beyond that is Upper Falls, about a 50-footer, which is pretty even when dry weather reduces it to a thin stream of silver. It’s 1.8 miles out and back, and can be extended to a 3.6-mile loop hike on Alec Canyon Trail. Camp: Most sites are set in shaded oak woodlands. There are 25 sites for tents or small, self-contained RVs, with drinking water and restrooms with flush toilets and showers; $34 per night. Reserve at www.gooutsideandplay.org. The gate is locked a half-hour after sunset. Quiet time is 10 p.m.-7 a.m. Fish: Uvas Reservoir is not at Uvas Canyon County Park, but rather is along Uvas Road, about 15 minutes away. In the morning and evening, when shade takes over the coves, fishing for small bass can be good from shore. Cast small jigs and grubs. No boating permitted (even though there is a boat ramp). Facilities: A restroom with flush toilets, sink and drinking water is available near the parking lot; another restroom is available near the campground. Related Story Access Wheelchair access limited. Leashed dogs OK on trails; dogs must be leashed, attended and quiet in the campground. Get there 8515 Croy Road, Morgan Hill. $6 per vehicle. For weekend dates, reserve and pay for day-use permit in advance at 408-355-2201 or www.gooutsideandplay.org. Map/brochure is available at entrance; PDF at website. Uvas Canyon County Park, 408-779-9232; Santa Clara County Parks, 408-355-2200; www.sccgov.org/sites/parks