Updated restrictions The watershed trail system, staging areas and restrooms are open. Please help us protect public health: maintain 6 feet of social distance and wear a face mask when this is not possible.

Enjoy shimmering lakes, wooded glens and colorful flowers along 90 miles of East Bay trails. These hiking and horseback-riding paths wind through 29,000 acres of open space. Parking is available at most staging areas. EBMUD manages these lands to protect water quality so please, follow rules and always carry a trail use permit.

How to purchase trail use permits

Permits cost $3.00/day, $10.00/1 year, $20.00/3 years, $30.00/5 years. Trail permit holders can take members of their immediate family and 3 guests. Permits are not transferable.

Online: Purchase and print trail use permits online.

By mail: Download an application and mail it with your payment to EBMUD. For a Trail Leader Permit Application, email Watershed & Recreation or call 510-287-0459.

Updated trails maps

EBMUD is pleased to provide a 2020 update to our East Bay trails maps in a variety of user-friendly formats. We'd love to hear what you love. Share photos and review of your favorite #ebmudtrails on Facebook and Twitter @ebmud.

Interactive 3-D map*

Using Geographic Information System mapping technology, this 3-dimensional version offers detailed trail locations, access points, elevations, amenities and a search function that allows you to find your ideal trails, whether you are an endurance runner looking for your next challenge, or a pet parent in search of a short, dog-friendly stroll for a senior pooch.

Print and download

Download our handy maps to your cell phone or print them at home and you will always know where you are – even in remote trail sections with spotty cell service. These color maps are divided into sections so you can download only what you need. Select from Overview and Key, Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area, North Watershed (San Pablo and Briones Reservoirs) and South Watershed (Upper San Leandro and Chabot Reservoirs). A two-sided 25" x 33" version is coming soon.

Staging Area signs

Find yourself in new "You Are Here" signs at Valle Vista and Overlook staging areas and Pereira and Chabot trailheads. Figure out your exact location and other topographical info with these new markers.

Mountain bikes

On July 16, 2018, two trail segments of EBMUD trails in the East Bay were opened to bicycles. The multi-use segments on established service roads are open from sunrise to sunset (subject to seasonal closure) and connect to the trail system in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park and within the Pinole Valley. The Pinole Valley and Eagle's Nest Multi-Use trails offer 7.5 miles of new access in the East Bay watershed, now available for cyclists as well as hikers and equestrians.

Permits are required

Purchase a Trail Use Permit online or send us an email to request a paper application. It is unlawful for any person to enter or use any designated watershed trail without a valid Trail Use Permit in possession (EBMUD Ordinance 284, § 12.01).

Trail segment locations and characteristics

Pinole Valley Multi-Use Trail: This 6.7-mile trail segment consists of service roads, some sections newly open for public use, and provides a continuous stretch of trail spanning from the trailhead at the intersection of Alhambra Valley and Pereira Roads up to Pinole Ridge, then terminating at Alhambra Valley Road near the intersection with Pinole Valley Road. On this segment, expect to see rolling terrain through grasslands and oak woodlands with some challenging slopes coming off the ridge.

This 6.7-mile trail segment consists of service roads, some sections newly open for public use, and provides a continuous stretch of trail spanning from the trailhead at the intersection of Alhambra Valley and Pereira Roads up to Pinole Ridge, then terminating at Alhambra Valley Road near the intersection with Pinole Valley Road. On this segment, expect to see rolling terrain through grasslands and oak woodlands with some challenging slopes coming off the ridge. Eagle's Nest Multi-Use Trail: This 0.8-mile trail segment offers a fine downhill ride through forested lands from Nimitz Way in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park to San Pablo Dam Road.

This 0.8-mile trail segment offers a fine downhill ride through forested lands from Nimitz Way in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park to San Pablo Dam Road. Other trails: Bicycles are not permitted on any other EBMUD trails in the East Bay or the Mokelumne watershed (EBMUD Ordinance 284, § 14.01).

Report a trail problem

We appreciate your assistance! Use our handy online form.

Safety first

Kids and teens (under 18) must wear helmets (California Vehicle Code, §21212) and be accompanied by an adult permit holder at all times.

Police Assistance

To request assistance from a police officer while you are on the trails, call the 24-hour police dispatch at 510-881-1833.

Questions?

Send us an email – we are here to help!

For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.