Briones Regional Park

This open space of 6117 acres, home to the turkey vultures and bail tailed deer, is the great escape you’re looking for in all probability. It has a rich history and is known for the beautiful views. The Regional Park of Briones is an attractive place for a day of leisure, adventure, bird watching and hiking. Originally granted to Felipe Briones ‘ widow as part of the Mexican Land Grant in 1842, the area around the park is more wooded on the eastern side. It consists of miles after miles of gently winding ranch roads over rolling grasslands and rolling hills, mainly from the East Bay region, like Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek.

On the opposite, the western side is more accessible and adjacent to the Briones Reservoir, although more challenging with steep gradients. With an elevation of 1483 ft, the Briones peak is the highest peak that offers expansive north views of the Sacramento River, Mt. Tamalpais and Berkeley Hills to the west, and Mount Diablo and Diablo Valley to the east. It also limits the vast walking trail network of the park. Added to this, the Briones pioneered cattle ranching in the area, including Briones Park and Russell Reservation, which remains an attraction for many to this day.