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Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve: Oakland's Natural Escape

Discover Oakland's hidden gem: Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve, a tranquil escape with wooded trails and stunning views in the heart of the East Bay.

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Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve is a 290-acre park in the Oakland Hills, offering a peaceful retreat with wooded trails and diverse plant life. Managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, the canyon features Rifle Range Creek and a variety of trails for different skill levels.

A brief summary to Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve

  • Monday 5 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-10 pm
  • Friday 5 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes, as the trails can be uneven and steep in some areas.
  • Bring your own water, as there are no drinking water facilities within the preserve.
  • Be aware of poison oak, which is common in the area.
  • Consider visiting during the cooler months for a more comfortable hiking experience.
  • A culvert on Leona Trail near Artemisia Trail has failed and is impassible. The trail no longer connects and the area should be avoided for further landslide issues.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-580 in Oakland, take the Keller Avenue exit. Head east on Keller Avenue, then turn left onto Campus Drive. Turn right onto Canyon Oaks Drive. Continue until you see the parking lot for the trailhead on your left within the Ridgemont Condominium complex. Parking is free at the main entrance. Be aware that the entrance shares a driveway with a housing complex marked 'Private Property'.

  • Public Transport

    Take AC Transit Line 54 from the Fruitvale BART Station in Oakland to Merritt College. From the bus stop at the flagpole at the main entrance to Merritt College, walk downhill to the sidewalk along Campus Drive. Turn left and look for the signpost near the intersection of Campus Drive at Canyon Oaks Drive. Walk down Canyon Oaks Drive to the trailhead parking area. A single fare on AC Transit is typically around $2.50.

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Discover more about Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve

Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve, a hidden gem in the Oakland Hills, provides a serene escape from the city. This 290-acre preserve, managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, protects a pristine wooded canyon carved by Rifle Range Creek. The canyon's varied terrain and diverse plant communities create a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Originally inhabited by the Ohlone and Bay Miwok people, Leona Canyon's history is intertwined with the natural landscape. Established as a preserve in 1986, it offers 2.75 miles of multi-use trails. The main trail, Leona Canyon Trail, is a wide path that gently descends into the canyon, following Rifle Range Creek. The Artemesia and Pyrite Trails offer more challenging climbs with rewarding views. The canyon's geology is also unique, carved into a faulted contact between metavolcanic rock and sedimentary rocks. This formation supports a wide range of plant communities. Visitors can explore a self-guided interpretive program focusing on local Indian uses of plants. While the preserve lacks restrooms and drinking water, its secluded atmosphere and natural beauty make it a refreshing experience.

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