Lime Ridge Open Space, Walnut Creek Travel Guide

4.6 (675)

Explore 1,226 acres of trails, wildlife, and natural beauty in Walnut Creek & Concord. Hike, bike, and discover Lime Ridge Open Space!

Home
Travel Guides
California
Walnut Creek
Lime Ridge Open Space

Lime Ridge Open Space, nestled between Walnut Creek and Concord, California, offers a sprawling 1,226 acres of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With 25 miles of trails, it's a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking an escape into the rolling grasslands and chaparral-covered hills.

A brief summary to Lime Ridge Open Space

Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, California, 94598, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 6 am-6 pm
Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
Thursday 6 am-6 pm
Friday 6 am-6 pm
Saturday 6 am-6 pm
Sunday 6 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lime Ridge Open Space.

Bring water, especially during warmer months, as the trails offer limited shade.
Check the leash rules for dogs, as they vary depending on the section of Lime Ridge you are visiting.
Wear sturdy shoes, as some trails can be rocky or uneven.
Be aware of wildlife, such as coyotes, and keep a safe distance.
Visit in the spring to see wildflowers in bloom.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Old Borges Ranch

Shadelands Ranch Museum

Civic Park

Memorial bench

Explore Lime Ridge Open Space on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lime Ridge Open Space, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From downtown Walnut Creek, take Treat Blvd east. Turn right into the Open Space parking lot, located just past Lime Ridge Trail Run. From downtown Concord, drive east on Clayton Blvd to Treat Blvd, then turn right. The parking lot is on the right, past Lime Ridge Trail Run. Parking is free. Expect limited parking on weekends.
Public Transport

Several bus lines stop near Lime Ridge Open Space, including lines 14, 15, 16, 20, and 28. Check the County Connection website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the bus stop, follow the trail into the open space. A single bus fare is typically around $2.50. The Walnut Creek BART station is approximately 3 miles away; from there, you can take a bus or taxi to the open space.
Walking

If you are nearby, you can access Lime Ridge Open Space via the Contra Costa Canal Trail. From the trail, follow signs for the California Riding and Hiking Trail to enter the open space. Be aware that there may be closures on the Contra Costa Canal Trail. Check for updates before you go.

Discover more about Lime Ridge Open Space

Lime Ridge Open Space provides a valuable green space in the bustling East Bay Area. Located on a prominent ridge leading to Mount Diablo, the open space boasts diverse plant and animal life, offering a natural escape for urban dwellers.The area's history is intertwined with limestone quarrying, which took place from 1905 to 1946 by the Cowell Portland Cement Company. The legacy of this industry is still visible in the landscape, with old quarries dotting the terrain. The town of Cowell, a company town that supported the mining operations, once thrived near what is now the Crossings neighborhood in Concord.Today, Lime Ridge is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Hikers and bikers can explore a variety of trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. The Ohlone Trail is a popular route that connects the north and south trailheads, offering scenic views of Walnut Creek and Concord. The open space also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, with sightings of squirrels, red-tailed hawks, and other native species.Lime Ridge is divided into three sections by busy roads. The northern section, north of Ygnacio Valley Road, allows dogs under voice command or on leash, while the central section, south of Ygnacio, is a wildlife preserve where dogs are prohibited. The southern section again allows dogs on leash. This open space is a testament to community efforts to preserve natural landscapes amidst urban development.