Acalanes Ridge, Walnut Creek Travel Guide

4.7 (55)

Hike through scenic trails with panoramic views at Acalanes Ridge, a natural open space in Walnut Creek and Lafayette, California.

Acalanes Ridge, located on the border of Walnut Creek and Lafayette, California, offers a network of trails with panoramic views. This open space is ideal for hiking, dog walking, and enjoying nature, with trails connecting to Briones Regional Park and Mount Diablo State Park.

A brief summary to Acalanes Ridge

Sousa Dr, Walnut Creek, California, 94597, US
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Monday 7 am-7 pm
Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
Thursday 7 am-7 pm
Friday 7 am-7 pm
Saturday 7 am-7 pm
Sunday 7 am-7 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Bring water, especially on warm days, as there is limited water available on the trails.
Wear sturdy shoes for the sometimes steep and uneven trails.
Keep dogs under control due to the presence of wildlife.
Visit in the spring to see the wildflowers in bloom.
Be prepared for limited parking, especially during peak hours.

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Explore Acalanes Ridge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Acalanes Ridge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the intersection of Pleasant Hill Road and Stanley Boulevard in Walnut Creek, head north on Pleasant Hill Road. Turn right onto Stanley Boulevard, which becomes Springbrook Road. Turn left onto Bacon Way, then left again onto Bacon Court. Finally, turn left onto Peaceful Lane. Park near the gate at the end of Peaceful Lane to access the trails. There are no fees for accessing the trails.
Public Transport

From Walnut Creek BART station, take Bus 1 towards Rossmoor. Get off at the Boulevard Way and Nicholson Road stop. From there, walk approximately 13 minutes to the Acalanes Ridge trailhead near Sherwood Way. A single ride on County Connection bus costs $2.25.

Discover more about Acalanes Ridge

Acalanes Ridge is a scenic open space nestled on the border of Walnut Creek and Lafayette, California. This popular hiking area features a collection of natural spaces connected by an extensive network of trails. The ridge gets its name from the Sacalanes, the historical Native American residents of the area.The centerpiece of Acalanes Ridge is a 23-acre property acquired by the John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) in 2010. Reaching the 781-foot summit rewards visitors with 360-degree views of central Contra Costa County, spanning the Oakland Hills, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, Livermore foothills, Mount Diablo, Suisun Bay, and Briones Regional Park.Acalanes Ridge offers approximately 4 miles of trails suitable for hiking and dog walking. The trails range from fire roads to single-track paths, catering to both casual walkers and seasoned hikers. Dogs are welcome on the trails, but should be kept under control, as the area is also home to deer, foxes, coyotes, and various reptiles. Springtime visitors can enjoy a variety of wildflowers, including elegant clarkia, purple owl's clover, and blue lupine.While Acalanes Ridge is a relatively small area, it serves as an important greenbelt connection between Walnut Creek and Lafayette. The trails connect to the Acalanes Ridge Open Space (AROS) trail system and the regional trail between Briones Regional Park and Mount Diablo State Park.