3 Best Hiking Trails in Walnut Creek, CA

“Shell Ridge Open Space ensures a total land area of 1420 acres with various picturesque spots. The total length of the trail is 31 miles, which is generally considered an easy to moderately challenging route. The trails cover a range of elevations, from 56 to 472 meters. The Open Space has multiple trailheads and parking lots. Shell Ridge is in the middle of Walnut Creek, beginning near downtown and stretching to Mount Diablo. The trail is the city's greatest open space, consisting of parallel slopes and valleys. Shell Ridge comes from the marine fossils left behind after the ocean that originally covered it receded. The trailhead is excellent for hiking, biking, and horseback riding options abound along ridge tops, creekways, and hillsides.”

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“Lime Ridge Open Space is ideal for hiking and biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound across the many plant communities and quarries. The total land area of the trail is 1226 acres of land. The total length of the trail is 25 miles, which is generally considered an easy trail route. The Ridge is a dominating hill on the eastern end of Walnut Creek that leads to Mount Diablo. The trailhead is home to some of Walnut Creek's last remnant chaparral and various plant and animal life. Lime Ridge was named after the limestone extracted in the region by the Cowell Portland Cement Company. Lime Ridge is part of the City of Concord and is maintained by the City of Walnut Creek.”

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“Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area opens to the public and can be reserved for picnics. Trailhead has access to almost 18,000 acres of public land. There are four sites with a capacity of 100 and 3 with a capacity of 50. Picnic areas will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The park's paths are handicapped accessible, and restrooms, changing rooms, drinking fountains, and wheelchair access are available. The park is in a sandstone canyon in the Diablo Foothills of the northern Diablo Range, west of Mount Diablo and Mount Diablo State Park. Mt. Diablo State Park and Walnut Creek Open Space border Diablo Foothills Regional Park and Castle Rock Park, allowing access to more than 18,000 acres of public areas.”

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