Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, East Bay

Las Trampas Loop to Rocky Ridge

Difficulty Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Pleasure Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Mileage: 4.5 miles
Click Here for Map of Las Trampas Loop

Why Las Trampas?
Located off Interstate 680 and Bollinger Canyon Road in the rolling hillsides of San Ramon, this one of a kind trail offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the entire San Francisco Bay Area, and the adjacent towering monolith of Mount Diablo.  With a challenging assent to the very climax of the East Bay ridge, you can strut upon what is the intersection of three fault lines, an area known by geologists as the Mount Diablo Thrust [to the common man, the Rocky Ridge].  On a cold cloudy day this craggy intersection of hillsides and fault lines with gnarly knobby trees and mysterious rolling fog can conjure images of troll dwellings.  But on a clear crisp and sunny day, you feel like you could just about reach up and touch heaven.  The vistas are spectacular and a must-see for anyone who finds themselves looking for an unparalleled East Bay hike.

 Let's Get Hiking
Pack plenty of water and bring lunch, along with healthy snacks like fruit, trail mix, or granola bars.  My kids love peanut m&ms's mixed in with cashews and raisins.  This is a challenging hike, especially for little ones, so keep energy and spirits bright with plenty of fuel for the journey.  Bollinger Canyon Road dead ends at the park entrance.  Park in the Las Trampas Regional Park lot and if need be, use their toilet facilities here- there will not be any bathrooms on the hike.  The trailhead is located at the northwest corner of the lot where you will immediately begin your 1000 ft assent to the top of the ridge on the Rocky Ridge Road.  It starts as a wide paved road and soon narrows as it turns into a dirt trail.  This initial climb is the toughest and most taxing part of the journey, so pace yourself and allow for breaks.  Take a sip of water and look at the view of Mount Diablo and the Las Trampas range behind you.  It is important to allow children time to rest their legs and catch their breath as to not drain the energy piggy bank on this leg of the hike alone.

Once you have reached the summit you will notice a gate and a short barbed wire fence that separates the Las Trampas Regional Park from land owned by EBMUD.  Technically you are required to have a permit here in order to enter the neighboring trails.  However having hiked these hills many many times, I haven't noticed the enforcement of these rules, nor have I ever crossed paths with any authorities.  So be advised of the rules, but bending them here to get this view is worth it!  Enter through the gate and head west on the trail until you climb another small assent to the top of the Rocky Ridge- you made it!  This is the East Bay summit!

Take a deep breath as you absorb this extraordinary vista.  On a clear day you can see the enormity of San Francisco's Bay Area in all directions- Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge- Alcatraz, Angel Island, Mount Tamalpais, the east bay and the snakelike Delta that sprawls eastward toward Valejo and Benicia.  The word vista seems inappropriately small to describe this magical view.  This is where I would sit upon a large rock, whip out my delicious lunch or snacks and let the beauty stir your soul.  Allow your food to nourish your body with fuel for the journey back down.  Be proud of your climb, this is a steep assent! What makes this hike extra special is that this vista seems to be smiling at you for about 2 more

miles, as you retreat the original Las Trampas loop trail and continue your journey on the Upper Trail.  Snaking along this resplendent ridge you will continue to enjoy the view as the trail gently undulates along, until finally dropping you back down the eastern side of the ridge.  You will make a left at the Elderberry Trail and loop back around to the park, passing numerous cows and the stables.  The downhill can be steep and hard on the knees at times, so be generous with with the kids and perhaps a piggyback ride or two is in order.

This is a half day hike, so be sure not to get a late start or you will be stuck in the dark with the howls of coyotes haunting you.  With older children who can hike and scramble a whole lot faster, you might be able to time it right to catch the killer sunset atop the Rocky Ridge, but it is not advisable to take that chance with little ones.  It would be far too dangerous in the dark to descend the mountain.

Rocky Ridge and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness are an East Bay treasure and a must-hike for those who love to achieve the incredible summits of the San Francsico Bay.