Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Northern California. Exploring Mountains, Valleys, and Seashore онлайн

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Hiking Time 3–4 hours

Recommended Maps Morgan Territory Regional Preserve by East Bay Regional Park District, USGS 7.5-min. Tassajara

Best Times October–May

Agency Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

DEEP IN THE FURROWS of the Diablo Range, Morgan Territory Regional Preserve protects a little-trod landscape of rolling hills, oak-studded grasslands, and quality views. On many days, your only companions will be the looming massif of nearby Mount Diablo, the nodding blooms of spring wildflowers, and the many cows that graze the grassy woodlands.

The park gets its name from Jeremiah Morgan, an early pioneer who settled here in 1857 and hunted grizzly bears in the surrounding hills. The East Bay Regional Park District acquired the first parcel here in 1976, expanding its holdings during the 1980s and early 1990s to nearly 5,000 acres. Today old ranch structures belie the area’s past; mountain lions, golden eagles, and a variety of other wildlife proclaim its future.

The Hike loops through the east half of the preserve, descending first along a shady creek corridor before circling around through oak woodland and open grasslands on a series of wide fire roads. The trip reaches its northernmost point below Bob Walker Ridge, where excellent views of Mount Diablo can be enjoyed from idyllic picnic spots. Water is available at the trailhead.