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Round Valley Regional Preserve
19450 Marsh Creek Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513, United States
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De
Review №1

Near to our home, perfectly fine to visit it during the pandemic, when people are not around or close by. We all loved it

Ed
Review №2

Beautiful scenery and so very clean. Easy to find. Hiking shoes with good thread highly recommended water also a must. Narrow trails and a bit challenging but well worth the hike.

C
Review №3

Sunny spots, shady spots, challenging trail. Cows were on the trail a couple times, so that was kind of funny. We just kept walking and they got out of the way. Pretty flowers, really cant catch the beauty on a camera. Toilets are at the entrance. A place by the creek near the entrance that would be good for a picnic. Tons of tadpoles in the pools, but thats probably only there during spring. Signage was helpful. Maps are at the entrance to the park to help with navigation. There are mountain lions, and we saw a 90% eaten deer, so bring an emergency whistle to scare any animals (just in case).

Lo
Review №4

You can get a great workout on this trail. The view is beautiful and free of trash. The whole family will love this experience!

Br
Review №5

Its a beautiful hike. If you havent been in awhile, you will remember how steep the hills are very quickly.

To
Review №6

Love this place. Its not a easy walk, but its a fun one with great views!

Ro
Review №7

Really beautiful during spring when its all green. Nice small creek for children to play in. The trail running along the creek easy to manage and you can go off roading with a stroller if you want to. You can also venture onto the Miwok trail where the cows graze. Pretty hilly and semi rough terrain but not difficult for older children. Toddlers and strollers may have trouble on this part. Overall, great hiking and good exercise! Highly recommended.

Lu
Review №8

Always a little bit of people very nice place for a mellow bike ride or hiking

Jo
Review №9

This is one of my favorite hiking spots. Theres a number of trails in this area but I do the Miwok Trail and Hardy Canyon Loop (about 4.5 miles). Theres a fairly steep hill that is about a mile long that takes some effort, but its largely downhill from there.I see rattlesnakes from time to time here (and a tarantula once), so I recommend scanning ahead regularly on the trail.

Ro
Review №10

Nice and close to home. Hike to the left is easy and there is shade. To the right elevation and little cover. Much larger area to hike or ride a bike

An
Review №11

It was my first 1st time to this park, and it. Did not disappoint. Just beautiful, but the just over 1000 foot elevation climb proved that I need to do it a whole lot more! Whew.

sa
Review №12

Very nice park for hiking, biking and horse riding. Easy climbs and well maintained trails. I saw 4 horses when I was here today, with a moderate amount of poop to watch out for, but they were very nice, and also saw several hikers during the day. Area is exposed to sun in many areas around the valley, with sparce scattered trees, so bring sunscreen and lots of water and be prepared, as its 2 miles back to the parking area. There area numerous singletrack trails that parallel the fire trail for bikes and several other singletracks for hiking only around the main hill in the park. Several areas for horse water and picnic tables scatter throughout the park. 7+ mile fire trail loop from parking area around the valley with access to Fox Trail trail as side spur up to park boundary, plus other fire trails like Miwok trail into Los Vaqueros and Morgan Territory parks. There is even a camping area at far end of park, a few pics attached of it, there is a pit toilet bathroom, non potable water spigots and 8+ picnic tables, horse tie up area but no campfires.

Sa
Review №13

Always a fun time! Varied level hikes, gorgeous scenery, and kid friendly stuff like horses to feed, trees to climb, mushrooms to hunt, and creek to play in! Just watch out for the mama cows when theyre in the big meadow- we were fine wandering through (with 5 kids!) on the way in, but on the way out we were charged repeatedly by a protective mama. Werent even close, but she was in a bad mood!

Je
Review №14

Great hiking trails. Beautiful views and nature all around. You will come across snakes on occasion. Amongst the snakes you will see, the rattle snake is the scariest and most dangerous. So, always have an awareness of the trail.

Al
Review №15

Hot! More fun than you might expect mountain biking. The trails are quite rough and cattle trodden in the valley. Beautiful rolling hills though!

Ma
Review №16

Beautiful hiking location. Highly recommend it! Makes me think of how amazing the rest of the bay area looked before it was settled.

Lo
Review №17

Amazing country side place. Perfect to get away from the city.

Ma
Review №18

I have risen horse trails here, it is a good respite from the nearby traffic and populous

Ed
Review №19

Great Hike and options. If you want a good cardio, the hills is where its at. Looking for a flat trail..youll find them as well. Favorite part is when there is low fog. Once you get to a certain height, you look back and the fog is below you

Je
Review №20

Started on the Miwok trail.... got so caught up in the beauty that me & my brother got sidetracked to other areas but amazing views as you can see

Yv
Review №21

Great place to ride! Especially nice to get your horse used to all the hikers, strollers, and cyclists. Nice wide trails, lots of shade.

Je
Review №22

Great place to hike. Abundant trails and outstanding views. We saw two Golden Eagles soaring above the park. You may have to share the park with cattle, but that is usually no problem. The Alltrails app is useful here. Feel very lucky to have such a nice park so convenient to Brentwood

Ni
Review №23

Great trails to hike with awesome views of you head to the top of the main hill.

sh
Review №24

Very serene, cool hike.

Sa
Review №25

Mountain lions are local and cruise through preserve at will. Saw juvenile strolling today ...cool cat

St
Review №26

Nice open space to enjoy, great place to hike and smoke pot.

le
Review №27

This is a great place to go for a casual walk, or a serious hike. If you enjoy the outdoors, and can appreciate beautiful hills, trees, wildflowers, cattle and a stream, then head on out here.

Ge
Review №28

This is one of my favorite places to run--in fact this is one of my go to places.The park is a multi-use park. It is common to see runners, hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Dogs are not allowed. The park is connected to Los Vaqueros and Morgan Territory via the Miwok Trail (about three miles in). Periodically this connection will be closed down for Golden Eagle nesting. Los Vaqueros has gravel paving and connects to a large reservoir. Morgan Territory is a very tough climb (recommend treking poles)--but you are rewarded by connecting to the greater Mount Diablo park systems.The Hardy Trail has a nice elevation change--going up about 750 feet. It connects to both the Miwok trail and to the Meadow Trail.In winter the last portion of the Miwok Trail gets chewed up by cows. I would recommend using the Meadow Trail as an alternative. Hills get green after the first couple of substantial rains.In summer, this park can be hotter than hell. Please bring water--I have seen people evacted by helicopter--probably not the way to spend your day. The park has drinkable water at the trail head--but no where else. There are multiple horse water tanks.There are quite a few coyote around--make noise when you see them. Dont let this steer you away from this park. They will avoid you. I love coming to the park at sunrise and listening to the coyotes howling. It is one of the few places to see a Kit Fox. Very common to see eagles and hawks. A couple of times I have seen Boar here--but always at a distance.In summer you may see Rattlers and other snakes--leave them be. The trails are wide and youll be able to avoid them. In spring the valley has a ton of wildflowers.Couple of hike/runs I do:-- Miwok out and back. 6 miles with 400 feet of climbing (mostly at start)-- Miwok to Los Vaqueros 13.1M with just under 1000 feet of climbing. Miwok trail to Adobe Trail (in Los V). Take left on Peninsula Trail and wrap around the reservoir. Youll climb up a hill and turn around at the bench.--Miwok Trail to end of Round Valley and back to Meadow Trail and back on Miwok. 6.25M with 530 feet of climbing.--Round Valley Hardy to Miwok to Murphy Meadow and Back. 8M with 1200 feet of climbing.The trail head has a very large parking lot for both horse trailers and cars. there is restroom, picnic tables, maps and water. Cell phone (sprint) coverage is available at the trail head. It gets more spotty around the hills/mountains. The park has a auto-opening gate and opens at 8am (I believe that changes through out the year). If you get there before opening you can park on Marsh Creek Road.The rangers do a nice job of maintaining this park--with very limited resources.

An
Review №29

Some good hiking/biking trails. Not too difficult or challenging. Lots of horses and cows.

Ca
Review №30

Great place away from city, hiking, picnic and letting the kids vent. We took family pictures. Great experience! Good views!

jo
Review №31

Round valley is a great place to stretch your legs for an hour or two PLUS its a termination point for the Mt. Diablo Regional Trail. No dogs allowed but it offers free parking and a nice variety of trails and distances for a walk outdoors. Bring water...

Ch
Review №32

Beautiful....nothing else needed. Just visit.

Iv
Review №33

Long and up, down hills. I loved it. My only thing is not pet friendly....

Ая
Review №34

Great for family hikes in spring and fall. Can be way to hot in summer and uncomfortably windy in winter. Parking area has no pavement and the only restroom may be out of toilet paper sometimes.

Da
Review №35

Beautiful place to take a the family to All ages can come here. To bad you can bring your dog here, but I get it. Too many people dont follow the rules!

Zi
Review №36

Restrooms are closed due to covid19 and bring lots of water it will be very hot around this time of the year

Ci
Review №37

Its our go to place to take a 5 mile hike up and around hills that are mostly covered with trees! I would say its a 5 out of 5 for fitness levels, 5 being hard. I see all ages go up. But it mainly kicks my butt and tests my agility.

Ki
Review №38

Went after a rain. Very green. Nice and clean with a little river. Does have an outhouse if one needs(didnt need so dont know about inside)

La
Review №39

Easy hiking trails with great views

Ja
Review №40

Close but isolated place to hike, have to go where the cows roam, and no dogs area allowed, but are rewarded with a beautiful trail. Winter is great with all the greenery and cool temps.

No
Review №41

Nice place hot few trees

Ke
Review №42

Beautiful place to hike. Multiple trails, Awesome scenery!

Ch
Review №43

I really liked this place. The campsite is well established with lots of flat, level areas for sleeping and plenty of picnic tables. The 2.5 mile hike into camp is slightly more strenuous than it sounds due to a few hills, but its still what Id consider beginner level for backpacking. There are several good trails for day hikes, trail runs, or horseback riding. The campsite even has designated horse racks. I didnt notice any mosquitoes, but it might have been too cold for them still.It did get very windy at night in camp. The trails get really muddy after heavy rainfall, and theres no car camping. Also much of the hiking is on a cow pasture.

Er
Review №44

Great place for a run. Excellent views, well marked trails, etc.

Pr
Review №45

My wife and kids love this park. I love it as well.

Bo
Review №46

Great spot between Clayton and East County

Ri
Review №47

Great place to get away from the city without a long drive.

Ma
Review №48

Good trail loop with the experience of cattle around..

Ro
Review №49

Very nice hike! Great combination of incline and decline . Amazing views so youll want to take a few brakes just to get a few pictures. We went when it was muddy so it was an extra workout.

Ri
Review №50

Favorite location to run....

De
Review №51

Pretty park for hiking. Can be got in summer. Take water!

An
Review №52

Solid hiking with the option to hike into Morgan Territory if you have a day. The outhouse isnt the greatest and on rare occasions can have close to a full lot.

Be
Review №53

Nice trails. Easy trail that goes by the creek, very relaxing hike. The Hardy something trail had more incline and its a loop around the hill. Free parking.

Ch
Review №54

A beautiful place for an afternoon hike or early morning run.

Ma
Review №55

My husband discovered this little gem in our town and were always here every weekend now.

Br
Review №56

Beautiful loop to hike on a spring morning. We covered it in 1:45 at a moderate to quick hiking pace.

Ce
Review №57

Love this place the small trail around the mountain is 5 miles. Perfect!

jo
Review №58

Beautiful place to hike and observe wildlife.

Lu
Review №59

Great place to get out and enjoy the east bay hills.

Jo
Review №60

BeautifulIts a challenge up and down terrain. Great work out but very worth it!

Go
Review №61

Beautiful trail, scenic and safe!

Re
Review №62

Great walk ! Two walks here. One steep and one flat. Beautiful nature.

Jo
Review №63

Great! Just be prepared as it is a long trail with a steep climb.

Al
Review №64

One of my favorite places. I try to go every week.

Co
Review №65

Nice hiking location with a large parking lot. We did the 5 mile loop that involves hardy canyon. It wasnt the easiest hike, but it wasnt too difficult either. Plenty of climb on it though. There isnt a ton of shade, but it was intermittent enough that we could stop and cool off on occasion. The views from the top of the valley arent too bad, but I bet theyd be beautiful if it was green.

Br
Review №66

Beautiful Place for a hike and picnic

Jo
Review №67

Nice hike and historic.

Po
Review №68

This place is so green in Spring!

Da
Review №69

Great hike. Lots of animals that roam around like cows and equestrians roaming around. Beautiful when the grass is green and there are natural shades on most trails.

Mi
Review №70

Awesome spot and great place to hike.

Co
Review №71

Good trails, mix elevation, easy to add or subtract distance. Great place for trail running, horseback riding, or casual mountain/gravel bike riding.

Da
Review №72

Beautiful park with a clear and clean brooke to greet you

An
Review №73

Nice park with pretty scenery, trails to hike in a beautiful day!

St
Review №74

Beautiful park for hiking amidst oak-studded hills. If youre looking for a good cardio then do the Hardy Canyon Trail which is a 4.5 mile loop that climbs to 1000 level and back down again to the starting point. I prefer the clockwise direction which has me turning left as soon as I cross the bridge near the parking lot. If youre looking for something a bit gentler then just go straight ahead over the bridge and follow it out into Round Valley.

H
Review №75

Nice 5 mile moderate hike.

Je
Review №76

Great 4.5 mile loop that includes dirt fire trails and Hardy hilly trail. Mostly secluded but you will meet a few people and get passed by fast hikers and runners occassionally. Narrow trail in places. Best with hiking poles. Great views. Ive seen very little wildlife, mostly cattle, up close but not bothersome. Creeks are dry during summer fall months. Must carry 1 liter of water for 2 hr hike during summer (100+ degrees). Some shade and breeze on both sides of summit (el. 850+ ft). Mostly quiet. Plenty of parking.

Ja
Review №77

This is a great place for the whole family! Easy walking trails close to the parking lot. Picnic areas near the parking lot and the water. Beautiful trees and scenery. We look forward to visiting here more often!

Je
Review №78

Nice and quiet park for hiking. Pretty views. Lovely stream. Just have to keep watch out for the Horse poo... its everywhere on the trails.

jd
Review №79

Nice place for jogging, hiking good clean area

C
Review №80

There are lots of hills which make for challenging runs, and also a large flatter valley. If Roman had simply watched his path to avoid the excrement from animals who dare to exist in this area, then I am confident that he would have had a better experience . How rude of those animals to defecate right there in nature! If you have trouble with the poop, go walk the nearest mall instead.

L
Review №81

I love it

Do
Review №82

Wonderful place to hike...lots of wildlife!

Ma
Review №83

Round Valley offers a nice 5-mile loop trail that has beautiful views of rolling California hills. Very nice for a regional park.

Cr
Review №84

What an awesome hike with amazing views

Ke
Review №85

Nice trails. Plenty of cows. Be sure to bring water as it can be incredibly dry and hot!

St
Review №86

Beautiful place!

Pe
Review №87

Excellent visibility this morning. Great workout as always.

Na
Review №88

Nice place,I live 3 minutes away from the park,very nice park,great trails.can get a lot of people,in the summer morning hours are the best to go to park,while afternoon hours in the winter are the best time.

Ch
Review №89

Fantastic hiking area. Make sure its not too hot and take at least half a gallon of water with you.

An
Review №90

Easy walking. Great for a run or with kids

Sh
Review №91

Very nice hiking trails!

je
Review №92

Beautiful area awesome hikes no charge big parking lot with restrooms

ad
Review №93

Spring and autumn are great here.Little hot and dry in summer

Lu
Review №94

Super nice outdoor area for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

La
Review №95

Great hike...beautiful in the Spring. Bring water--water in park is terrible, as are the restrooms.

Do
Review №96

Its a nice place to spend the day or just for a little road stop.The ground are set in the beautiful foothills of Mt. Diablo with numerous paths to choose from for hiking.There are also picnic tables where you can have a bar-b-que or picnic and large grassy areas to play catch, frisbee or even a game of football.Not far off from Vasco Rd, its a place close to home but feels like places youd have to drive a couple hours to get to.

Jo
Review №97

Great hike!

An
Review №98

Great scenic hiking area.

An
Review №99

Beautiful

M
Review №100

Its beautiful, and connected to many other East Bay Regional Parks.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:19450 Marsh Creek Rd, Brentwood, CA 94513, United States
  • Site:http://www.ebparks.org/parks/round_valley
  • Phone:+1 888-327-2757
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Park
Working hours
  • Monday:8am–8pm
  • Tuesday:8am–8pm
  • Wednesday:8am–8pm
  • Thursday:8am–8pm
  • Friday:8am–8pm
  • Saturday:8am–8pm
  • Sunday:8am–8pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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