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This Pleasanton Valley loop climbs to a scenic bluff that offers panoramic views of the Bay Area. Starting on the Oak Tree Trail, the hike gains 1,000 feet of elevation (over 2.5 miles) on the way up to a trail network that wanders through century-old olive groves and sprawling grassland. In the summer, temperatures can easily push 100 degrees; shade is limited on this trail, so drinking water is the key to a safe, enjoyable hike. It’s not uncommon to see deer ducking in and out of the landscape. Mountain lions, though present, are rarely spotted here.
TO TRAILHEAD: From Bernal Ave. and Sunol Blvd. head S on Sunol Blvd. towards CA 680. In 1.4 mi. bear R onto Castlewood Dr. and in .3 mi. turn L onto Foothill Rd. Trailhead will be on your R in 1.7 mi.
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PRL01
| Dist: 5.21 mi |
Points: 702 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
PRL001
Location: 37.614769°, -121.881996°
Pass through gate and turn right @ Y-junction onto Oak Tree Trail.
PRL002
Location: 37.620789°, -121.883392°
Continue right on the main trail bearing northeast towards the road. In 200 feet, veer left onto a small worn footpath heading west up the hill towards Sycamore Grove Trail. Note: There are no trail markers here so keep your eyes peeled.
PRL003
Location: 37.621048°, -121.888557°
Turn left @ T-intersection onto Sycamore Grove Trail. To the west is the ridgeline you will be traversing shortly.
PRL004
Location: 37.619923°, -121.887726°
Turn right @ T-junction onto Oak Tree Trail and begin climbing gently towards the ridgeline. (Trail marker 3)
PRL005
Location: 37.615440°, -121.889137°
Bear right on main trail @ 3-way junction.
PRL006
Location: 37.612587°, -121.889374°
Turn right @ 3-way and immediately bear right @ Y-junction onto the Ridgeline Trail. (Trail marker 5) Note: Several small rabbit trails sprout off to the right, so make sure to stay on the main trail.
PRL007
Location: 37.613697°, -121.890831°
Bear left @ Y-junction (Trail marker 10). Directly ahead is an old olive grove planted in the early 1900's. The groves are being restored by the park and private parties.
PRL008
Location: 37.616169°, -121.893608°
Keep left @ Y-junction towards the Thermalito trail (Trail marker 12).
PRL009
Location: 37.616566°, -121.895439°
Continue straight on Thermalito Trail @ 3-way intersection (Trail marker 13). Ahead, several small hills obscure your view.
PRL010
Location: 37.623760°, -121.900688°
Continue straight @ 3-way intersection (Trail marker 15).
PRL011
Location: 37.624561°, -121.900520°
Turn right @ Y-junction back onto Ridgeline Trail (Trail marker 16). Continue southeast along the ridgeline, enjoying panoramic views of Pleasanton Valley to the east.
PRL012
Location: 37.618748°, -121.894951°
Left @ Y-junction onto worn footpath (Trail marker 14). Before continuing, grab your camera and spin around for a jaw-dropping view of Pleasanton Valley to the northeast.
PRL013
Location: 37.614326°, -121.890663°
Turn left @ Y-junction leaving main trail and hiking along footpath to Oak Tree Trail.
PRL014
Location: 37.612926°, -121.889305°
Turn left @ T-junction onto Oak Tree Trail and head back to Waypoint 4 where you'll turn right @ Y-intersection heading back to the trailhead.
Oak Trees
Location: 37.621971°, -121.887657°
© Dave Miller
Sunburst
Location: 37.613552°, -121.890663°
© Dave Miller
Pleasanton Valley
Location: 37.622395°, -121.898468°
© Dave Miller
Ridgeline
Location: 37.620575°, -121.896233°
© Dave Miller
Olive Orchard
Location: 37.618118°, -121.894699°
This grove of olive trees has been around for many years. © Dave Miller
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