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Best wildlife hikes in Contra Costa County
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Best wildlife hikes in Contra Costa County

Calling all nature lovers! These wildlife-rich hikes give you the chance to spot some of the forest's cutest inhabitants.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Contra Costa County.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Ringtail Cat, Corduroy Hills, Las Trampas Peak and Madrone Loop Trail

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.6 (5) · 12.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 40 min

2

Easy

Richmond Inner Harbor and Richmond Marina Bay Shore Trail

Contra Costa County, California · star 5.0 (2) · 10.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 15 min

3

Medium

Lower and Upper Huckleberry Loop Trail

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.5 (2) · 3.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 1 min

4

Medium

Conlon Trail and Wildcat Peak Loop Trail

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.6 (7) · 11.5 km · Est. 2 hrs 53 min

5

Easy

Duck Pond Loop Trail

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.2 (5) · 972 m · Est. 11 min

6

Medium

Lafayette Reservoir Loop

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.0 (3) · 8.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 2 min

7

Medium

Juniper and Summit Loop Trail

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.5 (6) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 44 min

8

Medium

Briones Peak via Old Briones Road Trail

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.4 (7) · 5.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 27 min

9

Difficult

Mount Diablo

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.5 (4) · 1.7 km · Est. 31 min

10

Easy

Jewel Lake

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.0 (3) · 1.1 km · Est. 14 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for wildlife hikes in Contra Costa County

Isaiah Little avatar

Ringtail Cat, Corduroy Hills, Las Trampas Peak and Madrone Loop Trail

PeakNaturelover36 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Shantay Treutel avatar

Richmond Inner Harbor and Richmond Marina Bay Shore Trail

ExplorerFrontier48 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Carmen Johnson Ret. avatar

Lower and Upper Huckleberry Loop Trail

HikerNomad57 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

The Hon. Rosamond Erdman avatar

Conlon Trail and Wildcat Peak Loop Trail

MapleForestrunner39 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Sammie Witting avatar

Duck Pond Loop Trail

NomadExpeditioner19 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Contra Costa County

What is the climate like for hiking in California?

California's vast geography results in diverse climates. Coastal regions, with their mild, Mediterranean climate, offer year-round hiking opportunities, though winter rains may muddy trails. In contrast, the inland valleys and desert regions are best hiked from October to April, as summer temperatures can be prohibitive.
The Sierra Nevada, famous for its mountains and forests, is popular in summer and fall. However, winter brings heavy snowfall, making trails inaccessible. Meanwhile, the pleasant climate of Southern California allows for hiking throughout the year, with cooler, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
To summarize, California's diverse climate offers year-round hiking opportunities, varying by region. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more detailed information about specific trails and their recommended seasons.

Do I need a permit to hike in California?

Permits for hiking in California, particularly in wilderness areas or for overnight trips, are often required. Managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, permit processes vary. For more information, visit respective agency websites or www.recreation.gov for federal lands.

Is wild camping allowed in California?

Wild camping in California is generally permitted in national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, restrictions apply, such as the requirement of a campfire permit. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Detailed regulations can be found on agency websites like www.fs.usda.gov

Are there mountain rescue services in California?

In case of a hiking emergency in California, dial 911. Also, the California Office of Emergency Services coordinates search and rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has several units in California, with information available at www.mra.org. Always plan ahead and hike safely.

Are there dangerous plants in California?

California's flora varies widely, from coastal scrub and redwood forests to desert plants and alpine flora in the Sierra Nevada. This diversity can affect hiking experiences and trail conditions. For detailed information on California's flora, visit the California Native Plant Society website: www.cnps.org

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in California?

California's diverse habitats host a wide range of wildlife, from harmless squirrels to larger mammals like black bears. Ticks and mosquitoes may pose minor nuisances to hikers. Be aware of potential encounters, particularly with venomous snakes in desert areas. For more, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/

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