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Editor’s note: Recent wildfires and coronavirus restrictions have resulted in new rules and closures at many Bay Area parks and attractions. Before you go, be sure to check whether your intended destination is still accessible and open to travelers.
The rolling golden hills and green swaths of the Tri-Valley and points east offer so many ways to play, especially if you love the great outdoors. Lakes, trails and amped-up thrills await in Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin and out toward Tracy.
These five possibilities should rank high on your must-do, gotta-try list.
Rev it up
Go off-road at Carnegie SVRA: Adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers should rev directly to this state vehicular recreation area in the Diablo Range. It’s a great spot for off-roading activity, whether you favor motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles. There’s even a four-wheel-drive obstacle course.
Overall, the recreation area encompasses some five acres of rolling hills, deep canyons and all kinds of terrain, with elevations as high as 1,800 feet. There’s a professionally designed motocross track, as well as an Observed Trials area with the most challenging trail features.
The park’s valley attractions are open, and plans are underway to reopen the hill portion, closed in July by a wildfire. You’ll find the park ($5 day use fee, exact change only) on Tesla-Corral Hollow Road between Tracy and Livermore; www.parks.ca.gov.
Drop a line
Go angling at Los Vaqueros: Looking to wet a line? This massive watershed and reservoir, which stores up to 160,000 acre-feet of water for the Contra Costa Water District, is just off Vasco Road between Livermore and Brentwood. You can shore fish on the south side, near Livermore, where the Los Vaqueros Marina sells fishing licenses, bait, drinks and snacks. Or you can park on the north side and hike half a mile to fishing areas.
Rather rent a boat? You can do that at the marina, too — starting at $25 per hour — and try your luck at trout and other fish in the middle of the reservoir. Or skip the fishing altogether and just explore the 18,500 acres of protected watershed land and winding trails. Is that a bald eagle soaring overhead? It very well could be.
Hit the trails
Hike Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park: This 9,090-acre oak-dotted oasis is justifiably popular with hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, amateur photographers and anyone looking for a nature break. Depending on the season, you’ll find an abundance of colorful wildflowers as you explore the extensive network of trails in this park, which stretches from Pleasanton Ridge to Kilkare Canyon, Sunol Ridge and Stoneybrook Canyon.
Start your adventure from the main staging area on Pleasanton’s Foothill Road; www.ebparks.org/parks/pleasanton.
Let’s ride
E-bike at Pedego Livermore: The company’s motto is “Hello, fun” — and that’s pretty much what you should expect when you hop onto one of the Pedego electric bicycles and zoom off to explore the area. Crazy popular in SoCal, Pedego has just two Bay Area locations, including one in Santa Rosa and this one at 6538 Patterson Pass Road (www.pedegoelectricbikes.com). Expect to pay $20 per hour or $75 per day, single or tandem, so you can head down one of the many nearby trails solo or on a bicycle built for two.
Need trail inspiration? The Livermore Area Recreation and Park District has bikeways all mapped out for you at www.larpd.org/trails.
Game on!
Frolic at Emerald Glen Park: There’s something for every variety of sports lover at this 48.2-acre park, from tennis and basketball courts — both of which are lighted! — to soccer fields, baseball diamonds and a cricket pitch. As shutdown regulations ebb and flow, some park features may open and close, but the beautiful walkways, trails and picnic-perfect grounds are always open for families seeking a little nature. Find the park at Tassajara Road and Central Parkway, Dublin; dublin.ca.gov.
