Orchard Trail
1039-1033 Briones Rd, Martinez, CA 94553
The Orchard Trail is a 2.7 mile out and back trail located near Martinez, California that's rated as moderate but can be used for hiking, walking, or running with the help of your dog if they're friendly enough to get along on one long hike without barking all day! The part at the end has some steep climbs so make sure you bring water (and maybe an energy bar).
By Danstone360 - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4760106
This trail is a modest climb whichever direction you like it. The northern aspect is shadier, but the trail becomes mostly exposed and sunny as you head south towards the Rough Go Trail. The trail is mildly technical with some rocks and roots. Add this portion of the trail to create a variation of the Channel Drive Trail Loop - it makes it approximately 1/4 of a mile shorter.
Another Short trail, perfect for a weekend day when you plan to do other things later. The hike was a great workout for the entire family! The terrain is easy to follow and there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks. Hiking with kids can be especially fun because you get them out in nature while keeping an eye on their energy levels - it's never too late or early when making this type of trek together, even if one person isn't feeling up to par from day-to-day activities like work/school etcetera.
The trail is good, but there is not that much shade. In the end, there are some trees for shade. Also, the app tells you to go up the driveway at the end (when you're walking), do NOT go up there. It's just a driveway to someone's house.
Starting from the Alahambra Creek Staging Area, the Orchard Trailheads out on a gentle incline through a mostly open, grassy area with some trees. The trail is wide and well-kept like many of the trails in Briones Regional Park. At just past 3/4 of a mile, the trail turns north and descends briefly before connecting with the Pine tree Trail at the park office. Orchard Trail was well maintained and on the way back down you could be able to get a good run-in.
Pleasant Hill, California is blessed with some of the area’s most amazing hiking trails. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:
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Las Juntas Open Space
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Paso Nogal Park
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Iron Horse Trail
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Hidden Lakes Park
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Acalanes Ridge
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Lafayette Ridge Staging Area
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Fossil Hill Trail
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Springhill Road Trail Head
All of these hiking areas are located just a short distance from our location at 609 Gregory Lane, Suite #220 in Pleasant Hill! Stop by for a visit anytime!