One of the perks of living in the San Francisco Bay Area is the weather. The temperate climate means we get to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year! Located on Camino Ricardo in Moraga, our Harvest Court community offers residents easy access to a natural 2+ acre park with trails and bridges over two creeks and is within easy driving distance to other hiking trails with stunning views.
Get out there and enjoy our warm November weather!
Hacienda Trails & Garden Paths (easy)
The Hacienda de las Flores is a historic community center and public park that connects to the Mulholland Ridge. The Hacienda de las Flores garden paths and Cindy Waxman Trail is an easy, 0.7-mile long natural trail that takes hikes through eucalyptus, oak and pine trees. Feel free to also meander through the Hacienda gardens before or after your walk along the trail.
Be aware that the Hacienda de las Flores often hosts weddings and events on the weekend so parking may be very limited during those times.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, you can check out the Mulholland Ridge Trail that also begins at the Hacienda.
Mulholland Ridge Trail (moderate)
Located between Orinda and Moraga, the Mulholland Ridge Trail offers hikers great views of the Moraga valley, Oakland hills and the Diablo Range. The mostly paved trail is about 2.5 miles long roundtrip. The beginning of the trail is a little steep but flattens between the Mulholland water tower and the Orinda entrance.
Dogs are allowed off-leash at the top of the trail inside the gates and on the paved road and bikes are allowed on the paved road as well. There’s also a few benches and picnic tables along the trail.
Lafayette Reservoir Trails (easy to challenging)
The Lafayette Reservoir offers two main trails, the easier paved Lakeside Nature Trail (2.7-mile) offers views of the lake with water fountains and restrooms scattered throughout the trail. This mostly flat trail circles the lake and is populated with people walking with children, jogging or biking.
The second trail is the more ambitious Upper Rim Trail. This 4.7-mile trail consists of dirt fire-roads and is mostly hilly with several steep elevation changes. There are a few other trails that connect to the Upper Rim (Oak, Campolindo and Rheem). Restrooms and water fountains are available along the shoreline path.
Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail (easy)
The Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail parallels St. Mary’s Road and Canyon Road for 7.65-miles and is open to hiking, biking and horse riding. This historic trail was once used by mule trains to carry redwood from Oakland to Sacramento. There are many access points along the trail and connects to a variety of schools, including St. Mary’s College, other regional trails (Briones-to-Las Trampas), local parks like Moraga Commons and commercial areas in downtown Moraga.
Be aware: as of 1/21/2016 (and until further notice) there is a portion of the Lafayette Moraga Trail is closed between 1700 School Street and the Valle Vista staging area in Moraga due to an earlier mudslide.
Are there any other trails we missed? Which is your favorite to hike?