About The Park 

Briones is a hidden wilderness surrounded by the towns of central Contra Costa County, with its rolling, grassy hills and secluded, shady canyons. While Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and Martinez are close to the park, there are peaks within it from which you can see only park and watershed land in every direction for miles.

There are panoramic views of Mount Diablo and the Diablo Valley from Briones Peak, the highest point in the park, to the east, the Sacramento River and Delta to the north, the East Bay hills and Mt. Tamalpais to the west, and the Regional Wilderness of Las Trampas to the south.

Dog Requirements

PLEASE NOTE: In the following areas: Tavan Trail (all), Diablo View Trail between Alhambra Creek Trail and Hidden Pond Trail, Alhambra Creek Trail from the Alhambra Creek Staging Area south to the water trough, and Orchard Trail between the Alhambra Creek Trail and west to the Briones Road gate, dogs are needed to be on a leash (six-foot maximum) at all times. Within the park, these leash-required areas are indicated by signage.

Park Features

The 6,255 acres of Briones are home to many animals and birds that forage among the oaks and bays on the grasslands or find shelter. You could see black-tailed deer, coyotes, squirrels, red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures, and more reclusive animals if you're lucky. There are spectacular seasonal wildflower shows. Naturalists of the Park District also lead walks to see the natural and historic features of the park.

Park Activities

Briones is a perfect park for hiking, running, and horseback riding on the scenic trails of the park; picnicking, birdwatching, and similar activities; and casual leisure such as kite flying, photography, and study of nature. The Alhambra Creek Valley Staging Area off Reliez Valley Road near Martinez and the Bear Creek Road Staging Area near Orinda and Lafayette are the five key access points, the two most developed of which are.

Group Camping

The three community camping areas of Briones Regional Park—Wee-Ta-Chi, Maud Whalen, and Homestead Valley-can be reserved by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or by writing to EBRPD Reservations, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, P.O. Box 5381, Oakland, CA 94605-0381 or (1-888-327-2757). It is best to make reservations at least 5 days in advance.

Archery Range

The Briones Archers archery range is accessible off the Crescent Ridge Trail from Briones' west-side Bear Creek Road entrance. Website: BrionesArchery.org

Picnicking

In the Bear Creek Staging Area and the Alhambra Creek Staging Area, Briones Regional Park has a variety of first-come, first-served picnic sites with tables and barbecue stands. At the Bear Creek Staging Area, the park also has two larger, reservable community picnic areas: Oak Grove, which can host 50 people, and Newt Hollow, which holds 150. A modern, 50-person reservable picnic spot, Crow, is completely accessible in the Alhambra Creek Staging Area.