Dinosaur Hill Park

Lafayette, CA, Dinosaur Hill Park Path, Lafayette, CA 94549, United States

Dinosaur Hill Park (also named Dino Hill) is a park located in Pleasant Hill, California. The park is located off Taylor Blvd and consists of 13 acres (5.3 hectares) of open space, hiking and scenic views. There is a small parking area that can only be reached by traffic to the north. A staircase and railway tie steps lead from here to the top of the hill. The park is one of several the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District owned and operated parks. The park offers good views of Mount Diablo and is popular on July 4th as many simultaneous (albeit distant) displays of fireworks can be seen.

Dinosaur Hill Park isn't your average park, rather than the traditional playgrounds, providing wide open spaces. If you're looking for a secluded spot — maybe for a romantic picnic or a proposal — this park is probably right up your alley. There's a nice overlook to catch fireworks or a lovely sunset, and it's also a perfect place to relax with a good book in the sun.

Want a good place with a thrill? Many people say the hike at Dinosaur Hill Park is worth the "abandoned haunted house". Regulars claim it was supposed to be a two-story home, but the stairs have never been completed — and the boarded up windows and doors contribute to the shrill factor. If so inclined, photographers could get a kick out of using the house as the backdrop for a photo shoot. Even worth the little climb is the beautiful natural scenery, if you want to walk up the slope. Grassy meadows and city views make this iconic local landmark ideal for a quiet moment.

This park is really more of an open space and judging by the remains of broken glass and charred fire, it is a common (and maybe borderline) evening that is hanging out place. There are many places to walk around, and the views from Martinez to Walnut Creek are breathtaking in a panoramic way.  There is a small parking lot off this busy road, and there are no facilities available (including restrooms).

Dinosaur Hill is not a traditional park with no play equipment or dedicated facilities, and therefore not the best for small children because they may get bored.