Every spring, the rolling hills throughout the Tri-Valley turn a surreal, bright green.
With thousands of acres of preserved open space and multiple regional parks, including the iconic Mount Diablo State Park, it’s one of the best places to be outside in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Read on for a few of the best trails to see the rolling green hills up close.
If you want to see the Tri-Valley at its greenest, expect hillsides to start turning in February. Scenery typically reaches peak-green in March and early April, when our wildflowers begin to bloom. In late-April to May, colors begin fading back to gold.
Photo Credit: @rapunzelexplores
One of the largest regional parks in the area, Del Valle Regional Park sits just 10 miles south of Downtown Livermore and near several Livermore Valley wineries. With a 5-mile-long lake, miles of shoreline, and over 4,000 acres of rolling hills, it’s one of our favorite places for a springtime hike.
Known for it’s iconic tree and bench viewpoint overlooking Lake Del Valle. This out and back trail includes a steep initial incline until you reach the top of the ridge, where you can hike alongside the lake for incredible views of our green hills. Parking is free at this lot, but it does fill up quickly. Arrive early on weekend mornings to ensure a spot.
Park alongside Del Valle Road at the top of the ridge, about a mile before the park’s entrance gates. Pass through the cow gate and continue on East Ridge Trail for about .8 miles before breaking off onto Canyon Loop. This trail offers up some incredible views from the moment you park the car.
Towering above the Tri-Valley, Mount Diablo State Park is known for its rugged terrain, miles of interconnected trails, and panoramic views of the entire San Franciso Bay Area. For a unique birds-eye POV of our rolling hills, head here.
The Mary Bowerman Trail is a mostly flat, partially ADA-accessible loop near the summit that circles the entire peak, offering 360-degree views in every direction. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic viewpoints with mounted scopes for taking a closer look at the surrounding landscape.
Juniper Trail offers a more moderate climb with sweeping views as you make your way up the mountainside. The trail winds through open hillsides and patches of trees, with plenty of vantage points to take in the views along the way.
Photo Credit: @baggiebloke
Located along the western edge of the Tri-Valley near Danville, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is known for its dramatic ridgelines, wide-open views, and miles of scenic trails. With elevated vantage points in every direction, it’s one of the best spots to take in the rolling green hills this time of year.
This shorter hike features a steady climb up to the ridgeline, where you’ll find sweeping views of Mount Diablo, the Oakland Hills, and the Livermore and San Ramon valleys. On a clear day, you can see for miles, with rolling green hills stretching out in every direction.
This challenging loop combines Ringtail Cat, Corduroy Hills, and Madrone Trail for a longer, more rugged hike through Las Trampas. Expect steep climbs, rolling ridgelines, and a mix of open hillsides and shaded sections along the way. The effort pays off with sweeping views and a quieter, more remote feel compared to some of the park’s shorter trails.
Photo Credit: @baggiebloke
Known for its rugged beauty and wide-open landscapes, Sunol Regional Wilderness offers a more remote, off-the-beaten-path feel compared to other Tri-Valley parks. In spring, the rolling hills turn bright green, wildflowers begin to pop up along the trails, and water flows through the rocky Little Yosemite area, making it an especially scenic time to visit.
A moderately challenging loop with a steady climb up to wide, open views of Sunol’s green hills. There’s little shade along the route, so plan accordingly, especially on warmer days.
Located just outside Livermore, Brushy Peak Regional Preserve is known for its wide-open grasslands and rolling hills. The trails here wind through open space with uninterrupted views, especially during the spring when everything turns green.
This loop combines Brushy Peak and West Side Trail for a moderate hike through wide-open grasslands and rolling hills. The trail features steady elevation gain with expansive views along the way, especially in the spring when the surrounding landscape turns bright green.
Photo Credit: @baggiebloke
Spring in the Tri-Valley doesn’t just mean green hills, it also brings a wave of wildflowers across the region.
If you’re hoping to catch them in bloom, take a look at our guide to hikes that are especially great for wildflower spotting. Where to Find Wildflowers →
Looking for more places to get outside? Take a closer look at our parks and trails below.
