LAS TRAMPAS WILDERNESS REGIONAL PRESERVE | Danville, CA
★★★☆☆
The perfect spot for an early morning sunrise hike.
Last hiked 3/14/21
Length: 5.1 mi.
Gain: 1360 ft.
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Low
Dogs: Yes
THE RUNDOWN
A few sharp inclines lead you to Las Trampas Peak, where early birds can enjoy panoramic views of the day's first rays of sunshine peering over the tops of the surrounding hills. The hike is still worthwhile for those of you who can't summon the strength to start your hike in the wee hours of the morning. The journey rewards you with views of Walnut Creek and the nearby foothills. Mount Tam and Mount Diablo stand watch in the distance while you meander through the park alongside some shy bovine friends.
If you're headed here for a sunrise hike, you'll have to arrive before the gates open at 8am. Park right outside the gates, near the Elderberry Trailhead, then continue on foot up Bollinger Canyon Road to reach the trailhead. Alternatively, if you arrive after gates open, feel free to park at the Bollinger Staging Area.
Park Hours: Gates open 8am to 6pm; Park curfew 10pm to 5am
Fees: None
Trailhead: Bollinger Canyon Road/Trail Junction
Restroom: Yes, at Bollinger Staging Area
Make a clockwise loop. If starting before 8am, park right outside the gates and walk in.
This hike gets steeper and steeper as you go, making the peak that much more worth it (especially at sunrise)!
Park right outside the park gates on Bollinger Canyon Rd. if starting before 8am. Otherwise, feel free to park at the Bollinger Staging Area a bit further in.
STEP BY STEP
↑ Proceed past the park gates down Bollinger Canyon Road.
↑ Pass through the livestock gate and proceed onto Bollinger Canyon Trail.
→ Stay right for Las Trampas Ridge Trail.
← Make a left to stay on Las Trampas Ridge Trail. You'll soon reach Las Trampas Peak.
Optional: continue past the livestock gate and follow the small deer trail on the right to summit a small hill, which yields to more views of the surrounding suburbs.
↓ Double back down Las Trampas Ridge Trail.
← Stay LEFT for the east fork of Las Trampas Ridge Trail.
Note: This trail is also called "Las Trampas Ridge Trail," but it is not the same fork that you originally took from Bollinger Canyon Road.
→ Make a right onto Chamise Trail.
← Make a left onto Bollinger Canyon Road and return to the parking area.
There are always silver (or golden) linings to even the gloomiest of days.
You'll encounter many cows on your way up to Las Trampas Peak. This one, near the peak, was particularly pensive.
Little moments like these make getting up for a hike at ungodly hours in the freezing cold worth all the effort.
Mt. Diablo in the distance.
MUSINGS
We're the crazy people who decided to drive to this trailhead from the South Bay during Daylight Savings in order to catch the sunrise, suffering a double whammy of sleep deprivation to make it happen. Spoiler: it was all worth it, but if you plan to do the same, please continue reading so we can offer some tips and insight!
We parked outside the main gate because the gates don't technically open until after sunrise. However, you're free to start hiking as early as 5am per the posted signage.
We made sure to pack lots of layers and a few headlamps (backups just in case). Quite honestly, the park is a bit eerie in the dark. If you're a fan of Stranger Things, you may find it reminiscent of the Upside Down.... We would recommend that sunrise hikers go in pairs or small groups for safety. Beware of sleeping cows that are snoozing away close to the trail; they'll keep to themselves, but make sure to give them their space.
Once twilight creeps in, you'll be able to catch glimpses of the surrounding area, including the iconic peaks of Mount Diablo and Mount Tam, and the surrounding cities, once you reach Las Trampas Ridge Trail. The sunrise is gorgeous from various points along Las Trampas Ridge Trail, but visibility is probably best from Las Trampas Peak and the bunny hills that surround it.
As you make your descent back down the east fork of Las Trampas Ridge Trail and Chamise Trail, the morning light illuminates the hillsides and the tree-lined trails with a soft golden tint. Success - you've finished your hike as other (normal and sane) hikers are just beginning theirs! Now go treat yourself to a nice hearty brunch; you deserve it!
MORE INFO
Some Reminders
If you're aiming to watch the sunrise from the peak, aim to start your hike 1.5 hours before sunrise.
Good Eats
Babalou’s Mediterranean in Walnut Creek sells delicious wraps, plates, and kabobs. We’d go back often if we lived nearby.