Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation
Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation |
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This November walk on Sugarloaf is possible if heavy rains have not
come yet. You will have excellent views in all directions once you reach the
top of Sugarloaf Hill. When you enter Bridle Lane following the directions
given above, look for a paved trail between two houses on the left side
of the cul-de-sac. Walk down this path as shown on the right and you will
soon reach the Open Space entrance. Go through the entrance gate and follow
the unpaved Bottom Spring Trail ahead of you. The starting elevation is
380 ft.; you will travel 1.0 miles to the Young's Valley Road entrance. Gate into Sugarloaf Open Space 
The trail starts off almost flat and then becomes progressively more steep as you drop into a valley. An oak-studded meadow appears on your right. The bottom of this valley is the dampest portion of the trail. If you can negotiate this section you should be fine for the rest of the walk. After you reach the bottom of this valley, which has a private entrance, you will go uphill to your right along a ravine and then take a switchback toward the top of Sugarloaf Hill. Note the green grass beginning to grow along the trail in mid-November. Watch and listen for Meadowlarks on the hillside as you traverse this area. As you come up the next section of trail, observe the massive valley oak with its unbalanced limbs reaching to the left. Valley oaks have deep-lobed leaves and extensive
branches
You will now climb a steep hill to the top of Sugarloaf.
If you begin to feel daunted, note that there will be a bench at the top
of the hill where you can rest and take in the panoramic views surrounding
Walnut Creek. The summit elevation is 520 ft. Bench at the top of Sugarloaf
Visibility is particularly good on crisp autumn and
winter days after rain has fallen. Fall colors also add to the pleasure
of a walk during this time of the year. As you observe your surroundings
from this summit, you may see Oregon Juncos, Red-Tail Hawks, Western Bluebirds,
or Gold-Crowned Sparrows. Orchard from the Ridge Trail
At the bottom of the hill (elevation 230 ft.), you reach
the Young's Valley entrance, where you will find picnic tables, water, and
restrooms available. Look around for farm equipment and other artifacts preserved
on the site. Looking and listening for birds at this entrance, you may see
a Northern Flicker at the top of a tree or Western Bluebirds flying back
and frth between perches and grasses.
You may want to take the alternative Center Trail or
Orchard Trail back to the top of Sugarloaf Hill on your way back to Bridle
Lane entrance. Enjoy your visit to Sugarloaf Open Space! Bob and Cindy Brittain |
Access at the cul-de-sac on Bridle Lane
View near the Bridle Lane entrance 
Trail up ravine to a switchback
Walking to the top of Sugarloaf Hill 
View of Mt. Diablo from Sugarloaf 
Downtown Walnut Creek from Sugarloaf 
Lime Ridge view from Sugarloaf Hill 
Entering Young's Valley 
Farm artifact at Young's Valley entrance 
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