Las Trampas North Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route offers great hill climbing with views of the surrounding area from the peak as well as the Las Trampas/Calaveras Ridge Trail. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Diablo off to the east. You'll be surrounded by green hills and wilflowers in the spring.

There is one bathroom at the trailhead. Most of the route is exposed, so prepare accordingly.

From the main parking lot, head towards the cattle gate and follow the sign to Bollinger Creek Loop Trail. This trail gradually climbs uphill and is exposed. At just before the 1.0 mile mark, make a right to stay onto Bollinger Creek Loop Trail where the climbing becomes steeper.

A left onto Las Trampas/Calaveras Ridge Trail continues the climb until you reach a small detour to the left to head to Las Trampas Peak at an elevation of 1827 feet. Take the detour and take some time here to look around, Mt. Diablo will be visible towards the east and you can see some of the trail system from the park to the west.

Head back down on the same detour to join back to the Las Trampas/Calaveras Ridge Trail to continue on a gradual downhill towards Madrone Trail, where you'll make a right. Rolling hills are next on mostly exposed trail. This is the most common trail to see cows grazing.

Make a right onto Virgil Williams Trail where the climbing will start again, but most of this trail is lined with trees that provide much-needed shade. A right onto Del Amigo Trail continues the climbing but now back to exposed trail. Then, take a right onto Las Trampas/Calaveras Ridge Trail where you'll feel like you are hiking on top of the world.

Be sure to look around and take in the 360 degree views from this trail before making a left onto Chamise Trail where a very fast descent will take you back to the parking area.

Cows, always cows.