The best walks and hikes in Brushy Peak Regional Park

Yes, dogs are welcome in the preserve. They must be kept on a leash at all times and you are required to clean up after them. The open, grassy trails are great for a walk with your four-legged friend, but be mindful that there is little shade and no water available on the trails, so bring plenty for both of you.

The best seasons to hike in Brushy Peak are spring, fall, and winter. Spring offers beautiful wildflower displays and green hills. Fall and winter provide cooler, more pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summer can be extremely hot and dry with very little shade, making it challenging for hiking.

The main access point is the Laughlin Ranch Staging Area, located at 2234 Laughlin Rd, Livermore. This well-maintained area offers plenty of parking, restrooms, and a water spigot. You can also find trail maps here to plan your hike before you start.

Yes, the preserve has several easier options. The Tamcan Trail loop from The Bluffs is a great choice, offering a relatively flat 2.1-mile (3.4 km) walk through the grasslands that takes about an hour to complete. It's a good way to experience the landscape without a major climb.

The trails are mostly exposed, hard-packed dirt and gravel paths through rolling grasslands. There is very little tree cover, so expect full sun exposure. After rain, the clay soil can become very thick and muddy, making hiking difficult. It's best to wait a few days after a storm for the trails to dry out.

Brushy Peak is a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing. It's particularly known for raptors, so keep an eye out for golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and falcons. The preserve is also a critical habitat for species like the California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake. You might also spot ground squirrels, deer, and bobcats.

Most of the main trails in the preserve are loops. For a shorter circular route, consider the Laughlin Loop Trail loop from The Bluffs, which is just over 2 miles (3.4 km). It provides a good sense of the park's rolling hills and open spaces.

From the higher trails and ridges, you can get expansive panoramic views. To the south, you'll see across the Livermore Valley. On a clear day, your view can stretch to the Central Valley and even the distant Sierra Nevada mountains. The landscape is also dotted with the iconic windmills of the Altamont Pass to the east.

No, the summit of Brushy Peak is not open to the public for hiking. It is a sacred site for several Native American tribes and access is restricted to protect its cultural and natural resources. However, the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District occasionally offers guided tours that include access to the peak.

There are generally no entrance or parking fees required to visit Brushy Peak Regional Preserve and use the Laughlin Ranch Staging Area. The park is open to the public daily, but be sure to check the posted hours as they can vary seasonally.

The area is well-regarded by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the wide-open spaces, the stunning panoramic views from the ridges, and the beautiful green hills and wildflowers during the spring. The well-marked network of trails that cater to different fitness levels is also a frequently mentioned highlight.