Briones Reservoir loop via Bear Creek Trail —Briones Regional Park

Yes, access to the trails around the Briones Reservoir, including the Bear Creek Trail, requires an EBMUD (East Bay Municipal Utility District) permit. You can purchase this permit online before your visit.

The most common access point for this loop is the Bear Creek Trail / Oursan Trailhead. There is parking available at the Bear Creek Staging Area, which is a convenient starting point for the loop.

The provided information does not specify whether dogs are allowed on this particular trail or the specific leash rules. It's best to check the official Briones Regional Park or EBMUD regulations regarding dogs before your visit.

Spring is an excellent time to jog this loop, as the hillsides are vibrant with wildflowers like lupines, California poppies, and buttercups. The trail offers varied scenery year-round, but spring provides an extra burst of color. Be mindful that after rain, some sections can become muddy.

The full Briones Reservoir loop is considered a "difficult" jog, spanning approximately 21.1 km with around 500m of elevation gain. While sections of the Bear Creek Trail itself are easy to moderate, completing the entire loop requires very good fitness due to its length and elevation changes.

The terrain is quite varied, offering a mix of surfaces. You'll encounter forested paths, sections of singletrack, dirt fire roads, and some disused paved roads. The southern side, where the Bear Creek Trail runs, is more wooded with Bay Laurel trees, while the northern side is more open. Expect modest elevation changes, including gradual inclines and some steeper climbs.

Joggers are treated to beautiful water views of the Briones Reservoir. The route winds through diverse landscapes, from dense, shady oak and bay laurel woods to open, grass-covered hills. You'll also find the Briones Reservoir View, and from various points, distant vistas of Mount Diablo, the Sacramento River Delta, and the broader Bay Area.

You might spot grazing cattle in the open areas, adding to the rural charm. California newts can also be seen, particularly in the spring. Be aware that poison oak is present along the trail, though it is generally well-maintained and clear.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll jog along parts of the Oursan Trail, Bear Creek Trail, ADT - California - T - Seg 8, and the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail, among others.

Yes, it's important to note that after rain, some sections of the trail, especially near the Bear Creek Staging Area, can become quite muddy and slippery. The clay soil can cling to shoes, so appropriate footwear is recommended during wet conditions.

This loop offers a notable sense of remoteness, which is not commonly found in other East Bay parks despite its proximity to urban areas. It also provides a great variety of typical East Bay environments, transitioning smoothly from shaded woodlands to open meadows and hills, with about a quarter of the loop consisting of enjoyable singletrack sections.