• Summary: This is a 4.9 mile out and back hike offering paved trail walking along the entire Contra Costa Canal, bordering along some residential neighborhoods in the area.
• Location: This is a Contra Costa County Hike of the Contra Costa Canal Trail as part of the East Bay's Regional Park District
• The Hike: This is a 4.9 mile out and back hike that is flat and very easy.
• Distance: The total distance for this hike is 4.9 miles out and back, though you can go off trail to extend the walk if you so choose as there are plenty of surrounding parklands.
• Category and Difficulty: All of the trails here are flat, making this an easy trail, but at 4.9 miles out and back, it is a bit of a challenge in terms of length and can take as long as two hours to hike.
• Exposure: The exposure on this trail is completely exposed with very, very few opportunities for shade from beginning to end and beginning again.
• Traffic: The traffic on this trail is generally pretty moderate, though on some days it is lighter than others.
• Trail Surface: The trail surfaces here are completely paved, resembling sidewalks.
• Walk Time: The average walking time for this hike approximately 2 hours, give or take.
• Season: This particular hike is nice all throughout the year in every season.
• Trailhead Coordinates: This trailhead is located at 37°55'26.91"N Latitude and 122° 2'41.29"W Longitude.

Amenities: You can find gas, restaurants and stores on Ygnacio Valley Road, and then there is a shopping center that can be found just off of the trail, which is near to Bancroft.

Rules: This particular trail is multi use. Hours are from 5 o'clock am until 10 o'clock pm. Dogs are permitted on all trails, though owners are urged to clean up after their leashed pets.

Fees: There are no parking or entrance fees for this trailhead.

Accommodations: At the trailhead you will find plenty of parking at the trail and down the road at the Heather Farms Park. There are also restrooms, drinking water and a payphone. Maps are available less than 0.1 mile away from the trailhead.

Map: The best map for this region is the AAA San Francisco Bay Region map.

Public Transportation: This trailhead is definitely accessible by way of public transportation, including the Pleasant Hill BART station which is approximately ¼ mile north of the trailhead.

How to Get There: From the CA 24 or Interstate 680 junction in Contra Costa, you can take exit 46b which is Ygnacio Valley Road, then drive eastbound on Ygnacio Valley Road for approximately 2 miles before turning left on San Carlos Drive at the sign that says "Heather Farms Park". Drive for approximately 0.5 miles, where you will find a parking lot on the right side just before it curves to cross the canal. Parking is free.

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Photo Credits: Native Orchids

Originally posted 2009-09-02 03:11:46. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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