Briones Regional Park

About

Briones Regional Park is a 6,117-acre wilderness preserve in the Briones Hills of central Contra Costa County, managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. The park offers three primitive group camping areas accessible only by foot, making them ideal for scout troops, outdoor clubs, and large family gatherings seeking a backcountry experience close to the Bay Area. Wee-Ta-Chi accommodates 17-50 campers with a 1.5-mile hike and allows up to 10 vehicles. Maud Whalen serves 25-75 campers with a 1-mile hike, permits up to 15 vehicles, and is the only site with a drinking fountain. Homestead Valley handles the largest groups of 100-300 people with a 1-mile hike and allows up to 35 vehicles. All sites feature fire circles, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and chemical toilets. The surrounding parkland features an extensive trail network across rolling grasslands and oak woodlands, providing opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with deer, coyotes, and raptors commonly spotted.

Directions

From Highway 24, take the Pleasant Hill Road exit and head north. Turn right onto Reliez Valley Road, then left onto Alhambra Valley Road to reach the Bear Creek Road staging area. From Interstate 680, exit at Highway 4 west, then take Alhambra Avenue south to Alhambra Valley Road.