Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

Closed — Open year-round for day use. The Corral group camping area requires reservations made at least 3 business days in advance. Campers must bring their own water as the park's water supply is inconsistent.

About

Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve spans 6,050 acres of rugged, undeveloped wilderness in the East Bay hills of Contra Costa County. The preserve is defined by two prominent ridges, Rocky Ridge to the west reaching 2,024 feet and Las Trampas Ridge to the east, separated by the narrow valley of Bollinger Creek. The name translates to "The Traps" or "The Snares," referencing historical elk trapping in the chaparral-covered hills. The preserve offers a single group camping option at the Corral Area, which accommodates organized groups and requires advance reservations. Campers must bring their own water as the park's water supply is inconsistent and may be unavailable at any time. The terrain is notably challenging, with many trails involving steep sections and elevation changes up to 900 feet, earning it a reputation as one of the more demanding parks in the East Bay Regional Park District. The landscape features diverse vegetation zones including black sage, chamise, and buck brush chaparral on south-facing slopes, with coast live oak and bay laurel woodlands in protected areas. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, bobcats, foxes, and various raptor species including occasional golden eagles. The preserve's geological features showcase four distinct rock formations shaped by the Las Trampas and Bollinger faults, with wind-sculpted outcroppings covered in colorful lichens along Rocky Ridge.

Directions

From I-580 in Castro Valley, take Crow Canyon Road north to Bollinger Canyon Road. Turn left onto Bollinger Canyon Road and follow it into the park. From I-680 in San Ramon, take Crow Canyon Road west to Bollinger Canyon Road, turn right and follow it into the park.

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