Briones Regional Park — Attraction in Lafayette

'22/2 1st time experience/review: -- WOWZA, WOWZA. What an enjoyable climb and breathtaking views!!! -- The trail starts INSIDE cattle-grazing land through a gate with signage reminding hikers to be sure to securely close the gate behind them so at not to let the cattle out. The trail is also used by the skittish cattle that frequent it in conjunction with the hikers. -- The trail can be as long or as short as one desires either going out-n-back, or looping up to the top of the crest, then back down the other side (a good, 30 minute mile walk), or beyond if the time/means to explore the splintered--off trails. -- There was several mountain bikers out as well (no posted signs excluding biycles). Definitely a ride for thrill seakers. -- While there is one handicap parking stall, this would be a tough walk for one who is mobility impaired due to the steep incline, dirt-cow paths. -- One, wheelchair-access sized porta-potty unit at the trail head (as walk from parking lot to start the hike). -- In the trail head area, there is also a brochure dispenser, few metal trash cans, doggy poop-bags dispenser, and multiple signs posted both of conduct instruction and park information. -- Super easy access and plenty of free parking right off the main road. Though it was a full lot on this sunny Sunday for most of the day until closer to 4p. . I HIGHLY recommend (when the ground is well dry is best due to ungroomed paths). . [See pix/video posted not only of the grandure, but also the parking lot, restroom, posted signs,...

Briones Regional Park has a lot of different trails that you can walk on with a lot of spectacular views! There is plenty of parking, especially the earlier you go. There is lots of open space and there is not a lot of people on the trails. The trails are well maintained and this place has trails with varying levels of difficulty and distance.

You can really soak in all the beauty of nature around you here, which is one of the many things I love about this place. The grass is really green during the beginning of the year until around April or May, which adds to the beauty. I find this place very peaceful and serene. There are a lot of beautiful rolling hills and many of the trails are at a steady incline, which adds to the beautiful views you see that overlook Martinez and the Diablo Valley! There are benches along the way for you to take some time for yourself and this is also a great place to go for a picnic.

There are cows in the field at certain times of the year as well as people horseback riding on the trails at times. The trails can be a little narrow at times. For this reason, it is important that you watch your step while hiking so that you don't step in poop and give horses a lot of room so they don't get spooked. I would suggest wearing layers when you go hiking as well as wearing sunscreen. The higher you hike up the less shaded areas you will find. It is also good to bring plenty of water. There is a bathroom next to where you park that is always open that you can use before you...

Aggressive cows. We were hiking in the park in April 2024, and saw a number of them blocking the hiking trail (no claves on sight). There’s no way around them unless we jump off the trail and get down to the hill that’s full of cow piles and other unknown vegetations. My partner thought the cows were domesticated and would move away if we approach slowly. They saw us from far away, but started acting agitated and aggressive when they saw us walking close, and started charging at us. In retrospect, we should’ve just turned around or backed off slowly but it’s difficult when animals weighing a couple hundred pounds started running at you (and downhill). It was getting really dangerous and we knew we would be crushed if they reach us, and they eventually would, so we stopped after running away for a bit and started yelling “no!” to them with big arm movement. They were unfazed at first but eventually slowed down after a couple of chase and stop episodes. The lead cow still followed us for quite some distance before leaving us alone. It was a terrifying experience and I would think twice about returning until the park service does something about it to ensure people’s safety. We also saw this sign when existing the park, which tells you to report the aggressive cow’s tag number. Let me tell you, if you can see the tag number in the aggressive cow’s ears,...