Dry Creek Staging Area — Attraction in Union City

Staging area for Dry Creek Regional Park with a decently sized gravel lot for parking. Free if you don't have $5 cash on hand to enter Garin Regional Park just up the road.

Trails near this staging area range from medium with reasonable elevation changes and tree cover to very difficult with steep sustained climbs that are completely exposed.

If you are looking for something easier, I recommend Garin Regional Park just up the road. Trails here offer more options for easier walks and hikes.

Do not underestimate how hot this area can get during warmer months and carry plenty of water. Many trails have steep climbs that are completely exposed and take several hours to complete.

Views of the East Bay are fantastic if you choose one of the challenging trails and get above the tree line. Highly recommend people visit and experience...

This is essentially the back door to Garin Park. What it provides is free parking and access to trails from the southern entrance of the park. We use this because of the different trails it offers for hiking. If you want a hike that is about 1.5 hours with medium elevation this is for you. Head right at the split for a longer moderate climb through the forest trail and a short but steeper descent with view of the city or do the loop in reverse for more work upfront. Really nice place to get some exercise...

First time here, Wow! 👍 This a good time a year to hike here March-June The hills are still green, California poppies are blooming and the cows are walking chewing their cud. The weather is cool to warm, bring a jacket for the wind can pick up. I hiked 5 miles around trip, the Tolman Peak Trail and back down via South Trek Trail. There are benches (2) to stop and have a small picnic. The real issue is parking. There is a parking that fills up but there always someone leaving if you wait 5...