Trail Highlights:
On this route you will enjoy panoramic views of Round Valley and the peaks of Mt.Diablo. The Miwok Trail features some unusual shale and sandstone deposits along Round Valley Creek, which is part of the larger Marsh Creek watershed.Bicycles are allowed only on the Miwok Trail portion; equestrians may ride the entire loop.
Trail Directions:
Go through the gate at the end of the parking lot, cross the bridge, and go through the cattle gate onto the Miwok Trail. At 1.7 miles goleft onto Hardy Canyon Trail where you will begin the climb to the ridge top. After about .6 miles, there is a rock outcropping where the trail turns sharply left, and just ahead the trail turns to the right at a large coast live oak tree. As you descend Hardy Canyon, you’ll find a few “social” trails; be sure to stay on the main HardyCanyon Trail. Near the bottom, Marsh Creek Road will come into view, and then the staging area where you started. Go through one more cattle gate and then follow the trail along the stream back to the bridge and staging area.
Park Features:
Round Valley Regional Preserve is in the steep foothills east of Mt. Diablo. This former ranch is home to rare native species like the endangeredSan Joaquin kit fox. Due to the sensitive wildlife habitat here, dogs are not allowed in the preserve. The landscape comprises annual grasslands, chaparral, riparian woodland and oak woodland/savanna. The large gravel parking lot includes two accessible parking spaces, two accessible restrooms, and a drinking fountain. There are no other restrooms or drinking water within the park along this route.
Driving Directions:
From I-680, exit at Ygnacio Valley Road. Proceed on Ygnacio Valley Road to ClaytonRoad in Concord and turn right (east). Clayton Road becomes Marsh Creek Road in Clayton. Proceed east on Marsh Creek Road, past Deer Valley Road, until you reach the preserve staging area on your right.From Brentwood: Take Walnut Blvd. south to MarshCreek Road and turn right. When Marsh Creek Road intersects with Camino Diablo Road, bear right and stay on Marsh Creek Road. You will reach the preserve staging area on the left
