Briones Park

As one of the largest parks in Contra Costa County, the park is convenient to Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and watershed property throughout the area. The Briones Peak is the highest point in the park and offers views of the Diablo Valley and Mount Diablo, the Sacramento River and Delta, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, and Mount Tamalpais. Visitors can bring their dogs to the park but they are required to be leashed at all times in the appointed areas. The park is on more than 6,000-acres of wooded land and landscaped pathways. Numerous birds, animals, and plant species live in the area. Kids and adults will love seeing coyotes, deer, turkey vultures, hawks, and squirrels on their hikes. The park occasionally offers naturalist led hikes so visitors can be led to many of the park's better features. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy birdwatching, running, horseback riding, hiking, photography, archery, and kite flying in the park. Five access points are available and each offers parking. Camping is allowed in the park in three different areas. Reservations are required and must be made at least a week in advance. Many visitors to the park come to enjoy a picnic and the park provides several sites with tables and barbecue pits that are available on the first-come, first-served basis. The larger areas can accommodate as many as 50 people.