Hiking in Pleasanton - Augustin Bernal Park

It doesn’t get any better than this when it comes to parks owned by the city of Pleasanton. Augustin Bernal Park covers 237 acres on the Pleasanton Ridge and offers sweeping views of the valley, secluded wooded areas, miles of hiking trails and the opportunity to get away from it all, without leaving town.

Valley View Trail trailhead

The Valley View Trail, as you might expect, provides spectacular views of the valley below. Mt. Diablo is also visible to the north. Alternating between sun and shade, the trail cuts through a forest full of color and wildlife. It is about 2 miles to the top of the ridge along the Valley View Trail and a climb of about 700 feet. The trail meanders up the hill at a grade that is pretty gradual. There is a nice bench you can rest on about half way up, with great views of the valley.

Nice place to rest and enjoy the view

The Chaparral trail is a considerably shorter but somewhat steeper route to the top. You will find it cutting off to the left, not long after you start up the Valley View Trail. The trail is well maintained but narrower that the Valley View Trail and also less used.

Once you are on top, you will see the trails that go into the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District. From there, you can hike for many miles into the Pleasanton Ridge, or turn around and head back down the trail.

Looking west at the top of the ridge

One advantage, at least for some, that Augustin Bernal has over the south staging area to the Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park is that you drive much of the way up the hill to get to the staging area for Augustin Bernal. In addition, the trail to the top of the ridge is not as steep if you stick to the Valley View Trail. Therefore, you don’t have to hike uphill much and it is less strenuous.

Looking north toward Mt. Diablo

The park is located at 8200 Golden Eagle Way. You need to go through the gate at the entrance of Golden Eagle Farms, a gated community. The guard will ask you to sign in and up you go.

There is not a published map to the park but there is one near the trailhead as you head up the Valley View Trail.

Now is a particularly beautiful time to go to Augustin Bernal Park. The leaves are turning colors and there is a lot of green vegetation. It can be pretty cold in the early morning but warms up nicely as the sun rises. There is much wildlife in the park, including the usual assortment of squirrels, skunks, wild turkey, etc. But there are also larger animals, like dear and even the occasional mountain lion, although it is extremely rare to see a mountain lion in the park.