Hiking in Pleasanton - Callippe Preserve Trail

The Callippe Preserve Trail is a beautiful and not heavily used trail that circles its way around the Callippe Preserve Golf Course, off Happy Valley Road. The trail is less than four miles long and offers truly spectacular views of Mt. Diablo to the north, Pleasanton Ridge to the west, Mission Peak to the south and the golf course all around.

Callippe Preserve Golf Course and the Pleasanton Ridge

The hike is not difficult, although it is not for baby strollers (unless they’re the off-road type) or people who want to walk on flat trails. The trail undulates up and down as it winds its way around the golf course but the trails are well maintained and, for the most part, not too steep. It is a walking and equestrian trail, and bicycles are prohibited.

There are a few access points but my favorite is to start at the golf course club house, because that is really the only place to park. If you park in the far back right of the lot, you will see a green below you. You can take the cart path to the green and pick up the trail right behind the green.

Hiking the western portion of the trail

Following the trail clockwise, you will start out heading west and then turn north. I like this section of the trail best because there is more vegetation and it is more scenic. It also provides better views of Mt. Diablo.

Looking out through the trees towards Mt. Diablo

Another great view of Mt. Diablo

There are a number of places to stop and enjoy the quite, including several benches along the trail.

A guiet spot to enjoy the wildlife

The trail will abruptly end at happy Valley Rd. Just follow the road up the hill until it takes a sharp turn to the right. From there, take the service road that goes up to the water tower to the left. You will come to a green gate that lets you back onto the trail. Climb up into the rolling hills.

An oak tree changes colors

This section of the trail is a bit more exposed and will be hotter on sunny days, particularly in the afternoon. There is less vegetation here than on the south and west sides but it offers its own beauty and views, particularly the views of Pleasanton Ridge, the golf course and Mission Peak.

A great view of Pleasanton Ridge

The trail will once again dump you out near the road but if you go left it picks up again and goes around the back side of the driving range and back to your starting point.

The trail is mostly single track or follows a fire trail, except for the part that is on the road. There is not a good map of the trail but you can get an idea if you look at the city’s map of trails. I like this hike because, although it encircles the golf course, there are not many people on it and the scenery is magnificent. If you go early in the morning or later in the evening you may come into contact with some of the four legged critters that call it home. This morning, I didn’t see any critters running around but I did see fresh raccoon and deer tracks. There are also numerous bird houses along the trail and within the golf course, so there are plenty of birds to see.

One last look at the course and ridge before heading back to the club house.

The Callippe Preserve Trail is truly beautiful, with some of the best views in Pleasanton. It is not a difficult hike but is not simple either. All in all, a very nice place to spend an hour or two.