Old Borges Ranch Double Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Views

In the foothills of Mt. Diablo, this quick double loop traverses endless rolling hills, and while you'll have to work for it, you'll be rewarded by some amazing views along the way.

The doubletrack/fire-road trails leave you mostly exposed to both sun and the wind, so it's best to do this early in the morning, especially on the hot days. Fortunately, you can refill your water at the Old Borges Ranch, half way through this ride. After the spring rains, sections of the trail surface may get torn up from all the water streaming downhill, whereas in the late summer, you'll encounter many patches of sand-like dirt. Adjust your speed accordingly.

If you are driving here, it's best to park on the street at 598 Marshall Dr, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, which is about 1000ft down from the trailhead.

Note, where there's no water or restrooms at the start of this ride.

From the trail-head, take Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail on the right. You'll ride past Indian Valley Elementary School on the right. Stay on the Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail as you encounter Jeep Trail and Ridge Top Trail on the left, and Indian Creek Trail and Coyote Point Trail on the right. This section of the ride is mostly up-hill with some quick downhill runs.

Once you get to the Borges Ranch Trail, take a right. If you wish to shave about a mile and a few hundred vertical feet off your ride, go left instead. Going right will take you on a mini loop back to this point.

While on the Borges Ranch Trail, keep left as you ride past the Foothills Trail and the first intersection with the Stonegate Trail.

As the Borges Ranch Trail ends, you'll encounter Stonegate Trail again, go left. Then take another left at the Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail. When you get back to the intersection with the Borges Ranch Trail, go right. This will complete your mini loop.

After a short, but fast descent, you'll get to the Old Borges Ranch. This historic ranch was established in 1899 and it's still very well-preserved. If you have the time, it's worth checking out. Since bikes are not permitted on the singletrack section of the Borges Ranch Trail, you'll have to go around. Take a right at the wind-mill onto the Borges Ranch Road and go past the old tractor exhibit on the left. At this point, you may want to refill your water or use the restroom, as you have a steep climb ahead.

As the Borges Ranch Road loops back on itself, go left, and then make an immediate right onto an unnamed short trail that goes past a pond on the left and a parking lot on the right. When you hit Hanna Grove Trail, go left, and then continue straight as you ride past Borges Ranch Trail on the left. This is when the real climb starts (10-16%).

When you hit Costanoan Trail (a.k.a. Jeep Trail), go left and continue climbing. Once you get to the top, take in the views and head downhill. Ignore other side trails until your trail turn right onto the Corral Spring Trail, which will take you to the end of your ride.

Have fun.