Dublin Hills Regional Park: A Quick Outdoor Getaway

When visiting a new regional park there are several criteria I use to judge how much I like the area. I look for things like interesting flora and fauna, shaded trails, unique ending destinations (such as waterfalls or rock formations), seclusion, vistas, and accessibility.

Each of these features, among others, work in tandem to build up the overall feel of a nature destination. Most often, regional parks possess one or two of these traits while sacrificing others.

An example of this is a place like  in Livermore. While providing extreme seclusion and breathtaking flora, it’s quite a journey to get there.

This week I tackle the opposite scenario withDublin Hills Regional Park. While this area lacks towering trees and quiet seclusion, it makes up for it with supreme accessibility.

Located between Dublin and Pleasanton, Dublin Hills Regional Park is just minutes away from both the 680 and 580 freeways. Get to Dublin Boulevard (accessed from San Ramon/Foothill Road), head west up the hill and the parking lot is just before a young and growing residential community on the right.

The staging area boasts a newly paved lot, free maps, and clean bathrooms. It's easily the nicest of all the East Bay Regional Park District staging areas as it is the newest.

There is only one trail connected to the staging area, so don't worry about having to decide which way to go. In fact, with this park being only about 600 acres, choosing a trail is never really an issue here. There are only a few spots where trails even intersect.

Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail is the longest path at Dublin Hills, and leads the furthest away from human structures. Grazing cows and rolling hillside are the prominent features along this route.

Donlan Loop is the other main trail which follows the rim of Donlan Canyon. With trees crowding the heart of the canyon and a lively pond along the way, this path is worth a visit.

Trekking across the entire park is easily done in half a day, so you may want to just check out both trails. If not, each features similar terrain so either is a good choice.

I'll be honest though, there are definite flaws with this park.

As you start out, the Calaveras Ridge Trail shadows track homes so closely that you could sit down and watch TV through someone's window. Reaching an area where you feel somewhat secluded takes a few miles of hiking, and even then freeway noise is still audible. There are very few trees and almost no trail shade. Fauna is scarce as wild animals prefer separation from humans.

If you visit Dublin Hills realizing these negatives though, it makes enjoying the positives easier. The hillside is full of a variety of blooming flowers, adding color to the area. Great views of civilization are in abundance. You will see different vantage points of Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore and other surrounding cities.

While not secluded, this is not a busy spot so getting the park mostly to yourself is a strong possibility. Varying trail elevations make for good exercise outside the confines of a treadmill. And lastly, Dublin Hills is extremely easy to get to. Perfect if you need some outdoors therapy but are pressed for time.

With the pros and cons being laid out, hopefully you have a good sense of what this park offers. If you are looking for a full day of hiking, beautiful vistas, forests, streams, and critters, you have plenty of regional parks to choose from. Dublin Hills just isn't one of them.

On the other hand, if you have a few hours and just want to feel the wind on your skin and smell the aroma of grass and flowers, then Dublin Hills is right for you.

In the end, I would say this park is worth checking out, especially if you live in Dublin or Pleasanton. Who knows, it could become one of your favorite quick getaways.

 At a Glance:

Dublin Hills
Address: Staging area is at the intersection of Dublin Boulevard and Marshall Canyon Drive, in Dublin.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Best time to visit: Anytime that avoids intense sun. With no shade on the trail, any cloudy day is perfect. 
Cost:  Free
Great for: Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding
Could be better if: You bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water