Shady Trails at Las Trampas

In the roasting months of summer, hiking is an activity that can lose its appeal. Traversing even a short distance while baking under the sun can seem like a marathon, leaving you exhausted and dehydrated. Stretches of shade on such hikes are a slice of heaven, helping to reinvigorate and cool the body.

If only there were a hike on which shade did not come in mere stretches, but instead dominated the trail. Luckily, such hikes exist; it’s just about knowing where they are and how to get there.

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness boasts a nice section of such shaded trails; the problem is there are miles of exposed trail between it and the parking lot. The trick is not to use the main staging area but to drive in the comfort of air conditioning directly to this prime spot.

To accomplish this you must know of the semi-secret parking area with access to this lightly-traveled, heavily-shaded section of the park. I have to admit though, I know of this area thanks to the book , and must give a shout out to this immensely handy guide.

The secret is simply a stretch of residential curb near a gap in park fencing that gives access to Del Amigo Trail, but you have to know about it to find it.

From the 680 freeway exit onto El Cerro and proceed under the freeway to Danville Boulevard. Make a right, then a left onto Del Amigo Road. Follow this snaking route through a residential neighborhood until it intersects with Starview Drive. Here, the road begins to ascend steeply, and you can park by the curb just before the the street bends to the left. From there head to the chain link fence under the street marker with intersecting signs for Starview Drive and Starmont Court.

The area is easy to miss, so I posted pictures of where the trail starts. Study them for a second before heading out and you will know what to look for.

Del Amigo Trail, your embarking point, is shady from the moment you step off the road. Follow the path uphill and enjoy the green canopy overhead. From here you will be presented with a couple more shady trail options.

If you don’t already have an East Bay Regional Parks brochure on the area, I would print a map from its website. There are no free copies at this non-recognized staging area.

When planning your route, I suggest including both Virgil Williams and Madrone trails. These two paths wind through some interesting terrain, and will keep the sun mostly at bay.

Creeks also run alongside sections of these two trails, luring wildlife large and small. A wide variety of birds are especially fond of the area.

You can create a nice loop that takes about two hours to traverse by linking together Del Amigo, Madrone and Virgil Williams trails.

Whatever distance you choose to hike, making these three trails the nucleus of your journey is a good idea. You will find that the sun comes in stretches, not the shade.

At a Glance:

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Address: Junction of Starview Drive and Starmont Court, San Ramon
Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Best time to visit: A hot sunny day makes the shady trails more meaningful.
Cost:  Free
Great for: Hiking, dog walking.
Could be better if: You run into some interesting wildlife along the way.