Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve

Located within the dense suburbia of the Sycamore Valley are two ridges which have managed to elude development. Luckily, these plots of land which combine to cover almost 700 acres of land are protected by the East Bay Regional Parks District. In a sea of houses it is nice to have at least a small area where nature can thrive, and people can stretch their legs away from concrete.

Making up Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve is Short Ridge to the north and Sherburne Hills to the south. These two units of land are separated by Camino Tassajara, Sycamore Creek, and the residential neighborhood of Wood Ranch. Both have multiple entry points and their own unique features.

The main staging point for the preserve is the same parking lot used for Sycamore Valley Park and Elementary School. To get there take the Sycamore Valley Road exit off Interstate 680 and drive east. Sycamore Valley Road becomes Camino Tassajara, and your next turn will be a left onto Holbrook Drive.

Holbrook will lead you to the Short Ridge unit of the preserve. The road runs into a parking lot, and you should park in the back near the basketball courts. The start of Sand Hill Trail is just past the courts, in-between the batting cages and soccer field.

This trail head boasts free pamphlets on the preserve which includes a map. With this map you can outline a hike, and also see where Sherburne Hills is accessible. You will find that the south unit can only be reached through residential roads and courts which feed into its trail network.

If you plan on visiting both sections of the preserve you will have to decide whether to walk across Camino Tassajara Road and through a neighborhood, or make a second drive to park near Sherburne Hills. My routine is to first visit Short Ridge, and then drive into Wood Ranch and park on Northview Court. This will start you off at the most eastern point of Sherburne Hills, making for a nice westward hike.

Both sections of the preserve are very similar; rolling hills, covered in golden grass at this time of year, dominate the landscape. There are some differences though that may influence your decision to visit one or the other, or both units.

Unlike Sherburne Hills, North Ridge does have some trees. While grassy hillside still covers most of the landscape, scattered oaks do shoot up. This makes a little picnic or rest in the shade possible. Short Ridge is also the bigger of the two units, and has more trail length to traverse.

While Sherburne Hills offers zero shade, it’s more secluded than North Ridge. Since it is a little harder to get to, often times you will be the only hiker trekking over the hills. There are also better southward views from this location.

Neither unit of Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve is particularly spectacular though, a ramification of being nestled in the heart of civilization. The flora, fauna, and feeling of seclusion at this preserve just don’t compare with many of the other parks in the East Bay.

But, if you live close by, not much can beat Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve as far as convenience goes. It’s a great spot to walk the dog or get some quick exercise. If you need to kill some time while your child is at Sycamore School or a sports practice in the park, try and fit a hike in.

While it may not compare to places like or as far as features go, the preserve still has an assortment of views, birds, flowers, critters and maybe even a deer or two to enjoy. Mix that with convenience and the fact that you’re exercising, and Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve can be an appealing spot to visit.

At a Glance:

Sycamore Valley Regional Open Space Preserve

Address: 2200 Holbrook Drive, Danville

Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Best time to visit: A cloudy or cool day as there isn’t much shade on the trail. 

Cost: Free

Great for: Some exercise and nice views close to home.

Could be better if: You bring along some water and a hat.