Great Escape: Walk in the Wild

Your teens are holding a car wash at the high school Saturday. The grandparents volunteered to take the younger children to a movie Sunday afternoon. Your tweens take tap on Wednesday evening. It’s your time. Take it.

Each week, we’ll tell you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, maybe a whole lot easier.

The trail walk around Lafayette Reservoir has always been a local favorite for those who need a quick escape and also want to work in some mind-clearing exercise, without the boredom and monotony of walking on a treadmill.

At just about three miles around, with some steep hills and gorgeous views, walking the entire paved loop will take just about 45 minutes. There is a lot of wildlife along the route. It’s easy to see deer, rabbits, wild turkeys and a variety of birds during one stroll.

Or if three miles on a paved trail is not enough of a challenge, there are hiking trails at various levels of intensity that circle the entire body of water.

Visitors who only intend to drop in for an hour can park in the metered spots and avoid the daily park fee as well.

The reservoir is located off Highway 24 and a mile from the Lafayette BART station. It’s open all year, and people go by for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating and picnicking.

If you are feeling brave, rowboats and pedal boats can be rented for a close-up tour of the water.

At this time of year, hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Lafayette Reservoir is operated by the East Bay Municipal Water District (EBMUD).

Have a “great escape” secret of your own you’re willing to share with our readers? Tell us about it by emailing the author above, or putting it in the comments at the end of this article. If we pick your idea to feature, we’ll give you a shout-out in the next Great Escape!