East Bay Bike With Blossoms

Bike this Charming East Bay Loop Starting From Heather Farm Park

04.17.2024
Woman on a bicycle passing a park lake with a fountain spraying water

Spring wildflowers are in full bloom on this 15.5-mile bicycle loop through the East Bay. The route begins at Heather Farm Park. From the main parking lot, head north along the duck pond and hop onto the Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, then turn left onto the Contra Costa Canal Trail. After a half mile, turn right onto the Iron Horse Regional Trail.

This paved route winds north through Pleasant Hill and Concord, and is the perfect way to explore the cities without worrying about car traffic. Cross the pedestrian-only bridge, and enjoy the colorful flower beds and artwork that residents have installed along the trail.

As cyclists near the Buchanan Field Airport, the city gives way to open grasslands surrounding Walnut Creek—home to herons, egrets, and geese. Colorful springtime wildflowers like wild mustard and radish line the route. Cyclists looking for a shorter route can turn around at Concord Ave and retrace the trail back for a 10-mile out-and-back.

At the intersection with Marsh Drive, turn left to loop around the airport. To the southeast, the two peaks of Mt. Diablo dominate the horizon—a great photo op with biplanes swooping overhead! At the intersection with Center Avenue, turn right to cruise through town for a mile, then turn left onto the Contra Costa Canal Trail.

This stretch of trail is a biker’s paradise, with rolling green hills, shady parks, and swaths of California poppies adding a pop of bright color to the ride. Continue down Contra Costa Canal Trail until it intersects with the Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail, then turn right and retrace the route back to Heather Farm Park.

Before heading home, kick back and enjoy the beautiful park, from the picnic tables by the lake to the playground and volleyball courts. Or take a tour of the Gardens at Heather Farm, which include botanical gardens, a nursery, and florist workshops.

Heather Farm Park is located at 301 N San Carlos Dr. in Walnut Creek and is free to the public. Map. Dog-friendly.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View