Golden Oldie

Briones Regional Park is a golden fall favorite: A rolling landscape, big oak, bay and maple trees, and little surprises like sheep and goats make this expansive park well worth an autumn visit. The mellow temperatures of October and November are a great time to hike this 4.3-mile shade-less loop with good views and bright hints of fall color. Start with a gentle ascent along Old Briones Road Trail where you'll pass dog-walkers and a fenced section housing strong-willed goats locking horns to impress the ladies. Make your way up to the ridge-drifting Briones Crest Trail and take a break on the well-placed bench with views of the hazel hills. Stay on high ground and traverse by the tallest peak in the park, 1,424-foot Mott Peak. In the distance Mount Diablo looms. Finish with a relaxing ramble through the bright yellows and oranges of Black Oak Trail's namesake trees. A color-fall hike.

Park at the Bear Creek staging area. Pick up a map at the gate. Take the Old Briones Road Trail for 1.75 miles. When it reaches Briones Crest Trail go left; follow this for .5 mile. Go left on Mott Peak Trail and hike .36 mile. Reach the Black Oak Trail, turn left, and hike 1 mile. This takes you back to the Old Briones Road Trail where the starting point is .5 mile away. Dog-friendly!