Flower Power-walk

If you're seeking a little sweat equity in your wildflower hunt, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is the place to be. This remote East Bay park isn't for casual strollers; here, it's all about climbing high. But the grind is worth it. Starting from the main parking area, the Edelberry Trail plays nicely for the first half mile, meandering on a flat path near a horse stable. Then the path makes a sharp right, and it's game on. The next 1.5 miles are spent huffing and puffing up to Rocky Ridge. The work pays off with tremendous views: Mount Diablo lords like a green monster and sunlight bounces off the Bay to silhouettes of San Francisco skyscrapers. Be warned, the winds can be fierce up here. But somehow the wildflowers have managed to hang on; blue-eyed grass, blue dicks and golden poppies all make the windswept ridge their home. Enjoy the flowers while walking high on the Rocky Ridge View Trail for the next 2 miles. The path descends back to the parking lot.

From I-680 in San Ramon, take the Crow Canyon Road exit west to Bollinger Canyon Rd. Turn right and follow it into the park. Go all the way to the parking lot at the end. The Edelberry Trail starts to the left of the Shady Picnic Area. In .4 miles the Edelberry Trail makes a sharp right; continue on it up to the Rocky Ridge View Trail. Make a right and follow the Rocky Ridge View Trail across the ridge and back down to the parking lot. Dog-friendly!