Sibley A-maze-ing

Perhaps because it's a volcano; or because it harbors a hidden labyrinth. Either way, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland Hills is a good place to contemplate the solstice (maybe even New Year's resolutions). The area still has debris from its fiery past: Ten million years ago this part of the Bay Area was an active volcano. Today, tucked into the preserve's backside, there's a quiet little labyrinth that's nice for some easy solstice strolling. Reach it by walking .75 mile on the preserve's wide fire road. Stop at the overlook and peer down at the labyrinth, framed by Mount Diablo, before descending a gentle path leading directly to it. Wind your way around the mini-maze, or engage in an a-maze-ing race by having your friend start in the center of the labyrinth and you start at the beginning: ready, set, loopy! When you're finished, hike out and head back to the parking lot on the Round Top Loop Trail.

Check out the Sibley Volcanic Regional Park Preserve Web site for directions. Pick up a map at the staging area. The labyrinth is off the Round Top Loop Trail. From the parking lot, the trailhead is just left of the restrooms (take the dirt trail rather than the road). Hike the Round Top Trail in a clockwise direction. Go .25 mile until you reach the water tank and go left, continuing on the Round Top Trail. When the trail intersects the Volcanic Trail, go right to stay on the Round Top Trail. In about .1 mile you'll see a wooden fence overlook with a "warning steep cliff" sign. The labyrinth is down below. South of the sign is a wide fire road that goes down to it. Hike back up to continue the Round Top Loop back to the parking lot.