Borges Ranch Loop | Jeep Trail, Walnut Creek, California 94598, United States
Borges Ranch Loop is a moderately frequented 7.6-kilometer loop route situated in Walnut Creek, California. It has magnificent wildflowers. The route is open year-round and provides a variety of activities. This pathway is also suitable for dogs and horses.
This short double loop in the slopes of Mt. Diablo covers endless undulating hills, and though you’ll have to fight for it, you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular vistas along the route.
It’s better to do this early in the morning, especially on hot days, because the doubletrack/fire-road paths leave you mostly exposed to both heat and wind. Fortunately, half way along the trip, you may refresh your water at the Old Borges Ranch.
Following spring rains, parts of the path surface may be broken up due to the amount of water flowing downhill, whilst late summer brings large areas of sand-like earth. Make the necessary adjustments to your pace.
Trail Description:
Take Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail on the right from the trailhead. On the right, you’ll see Indian Valley Elementary School. As you pass Jeep Trail and Ridge Top Trail on the left, and Indian Creek Trail and Coyote Point Trail on the right, stay on the Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail. This segment of the ride is largely uphill, with a few short downhill runs thrown in for good measure.
Take a right when you reach the Borges Ranch Trail. Instead, turn left to save roughly a mile and a few hundred vertical feet on your cycle. Going right will send you back to this place in a little loop.
Keep left as you bike past the Foothills Trail and the first intersection with the StoneGate Trail on the Borges Ranch Trail.
When the Borges Ranch Trail comes to an end, turn left onto Stonegate Trail. Then, at the Briones, turn left into the Mt. Diablo Regional Trail. Return to the intersection with the Borges Ranch Trail and turn right. This will bring your short loop to a close.
You’ll arrive at the Old Borges Ranch after a short but quick descent. This historic property was founded in 1899 and is currently in excellent condition. It’s worth checking out if you have the time. You’ll have to detour around the single track part of the Borges Ranch Trail since bikes aren’t allowed.
Turn left at the windmill onto Borges Ranch Road, passing the antique tractor display on the left. You may wish to replenish your water or use the restroom at this point, as you have a strong climb ahead of you.
When the Borges Ranch Road comes to a halt, turn left and then right onto an unidentified small trail that leads past a pond on the left and a parking area on the right. Go left when you reach Hanna Grove Trail, and then keep riding straight as you pass Borges Ranch Trail on the left. The hard ascent begins at this point.
Continue ascending when you reach Costanoan Trail, commonly known as Jeep Trail. Take in the sights from the summit before heading downwards. Ignore any additional side paths until you reach the Corral Spring Trail, which will bring you to the finish of your journey.
Walnut Creek is blessed to be home of some of the area’s most diverse and welcoming hiking spots your kids will love. Here’s our short list of ones you should make time to check out:
- Secret Valley Loop
- Sousa, Ridge Top, Camino Verde, and Ramsay Circle Loop
- Kovar Trail to Ridge Top Trail Loop
- Ridge Top Loop
- Fossil Hill, Briones to Mt. Diablo, Ginder Gap, and Coral Spring Loop
- Indian Creek Trail Loop
- Costanoan and Hanna Grove Loop
- Heather Farm Loop
All of these wonderful spots are located just a short distance from our location at 1990 North California Boulevard, 8th Floor in Walnut Creek! Stop by for a visit anytime!
