East Bay Bike With Blossoms

Bike this Charming East Bay Loop Starting From Heather Farm Park

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. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View