Orinda Original

Do a short urban hike to big views in Orinda Oaks Park

12.10.2025
A woman looks out to the scenery while standing next to a bench on a high point on a hike in Orinda Oaks Park in the East Bay

This 3.5-mile out-and-back through Orinda Oaks Park and Moraga offers scenic vistas right inside the city.

Two people walking a wide and flat trail at Orinda Oaks Park in the East Bay

A woman walks her dog with views of the foothills in Orinda Oaks Park in the East Bay Contra Costa County

Start at the Orinda Oaks parking lot and head uphill on the Ridge Trail, a winding dirt path that quickly gains elevation as you pass enormous thistle flowers lining the route.

A woman hiker stops to smell the giant thistleflower on a hiking trail in Contra Costa County

Continue up toward Donald Drive. (It’s handy to use an online map here, as the official route is not the most obvious one.) Once you’ve reached Donald Drive, savor the view of the valley below.

Turn right to walk along Donald Drive. Both Orinda Oaks Park and neighboring Mulholland Ridge Open Space are leash-optional areas, making this a dog-lover’s paradise! Enjoy walking alongside several fur-friends as you stroll far above Moraga. To the east, colossal Mount Diablo dominates the skyline.

In a mile, the road makes a hairpin turn. After soaking up views of nearby vineyards, turn around and retrace the route back to Orinda Oaks Park. Here you’ll find a picnic area beside a bocce court and horseshoe pit. Enjoy a packed lunch before heading back to the parking lot.

The Orinda Oaks parking lot is located on Moraga Ave. in Orinda. Map. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

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