Plateau Perfection

Hike a loop of the Bay Area Ridge Trail at Vargas Plateau in the East Bay

09.07.2022
Vargas Plateau withe cows in the background in the East Bay

Deep in the East Bay hills lies a spot that’s perfect for anyone who loves animals. Vargas Plateau Regional Park is a secluded grassland that’s home to several endangered and threatened species—and of course, the East Bay grazing cows. Bring some binoculars and explore this 4-mile loop of the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Hiker on a trail at Vargas Plateau in the East Bay

Bay Area Ridge Trail sign pointing the way in Vargas Plateau East Bay

The trail begins at the Vargas Plateau Staging Area, where hikers, cyclists, and equestrians can get an up-close look at the historic Vargas family barn. Follow signs for the Bay Area Ridge Trail as they lead you through the golden hills. A shady eucalyptus grove is the perfect place to search for funnel spiderwebs on the hillside—slightly scary, yet fascinating! (As hikers emerge back into the sunshine, they should be on the lookout for gopher snakes, rattlesnakes, and even the rare Alameda whipsnake basking on the rocks.)

At the intersection with Upper Ranch Trail, turn right. Here, the plateau’s centuries-long history as a ranch continues, with grazing cows—including newborns—just be respectful by giving them all a wide berth.

Baby cow at Vargas Plateau in the East Bay

Turn left at the next intersection to visit the viewpoint. This flat hilltop has a picnic table that’s perfect for lunch with a view. Fuel up while soaking up sights of the Diablo Range, including nearby Mission and Monument Peaks. Bird watchers may want to spend extra time up here, as white-tailed kites, wild turkeys, and red-tailed hawks live on the plateau.

Continue along the Upper Ranch Trail as it descends to a small cow pond. Here, eagle-eyed adventurers can spot newts, salamanders, and frogs. (Be on the lookout for the rare California red-legged frog.) Continue on the trail as it steeply ascends back onto the plateau. As the Upper Ranch Trail merges with the Golden Eagle Trail (Bay Area Ridge Trail) retrace your steps back to the parking lot.

Vargas Plateau Regional Park can be found at 2536 Morrison Canyon Rd. in Fremont. From I-680, take exit 18A onto Vargas Rd. Turn right onto Morrison Canyon Rd., and after 0.4 mile, turn left into the park. Hikers, cyclists, and equestrians are welcome on the trails. Leashed-dog-friendly!

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

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  2. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

  3. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  4. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

    View

  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

    View

  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

    View