Sealed With a Kiss

Kiss Under the Mistletoe at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park

12.13.2018

Pucker up! This 2.7-mile loop through the East Bay's Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park is brimming with a holiday staple—mistletoe.

Start from the Foothill Staging Area, and head up the Oak Tree Trail, climbing past ancient oaks surrounded by grassland. Get onto Sycamore Grove Trail and climb until reaching the singletrack Meadow Pond Trail. Traversing the hillside, stop at the giant oak that grew bench-like branches into the ground to help support its enormous weight. Hills gallop across the horizon, decked with oaks and cows.

After almost a mile on the Meadow Pond Trail, meet up with the Woodland Trail and switchback through mistletoe-covered oak trees… one, two, three ... so … many … smooches!

The Foothill Staging Area is located on Foothill Rd. and has a bathroom and drinking fountain. Mistletoe is easily spotted in oak trees with no leaves and looks like a green bush growing among the branches. Here's a trail map of the area.

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