Beautiful scenic route of Moraga/San Leandro/Oakland "backcountry". The route mixes fire-roads, single-track and trail through EBMUD and EBRPD properties on fully public and marked trails, with sweeping views of the Bay Area. Variations on this route have existed for many years in large part due to the grand scenic tour it gives of some of the East Bay's best trails and views.
Water fountains are available at Rancho Laguna Park and in Redwood Regional at Canyon Meadow.
Cattle troughs and seasonal streams abound throughout this route, the daring with a filter will find no shortage of water.
There are multiple potential start/finish points for this loop. The EBMUD Chabot staging area is perhaps the most sensible, though Canyon Meadow, Bort Meadows, Rancho Laguna, Marciel Gate, Partridge, Macdonald Staging, Bear Staging, and Brandon Trail all offer parking. Between The EBMUD Chabot staging area and Rancho Laguna is the only lengthy stretch with limited access.
Off-route but nearby water includes Bort Meadows, .8 Mi detour at the top of Brandon and Marciel to either the Brandon fountain or the spigot at the fee station, or by Descending Brandon all the way to the Golf Course,
Strava route https://www.strava.com/routes/2965498692983302046
EMBUD permit required.
