Walk Through the Marsh

Pacheco Marsh's 2.5 miles of trails follow tidal channels and cut through tall grasses, giving visitors a rare close-up view of one of the East Bay's most important habitats. The marsh is a working landscape — its tidal flows support fish, birds, and plants found almost nowhere else in the region.

The trail system includes a wheelchair-accessible route and several bridges. A kayak launch offers a two-mile paddle through the marsh and into Suisun Bay — a great way to see the restored wetland from the water.

Fernandez Ranch

At 1,180 acres, Fernandez Ranch is one of the largest properties protected by JMLT. It’s a favorite for its mix of easy valley walks and steeper trails that climb into the hills.

Volunteers have been planting trees, restoring springs, and rebuilding picnic areas to care for the land and make it better for people and wildlife. Come for an easy afternoon with the family, or take a trail that’ll get your heart rate up. You can do both in the same visit.

Carr Ranch Loop Trail

The Loop Trail winds through 604 acres of protected watershed south of Lamorinda, following Buckhorn Creek past native maples that turn gold and red each fall. The full loop is 8.3 miles, with about 2,050 feet of elevation gain.

Carr Ranch borders Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, part of more than 15,000 acres of protected land. Deer, golden eagles, and mountain lions roam the hills, while creeks from the ranch feed the Upper San Leandro Reservoir, part of the region’s drinking water supply.

A Summit Nearby

The walk to the top of Acalanes Ridge takes just a few minutes, but the 781-foot summit looks out over the Oakland Hills, Mount Diablo, Suisun Bay, and Briones Regional Park.

Painted Rock

At 935 feet, the summit of Painted Rock is one of the highest points in the area, with views of Mount Diablo, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, and the hills of Lamorinda. It's a short but steep climb, and the view opens up fast — a good one for kids to watch the moon rise over Diablo.

The 84-acre property will eventually anchor a 505-acre park, with two neighboring parcels set aside as protected open space in place of a planned development. Hawks are a regular sight overhead, and the grasslands and seasonal springs support the threatened Alameda whipsnake and California red-legged frog.

Barnett Ranch

A new trail with two vista points is now open at Barnett Ranch. From the first overlook, you can see west to Mount Tamalpais; from the second, the view opens east across the Delta. It’s a short climb with a big payoff, and a good way to spend an afternoon exploring this wildlife refuge.

Barnett Ranch’s oak woodlands and grasslands provide habitat for wildlife that depends on the East Bay’s remaining open space. The trail offers a closer look at this landscape and the larger network of protected land it’s part of.