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Trail Description:
There are lots of trails to choose from. The main connector that links to the entire park is Old Briones Rd. From here you can hook up with any number of trails for bombing descents, roller coaster rides, grueling climbs, and tight turns. You may find yourself sharing the trails with cows so keep a look out for them and the cow pies strewn along the trail.
There is a $3.00 parking fee at the park.
How to get there:
To get there....
From the west, take HWY 24 to Orinda. Exit and head north on Camino Pablo. Past town, turn right at the light on Bear Creek Rd. Follow Bear Creek Rd. until you see the park entrance on the right.
From the east, exit at Acalanes in Lafayette. Head north past the high school and turn left on Reliez Valley Rd. After a number of annoying stop signs, the park entrance will be down on a marked road on the left. This is opposite the entrance above. This trailhead may also be accessed off of Highway 4. Exit Alhambra and head south. Keep right on Alhambra Valley Rd. and then turn left onto Reliez Valley. The park will be on your right.
| Posted by: John on 11/15/2010 |
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Rode the Lafayette Ridge trail and Seaborg. Lafayette Ridge has some of the steepest climbs I've seen. None of the climbs are very long, but they are extremely steep. The cattle and horses that use the area tear up the trails and make them pretty rough. A nice park and some great views, but in my opinion not the best mountain biking due to the steepness and condition of the trails.
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| Posted by: Suvacrew on 6/1/2009 |
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Briones is a great all around for a cardio punch and some single track poaching. There are a few "legal" single tracks..West end of Briones Crest, Blue Oak and Alhambra creek bootlegged trail. The rest is supposedly closed..but there is plenty of unmapped and well ridden single track to bomb around. A nice but poison oak permeated Bear Creek trail, best dome super early or late to avoid hikers and rangers, then there is the Briones Peak (this one can get away from you quick if you don't contain yourself) and the single track traverse trails. Spengler trail around the East side of the park is nothing but a heartbreaking, lung buster with terminal climbs and little redemption values, especially when ridden in the North/Counterclock direction. Carry water and food-fuel, you'll need it. Rarely can you get out of there w/o 2800-3400+ ft of elevation gain over a 12-16mile loop
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| Posted by: Chris on 4/11/2007 |
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I've been riding trails here for at least 13 years (I'm 27 now). Some of the climbs are definitely not for the faint of heart, but most of the decents are by no means challenging if you don't overestimate your skill. It is easy to get going very, very fast on some trails. Single track is minimal, but there are a few nice, technical runs with swooping turns and little whooptie-whoos. But don't over do it. Single trak is supposed to be off limits for bikes. Definitely keep eyes open for hikers and dogs. Most equestrians are friendly and accomodating if you're not being a total dumbass. I also higly recommend a front fender to keep the cow poo out of your mouth :)
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| Posted by: bojove on 10/12/2004 |
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I work close to Briones and ride here frequently year round. I call it my gym. The park is good for all levels and experience. Plenty of climbs and long, smooth fast downhills. From many points in the park, especially the ridge trail you can see San Pablo Bay, Mt Tam., the moth balled fleat and Mt Diablo. Conditions in the park change by the time of year. In the wet months and through the beginning of May cattle are grazed in the park and they can take their toll on some of the trials. However, even under these conditions there are may trails in good condition. In may the park service corrects what the cattle undid and the tails stay in good condition into the winter months. In the summer the park can be HOT, but I find that even on some of the hottest days that there is a cool breeze off of the bay in the mornings and early evenings. The enviroment changes frequently back and forth from wooded shade to open grass lands. On your initial entrance to the park you will have the i
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| Posted by: hillbilly on 4/4/2001 |
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Yep the heat, unless you are aquaman on a motorcycle, this place will take it out of you. I ride here alot, and it is really worth the time spent... all the comments are right on track...horse back riders must have raited this as a "beginner"...because they want to see new mountain bikers die.
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| Posted by: John on 5/31/2000 |
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Surface conditions for most of the trail network are poor. Cattle have been herded on muddy trails creating poor conditions. Also, heavily used park--watch for cattle, horses, trail runners, dogs, dog owners, etc....
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| Posted by: Charles Harper on 9/30/1999 |
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There is no way that Briones is "80% single track"! More like 5%. However, it is extremely beautiful with lush valleys and great views of the Bay Area on the ridges, from the Golden Gate to Mt. Diablo. One needs to me in intermediate physical condition to ride it, some of the climbs are pretty steep.
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| Posted by: Michael on 8/27/1999 |
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It may be that yourrating definitions require that you give this a Beginner rating but there is no way in hell that a beginner cold ride this. the climbs get anyone's attention; not just for their steepness but for the dicey condition of the surface. A moment of inattention on a climb can put you on the shoulder. Conversely if you turn around you have some unbelievable speed if you can handle the surfaces. No begoinner would be able to work their way down ona bike.Then there is the heat....
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