We got around to the Trails Challenge 2018 today. The Trails Challenge is celebrating it's 25th anniversary this year. Over 10,000 people participate to explore the Bay Area's regional parks and to stay fit outdoors. The program is free and works in partnership between the East Bay Regional Park District, Kaiser Permanente, and the Regional Parks Foundation.
No registration is required, a free t-shirt and guidebook is available at participating visitor's centers if supplies are still available. However, the guidebook is online and completely down loadable.
The Guidebook includes detailed trail descriptions for hikes in 20 Regional Parks or Trails. Hikes range from easy to challenging. There are trails open to hikers, bicyclists, dogs, and equestrians, and many are wheelchair accessible. To complete the challenge, hike five of the trails – or 26.2 miles of trails. They also have a trails app that is down loadable on your smart phone.
Upon completion of the 26.2 miles, you can send in your trail challenge form, and you can earn a pin. The pin is based upon availability.
Our first challenge was the Waterbird Regional Preserve: Meadowlark Ridge Loop in Martinez.
Today was a dry walk. My thoughts that it is probably pretty in early Spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. Dogs are not permitted. You can ride a horse. Bring a walking stick, bring water, the trail is not paved, the walk is not necessarily aesthetic, the park is not maintained.
The loop is about 1.7 miles. The upside of this park are the birds. The marsh is adjacent to the walk, the waterfowl are diverse to include herons and geese. Butterflies can be spotted as well.
Driving Directions:
From Sacramento: Take I-80 west to the Cordelia junction, then drive south on I-680
to Benicia. About two miles after crossing the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, take the Marina
Vista/Waterfront Rd. exit from I-680. At the end of the off-ramp, turn right onto
Waterfront Rd., go under the freeway, turn right onto Waterbird Way, and watch
for the right turn into the Preserve.
From San Jose: Take I-680 north past Concord and Highway 4. About two miles
before the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, take the Marina Vista/Waterfront Rd. exit. At the
end of the off-ramp turn right onto Waterfront Rd., drive about 1/4 mile, turn right
onto Waterbird Way, and watch for the right turn into the Preserve.
From Oakland: Take Highway 24 east through the Caldecott Tunnel and drive to
Walnut Creek. In Walnut Creek, drive north on I-680, past Concord and Highway 4.
About two miles before the Benicia-Martinez Bridge, take the Marina Vista/Waterfront
Rd. exit. At the end of the off-ramp turn right onto Waterfront Rd., drive about
1/4 mile, turn right onto Waterbird Way, and watch for the right turn into the Preserve.
Park Hours: 10am to 5pm
Fees: No Fees
Website: ebparks.org/parks/waterbird
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