As part of the East Bay Regional Park District, one of the most dog-friendly park districts in California, dogs must be on a leash where posted and under full verbal control elsewhere. And there is a lot of elsewhere in the Black Diamond Regional Preserve!
Downloadable trail maps, brochures and mileage charts are available for each regional park and regional trail.
The East Bay Regional Park District began acquiring land for Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in the early 1970s. Today, most of the mining district is within the preserve’s nearly 5,375 acres. The area is an ideal location for hiking, picnicking and nature study. Naturalists conduct a variety of programs relating the Preserve’s natural and historic resources.
You have plenty of different trails to choose from at this park, depending on your hiking level. You can have it all here, expansive views, steep climbs and switchbacks. Keep in mind that there are grazing cattle here, so if your dog tends to chase or be fearful of larger animals it’s best to keep a firm hold on their leash.
• Fee: Seasonal, weekends and some holidays
• Water: Bring your own.
• Best time of year: Year round, but watch out for foxtails in spring and summer.
• Distance: varies depending on trail, most range from 2 to7 miles.
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
• Hours of operation: Unless otherwise posted or permitted, open 8 a.m. to dusk (closing time varies seasonally).
• Leash rule: Keep dogs on leashes in developed areas, around horses and on the busy trails.
