Although Briones Regional Park is close to Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Lafayette and Walnut Creek, there are peaks within it from which you can see only park and watershed lands for miles in every direction. It is part of the East Bay Regional Park District.

The main draw here is the elevation. From Briones Peak, the highest point in the park, you get panoramic views that stretch across the entire region—Mount Diablo and the Diablo Valley to the east, the Sacramento River and Delta to the north, the East Bay hills and Mt. Tamalpais to the west, and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness to the south. On a clear day, it’s genuinely impressive, especially if you’ve been hiking through the oak woodlands and grasslands to get up there.

The park also has Abrigo Falls, a seasonal cascade that comes to life after winter rains. It’s a nice bonus if you’re visiting in the wetter months and looking for something beyond the ridge-top views.

Keep in mind that leash requirements vary by trail here. Dogs need to stay on a six-foot leash at all times on the Tavan Trail (all of it), the Diablo View Trail between Alhambra Creek Trail and Hidden Pond Trail, the Alhambra Creek Trail from the Alhambra Creek Staging Area south to the water trough, and the Orchard Trail between Alhambra Creek Trail and west to the Briones Road gate. The park marks these areas with signage as you go, so you won’t accidentally wander into a leash-required section. Other trails allow off-leash hiking if your dog has good recall. It’s worth checking the park’s website or calling ahead to confirm which specific trails you’re planning to use and their current leash policies.