Mulholland Ridge Open Space Preserve sits along Donald Drive right on the Orinda and Moraga border, offering 250 acres of quiet ridge-top hiking with views that stretch across the Moraga valley and out to the Diablo Range on clear days. The terrain here feels less crowded than many Bay Area preserves, which makes it a nice change of pace if you’re tired of fighting for parking at popular spots.

The main hike starts at the Hacienda parking lot. You’ll follow trail signs heading up the hill behind the main building, then exit through the gate at the top of the Hacienda trail. From there, turn left onto Donald Drive and keep climbing past the gate marking the entrance to the upper section. The route follows a mostly paved roadway winding uphill for about half a mile to the Mulholland water tower, and you return the same way.

What makes this place special for dogs is the off-leash opportunity at the top. Your dog can run free inside the gates on the paved area at the summit, which is genuinely rare in the Bay Area. Obviously you need solid voice control—the space may be quiet, but it’s still an open preserve where other hikers appear. The ridge elevation keeps things relatively cool even on warmer days, and the breeze up there is noticeable.

The trail itself is straightforward and family-friendly, though the steady uphill climb means it’s better as a warm-up hike than an all-day adventure. The paved upper section is easy on paws if the weather’s been hot. On hazy days the valley views disappear, so aim for mornings after a clear night. The return trip gives you a good downhill cool-down, and dogs tend to sleep well after the elevation gain.