Bear Creek Trailhead – View of Bear Creek loop from Russell Research Station

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

United States

California

Contra Costa County

Bear Creek Trailhead – View of Bear Creek loop from Russell Research Station

Hard

3.0

(23)

riders

Bear Creek Trailhead – View of Bear Creek loop from Russell Research Station

01:32

13.7km

450m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Briones Regional Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

481 m

Briones Regional Park - Staging Area turnoff

Highlight • Rest Area

Free entrance to the West side of Briones Regional Park. Follow the paved entrance road for a mile or so to the large Trailhead area, with several restrooms, picnic areas, …

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1.02 km

Bear Creek Trailhead

Highlight • Parking

Large staging area with three clusters of picnic tables with BBQ grills, restrooms, drinking fountains. Starting point to the main trails in the network across this hilly park

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1.42 km

Briones Road & Seaborg Trail junction

Highlight • Trail

The gradually climbing Briones Rd trail might be the best uphill option into and across the park between its Western and Eastern entrances, whereas the Seaborg Trail gives access to …

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4.58 km

Maricich Lagoon

Highlight • Lake

Maricich Lagoon is a lovely, small, crystal lagoon in the Briones Regional Park area, adding to the peace and diverse nature of the park.

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5.76 km

Alhambra Creek Trail

Highlight • Trail

The Alhambra Creek Trail is a popular gravel trail that cuts through Briones Regional Park. The trail follows Alhambra Creek and there are great views of the surrounding mountains.

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8.19 km

Briones Crest Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Briones Crest Trail is a gravel road that is used to connect with Seaborg trail. The trail itself is not spectacular, but the views are impressive.

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12.4 km

Old Briones Road Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

Large staging areas with trail in all directions. Briones Road turns into a wide gravel forest road, Old Briones Road Trail, a little past the gate.

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13.6 km

View of Bear Creek

Highlight • Viewpoint

This view of Bear Creek lets bikers peer down into the Bear Creek section of the Briones Reservoir, which has two sources for its water, one source is local and one source is imported.

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