Lafayette, CA: Northern California Chapter, Lafayette Reservoir Rim Trail Hike

Get a jumpstart on your weekend with us on the Rim Trail around the Lafayette Reservoir. This may be a relatively short hike, clocking in at just under 5 miles, but it is full of ups and downs that are sure to build up your Camino legs. As the name implies, the trail follows the edge of the bowl that holds the reservoir water and has fantastic views of Mt. Diablo and the surrounding foothills.

Schedule: Meet at 9:30 AM for check-in at the restrooms on the west end of the Lafayette Reservoir parking lot (to the right when facing the reservoir). We plan to finish back at the parking lot by 12:30 PM.

Level of Difficulty: Moderately Difficult. About 5 miles and total elevation gain of 922 feet. Totally on dirt trails, except for paved road portions around the parking lot. As mentioned, the route has numerous climbs and descents, although short, several are steep. And while the forecast is for dry weather leading up to the hike, it’s likely that parts of the trail will still be muddy.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else. If we cancel due to poor trail conditions or severe weather, we will email registered participants.

Getting There:

By Car: From the west on Highway 24, take the Acalanes Road/Mt. Diablo Blvd. exit. Veer right and continue straight on Mt. Diablo Blvd. and then turn right at the Lafayette Reservoir entrance. From the east on Highway 24, take the Acalanes Road/Upper Happy Valley Road exit. Go under the highway and turn left at Mt. Diablo Blvd. Continue straight and turn right at the entrance.

IMPORTANT: Park in the main lot and not the metered lot, which has a 2-hour limit (not enough for the hike). The day use fee is $7 payable at the kiosk. At the top of the driveway up to reservoir, take a left and drive into the metered lot. About halfway through, take a right to the kiosk.

By BART/Foot: The walk from the Lafayette BART station is about 1.5 miles. After exiting the station, walk west and turn left at Happy Valley Road. Walk across Mt. Diablo Blvd. and turn right. Continue straight on Mt. Diablo Blvd. and turn left into the Lafayette Reservoir entrance. (There is an incline up to the parking lot.)

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if they need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather (layers work well), snacks, water, sun (or rain!) protection. Hiking poles are highly recommended (for the ups and downs, and possible mud). Optional: bag lunch (see below), change of shoes/plastic bag in case of mud.

Post-Hike Picnic Lunch: For those interested, we’ll have lunch at the picnic tables near the meeting point in the parking lot. Bring a bag lunch.

Leader: Led by chapter coordinator Guy Joaquin.

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.