Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Lake Chabot

Picture
Anthony Chabot Regional Park is a 3,314 acre park located in the East Bay Hills just east of Oakland. The park is named after Anthony Chabot, who founded the Contra Costa Water Company in 1866. In 1874-75 he built the reservoir that is now called Lake Chabot. The lake, which initially served as the primary source of water for the East Bay, currently serves as a standby emergency water supply. Anthony Chabot also donated a telescope and the funds to build the Oakland Observatory, which was later relocated and expanded to become the Chabot Space & Science Center.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park extends from Castro Valley northward to Redwood Regional Park which is connected to Anthony Chabot Regional Park via the MacDonald Trail. The 70 miles of trails in the park are a mix of fire roads and singletrack, and many of the trails are shaded with scenic views of the lake. Elevations in the park range from under 300' at the reservoir to over 1100' at the north end of the park, and the climbs are typically moderate. In addition, water is available at several trailheads within the park, so routes can be planned that include water stops.

In addition to running and hiking, Anthony Chabot Regional Park offers boating and fishing on the lake, camping, and a marksmanship range. Bicycles are also allowed on fire road trails in the park. 

Of interesting historical note, the hilltop just south of Lake Chabot was the location of Nike Missile site SF-31L, one of twelve such sites circling the Bay Area that were built during the Cold War. The buildings are now either boarded up or used as East Bay Regional Park District administration buildings.
PictureOverlook along the MacDonald Trail
There are multiple trailheads to access Anthony Chabot Regional Park. Directions to several of these are given on the official park site. The runs on this page start from the Willow Park Public Golf Course parking lot, located off Redwood Road a few miles north of Castro Valley.

The Dirt:
  • Click here to download a printable map of the Favorite Runs below!
  • Click here for the official park site with trail maps.
  • Click here for directions to the Willow Park Golf Course parking lot via Google Maps.

Extras:
  • Drinking water is available at several trailheads within the park.  Refer to the park map for locations.
  • Anthony Chabot Regional Park connects to Redwood Regional Park to the north via the MacDonald Trail.
  • Seven East Bay Parks, including Anthony Chabot, can be connected by a 28.5-mile point to point run along the Ridge Trail. Read more about this challenging run.

Favorite Run #1: Brandon-Redtail Loop (9.8 mi, ~1500' elevation gain)

This is a lollipop route that first takes you up and along the rolling Brandon Trail through shady eucalyptus groves, with the occasional view of the Bay below. The trail then drops down and along Grass Valley Creek. You then climb up to the ridge and follow the Redtail Trail along the ridge for great views, and finish with a two-mile descent back to your car. 

The run starts from the Willow Park Public Golf Course parking lot. Start the run by heading up the Brandon Trail at the north end of the parking lot.

GPX Track

Printable Trail Map

Driving Directions
Route Details:
  • 0.0 mi: From the parking lot, start climbing up the Brandon Trail. You will continue on the Brandon Trail for the next 4 miles.
  • 1.5 mi: End of the first climb. Cross over the paved Marciel Road to continue on the Brandon Trail. The trail will roll up-and-down for a while and then descend to Grass Valley Creek.
  • 4.7 mi: Just before the stone bridge, turn right onto the Grass Valley Trail.
  • 5.2 mi: Turn right onto the Redtail Trail. This trail climbs steeply for a mile up to the ridge.
  • 6.6 mi: At the Marciel Gate parking area. Run through the parking area to continue on Redtail Trail, which now becomes a singletrack. Over the next mile the trail will cross Marciel Road several times. But just keep following Redtail Trail all of the way to where it ends at the Brandon Trail.
  • 8.2 mi: End of Redtail Trail. Run through the parking area and turn left onto the Brandon Trail for the 1.5-mile descent back to your car.
  • 9.8 mi: Back at your car!
Picture
Eucalyptus grove along Brandon Trail

Favorite Run #2: The Big Honker Loop (13.0 mi, 1800' elevation gain)

This big loop has everything: smooth flat trail with views of Lake Chabot, swooping singletrack through eucalyptus forests, wooded ravines, and ridgeline vistas. The route first heads to Honker Bay, followed by a great section of rolling singletrack on the Columbine Trail. The trail then climbs up a steep-walled ravine above Grass Valley Creek. You then climb up to the ridge and follow the Redtail Trail along the ridge for great views, and finish with a two-mile descent back to your car. 

The run starts from the Willow Park Public Golf Course parking lot. Start the run by heading back down the driveway toward Redwood Road. Note: In the wintertime the Grass Valley Creek crossing on Columbine Trail may be flooded. So be prepared for wet feet if you do this route in the winter!

GPX Track

Printable Trail Map

Driving Directions
Route Details:
  • 0.0 mi: From the parking lot, head back down the driveway toward Redwood Road. Just before the road, veer right onto a dirt trail that runs alongside Redwood Road.
  • 0.4 mi: At the Proctor Staging Area. Continue up the Proctor Trail then turn right onto the Ten Hills Trail. This trail will make a sharp right turn and then run behind a residential area. Follow the Ten Hills Trail to the intersection with Cameron Loop Trail.
  • 1.8 mi: Turn right onto the Cameron Loop Trail. You will soon find yourself running alongside the golf course.
  • 2.4 mi: Turn right, run down the steps, and cross the bridge towards the Honker Bay Trail (if you're lucky you'll see some "honkers"!).
  • 2.5 mi: Turn left onto the wide Honker Bay Trail. This smooth trail follows the edge of the lake and has some great views. You'll follow this trail for the next 1.4 miles.
  • 3.9 mi: After a nice 200-ft. climb, turn left onto the Columbine Trail. The next two miles are great rolling singletrack though a eucalyptus forest!
  • 6.1 mi: Columbine Trail crosses Grass Valley Creek. (Note that this may be flooded in the winter!) Turn right stay on the Columbine Trail and head upstream.
  • 6.5 mi: You will see a trail heading steeply up to your left. Stay right to continue onto Cascade Trail. In the winter when the creek is running you will soon see a nice little waterfall.
  • 7.6 mi: At the stone bridge, continue straight ahead onto the Brandon Trail (dirt road). Keep an eye out on your right side for the narrow Redtail Trail connector.
  • 8.2 mi: Turn right on the narrow singletrack toward the Redtail Trail. After going through the gate, continue up the hill and toward your right.
  • 8.4 mi: Briefly turn right on Grass Valley Trail and then turn left onto Redtail Trail (there will be a sign).  This trail climbs steeply for a mile up to the ridge.
  • 9.8 mi: At the Marciel Gate parking area. Run through the parking area to continue on Redtail Trail, which now becomes a singletrack. Over the next mile the trail will cross Marciel Road several times. But just keep following Redtail Trail all of the way to where it ends at the Brandon Trail.
  • 11.5 mi: End of Redtail Trail. Run through the parking area and turn left onto the Brandon Trail for the 1.5-mile descent back to your car.
  • 13.0 mi: Back at your car!
Picture
The bridge leading to Honker Bay
Picture
Singletrack section of Redtail Trail
Picture
View of Lake Chabot from Columbine Trail
Picture
The climb up Redtrail Trail under the power lines

Comments: