The best walks and hikes in Mulholland Open Space Preserve

Mulholland Open Space Preserve offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 200 routes to explore. These range from easy strolls to more challenging paths, ensuring options for all skill levels.

Hikers can enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas of the Moraga Valley, the Diablo Hills, and the majestic Mount Diablo. The preserve is known for its golden, cattle-grazed grasslands, which provide expansive scenic overlooks.

Yes, many trails in Mulholland Open Space Preserve feature easy inclines, making them accessible for beginners and families. The preserve's diverse terrain includes both paved and unpaved sections, offering varied experiences for different comfort levels.

Mulholland Open Space Preserve is very dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted off-leash on the paved trail sections and must be kept on-leash on unpaved portions of the trails. It's a popular spot for dog owners to enjoy the outdoors with their pets.

While beautiful year-round, autumn offers a particularly picturesque experience as the landscape transforms with arboreal bursts of bright green, red, and orange. The trails are generally accessible throughout the year, but spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery, while summer offers warm, sunny conditions.

Yes, there are several loop options. For example, the Lafayette Reservoir Rim, Big Oak, and Lakeside Nature Trail Loop is an easy 2.5-mile path featuring diverse scenery around the reservoir. Another popular choice is the Rim Trail and Lakeside Nature Loop, which is 4.2 miles and offers varied landscapes with reservoir views.

The preserve is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 77 identified bird species, including American robins, California towhees, and red-tailed hawks. You might also spot grazing cattle along certain trails, adding to the pastoral charm of the area.

Practical amenities are available for hikers. You can find trash cans and running water near the water tower. Restrooms are conveniently located at the nearby Hacienda de las Flores Park during its operating hours.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the breathtaking scenic overlooks, the generally easy inclines of the trails, and the peaceful, less crowded atmosphere.

While many trails have easy inclines, the preserve connects to wider trail networks, such as the Orinda trail system, allowing for varied and extended hikes. The Goodfellow Trail, for instance, connects to these broader networks, offering opportunities for longer explorations.

The trails are generally well-maintained and feature a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. The terrain is characterized by golden grasslands and oak and coyote bush chaparral. Most trails have an easy incline, making them accessible, but some side trails may offer more varied conditions.