Briones-Alhambra Valley Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

Sunny for the first half, shady for the second half, a few nice views.

There is a pay kiosk for parking; $3. They weren't collecting it when I went (perhaps due to Covid-19), but be aware that you may need to pay $3 to park.

Wear sunblock and/or a hat. The first half to 2/3 is exposed to the sun.

Start on Orchard Trail and follow it to the Pine Tree Trail connector. You'll see it on the left. Follow the connector to Pine Tree Trail; Toyon Canyon Trail proceeds to the right, Pine Tree Trail to the left. Pine Tree Trail follows Briones Road for the most part, and where Briones Road ends, it becomes Old Briones Road Trail. Follow Old Briones until you get to a fork: Old Briones Road Trail continues sharply to the right, and Spengler Trail is straight ahead. This is just about the peak of your climb and the remainder of the route is downhill. It's also mostly shaded, so enjoy the last leg as you follow Spengler Trail to Alhambra Creek Trail, which branches off to the left after a "hairpin turn" on Spengler. Follow Alhambra Creek to the beginning of your loop.