Sycamore Grove Park

Featured hike
Mile:
0.0: Start at the edge of the parking lot on an unnamed paved path.
0.1: A path departs to the left, just before the toilets. Continue straight.
0.2: A few steps before the paved trail crosses Arroyo del Valle on a bridge, a signed trail sets out on the left. Continue straight.
0.2: Junction near the park boundary. Continue to the left on the paved trail.
0.5: A wide dirt trail approaches and then runs parallel to the paved trail -- this is an optional route.
0.6: A path to the left leads to a partly hollowed-out sycamore. Continue straight.
0.7: Two quick junctions, with a dirt trail crossing the paved trail and a straight alley lined with walnut trees off to the right. Continue straight at both junctions.
1.2: Junction with a wide dirt trail veering right. Turn right, and after a few feet, turn left onto a trail marked "no bikes."
1.5: Path ends at a T junction. Turn right.
2.0: Junction. Continue straight.
2.3: Junction with the fire road which climbs to the park's view point, on the left. Continue straight.
2.5: Junction. Continue straight.
2.7: Junction. Continue straight.
2.9: Multiple junction. Walk straight a few steps, then hook up with the paved trail once more, and turn left, retracing your steps back to the trailhead.
3.2: Back at the parking lot.

Getting there:
• From Highway 680 in Alameda County, exit Highway 84 east (exit 21b -- from southbound 680 you must exit, cross under the freeway, get back on the the freeway, and then exit again). Drive about 6.5 miles east on Highway 84, then turn right onto Holmes. Drive just 0.2 mile, and shortly after the road turns sharply left (becoming Wetmore), turn right into the park.
• From Highway 580, exit Portola (exit 52a). Drive south on Portola about 0.5 mile, then turn right onto North L Street. Continue south (North L becomes South L, then Arroyo Road), altogether about 2.2 miles, then turn right onto Wetmore. Drive about 0.7 mile, then turn left into the park.

GPS Coordinates for Trailhead:
Latitude 37.6449°
Longitude -121.782°

Read about this hike in more detail and view photos at http://www.bahiker.com/eastbayhikes/sycamore.html


© 2002 Jane Huber/Bay Area Hiker