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Brushy Peak Regional Preserve adventures

Brushy Peak Regional Preserve Adventures

Brushy Peak Regional Preserve offers rugged foothill landscapes with sweeping views, diverse wildlife, and challenging trails perfect for hiking and nature observation in Northern California's East Bay.

1,780
Acres Protected
6
Miles of Trails
15,000
Annual Visitors
1999
Year Established

About Brushy Peak Regional Preserve

 

Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, located in Alameda County, California, is a scenic natural area positioned at the eastern edge of the Diablo Range. The preserve covers a rugged terrain of rolling foothills, rocky outcrops, and grasslands offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. Ecologically, the preserve is representative of inland California chaparral, oak woodland, and grassland habitats that support an array of wildlife including deer, bobcats, and numerous bird species such as hawks and owls. The Preserve protects significant Native American cultural sites, including petroglyphs and areas historically used by the indigenous Northern Valley Yokuts people. Visitors enjoy hiking on its network of trails that traverse steep ridges and shaded creek corridors, rewarding outdoor enthusiasts with expansive vistas and the opportunity to experience relatively undisturbed nature close to urban centers. The highest points provide outlooks across the Livermore Valley and the southern San Francisco Bay Area. Brushy Peak’s mix of natural features and cultural history creates a compelling destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. As part of the East Bay Regional Park District, the preserve emphasizes conservation and low-impact recreation, preserving its rugged character and ecological integrity.

Highlights

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Brushy Peak Summit Overlook with panoramic views of Livermore Valley

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Ancient Native American petroglyph sites within the preserve

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Diverse habitats supporting raptors, deer, and endemic wildflowers

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Serene and less crowded hiking trails compared to nearby East Bay parks

Notable Natural Features

Brushy Peak Summit

The highest point in the preserve provides sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, including the Livermore Valley and Diablo Range.

Native American Archaeological Sites

The preserve contains sacred sites and petroglyphs linked to the Northern Valley Yokuts, offering cultural and historical significance.

Mixed Chaparral and Oak Woodland Ecosystem

Supports a diverse range of plant and animal life including oak woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral that are typical of California’s interior foothills.