Events Listings

Outdoors-East Bay Through October 3

Tuesday September 21, 2010 - 02:17:00 PM

ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM Ardenwood farm is a working farm that  

dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a  

mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming  

techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with  

regular admission.  

ONGOING PROGRAMS --  

"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.  

"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute  

ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.  

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs,  

check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.  

"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as  

Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson  

House.  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Toddler Time," Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Bring the tiny  

tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Meet and learn all about a new  

animal friend through stories, chores and fun.  

"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," Thursday, Friday and Sunday,  

10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet Jigs or Tucker the Belgian Draft horses that pull  

Ardenwood's train. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Ardenwood  

Station or Deer Park. 

"Country Kitchen Cookin'," Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.  

Enjoy the flavor of the past with treats cooked on Ardenwood's wood burning  

stove. Sample food grown on the farm and discover the history of your  

favorite oldtime snacks. 

"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs,  

check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock. 

"Potato Harvesting," Learn the spectacular history of  

this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds. 

$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  

34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663,  

www.ebparks.org. 

 

BAY AREA RAIL TRAILS A network of trails converted  

from unused railway corridors and developed by the Rails to Trails  

Conservancy.  

BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE RAILROAD BED TRAIL --  

This easy one mile long rail trail on Mount Diablo leads to many  

historic sites within the preserve. Suitable for walking, horseback riding,  

and mountain biking. Accessible year round but may be muddy during the rainy  

season. Enter from the Park Entrance Station parking lot on the East side of  

Somersville Road, Antioch.  

IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL -- The paved trail has grown  

into a 23 mile path between Concord and San Ramon with a link into Dublin.  

The trail runs from the north end of Monument Boulevard at Mohr Lane, east to  

Interstate 680, in Concord through Walnut Creek to just south of Village  

Green Park in San Ramon. It will eventually extend from Suisun Bay to  

Pleasanton and has been nominated as a Community Millennium Trail under the  

U.S. Millennium Trails program. A smooth shaded trail suitable for walkers,  

cyclists, skaters and strollers. It is also wheelchair accessible.  

Difficulty: easy to moderate in small chunks; hard if taken as a whole.  

LAFAYETTE/MORAGA REGIONAL TRAIL -- A 7.65 mile paved  

trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail line. This 20-year old  

trail goes along Las Trampas Creek and parallels St. Mary's Road. Suitable  

for walkers, equestrians, and cyclists. Runs from Olympic Boulevard and  

Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette to Moraga. The trail can be used year round.  

OHLONE GREENWAY -- A 3.75-mile paved trail converted from  

the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway. Suitable for walkers, strollers  

and skaters. It is also wheelchair accessible. The trail runs under elevated  

BART tracks from Conlon and Key Streets in El Cerrito to Virginia and Acton  

Streets in Berkeley.  

SHEPHERD CANYON TRAIL -- An easy 3-mile paved trail  

converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail Line. The tree-lined trail is  

gently sloping and generally follows Shepherd Canyon Road. Suitable for  

walkers and cyclists. It is also wheelchair accessible. Begins in Montclair  

Village behind McCaulou's Department Store on Medau Place and ends at Paso  

Robles Drive, Oakland. Useable year round. 

Free. (415) 397-2220, www.traillink.com. 

 

BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL The Bay Area Ridge Trail, when  

completed, will be a 400-mile regional trail system that will form a loop  

around the entire San Francisco Bay region, linking 75 public parks and open  

spaces to thousands of people and hundreds of communities. Hikes on portions  

of the trail are available through the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Call for  

meeting sites.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

ALAMEDA COUNTY -- "Lake Chabot Bike Rides." These rides are for  

strong beginners and intermediates to build skill, strength and endurance at  

a non hammerhead pace. No one will be dropped. Reservations required.  

Distance: 14 miles. Elevation gain: 1,000 feet. Difficulty: beginner to  

intermediate. Pace: moderate. Meeting place: Lake Chabot Road at the main  

entrance to the park. Thursday, 6:15 a.m. (510) 468-3582.  

ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA COUNTY -- "Tilden and Wildcat Bike Rides." A  

vigorous ride through Tilden and Wildcat Canyon regional parks. Reservations  

required. Distance: 15 miles. Elevation gain: 2,000 feet. Difficulty:  

intermediate. Pace: fast. Meeting place: in front of the North Berkeley BART  

Station. Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. (510) 849-9650. 

Free. (415) 561-2595, www.ridgetrail.org. 

 

BICYCLE TRAILS COUNCIL OF THE EAST BAY The Council  

sponsors trail work days, Youth Bike Adventure Rides, and Group Rides as well  

as Mountain Bike Basics classes which cover training and handling skills.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Weekly Wednesday Ride at Lake Chabot," Wednesdays, 6:30  

p.m. A 13- to 20-mile ride exploring the trails around Lake Chabot, with  

1,500 to 2,000 feet of climbing. Meet at 6:15 p.m. in the parking lot across  

from the public safety offices at Lake Chabot in Castro Valley. Reservations  

requested. (510) 727-0613.  

"Weekly Wednesday 'Outer' East Bay Ride," Wednesdays,  

5:30 p.m. Ride some of the outer East Bay parks each week, such as Wild Cat  

Canyon, Briones, Mount Diablo, Tilden and Joaquin Miller-Redwood. Meeting  

place and ride location vary. Reservations required. (510) 888-9757. 

Free. (510) 466-5123, www.btceb.org. 

 

BOTANIC GARDEN  

EVENTS --  

Intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive, Tilden  

Regional Park, Berkeley. www.ebparks.org. 

 

CRAB COVE VISITOR CENTER At Crab Cove, you can see live  

underwater creatures and go into the San Francisco Bay from land. You can  

also travel back in time to Alameda's part. The goal is to increase  

understanding of the environmental importance of San Francisco Bay and the  

ocean ecosystem. Crab Cove's Indoor Aquarium and Exhibit Lab is one of the  

largest indoor aquariums in the East Bay. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Catch of the Day," Sundays, 2-3 p.m. Drop by to find  

out more about the Bay and its wildlife through guided exploration and  

hands-on fun. 

"Sea Siblings," Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Explore  

the natural world and take part in a theme related craft. Designed for the  

3-5 year old learner. Registration is required. $4. (888) 327-2757. 

"Sea Squirts," 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  

Discover the wonders of nature with your little one. Registration is  

required. $6-$8. 

Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252  

McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org. 

 

DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in  

the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the  

37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron  

Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped  

gardens surround the mansion.  

ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available  

yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the  

public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the  

grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.  

GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday  

of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11  

a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free. 

Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland.  

(510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org. 

 

FIFTY-PLUS ADVENTURE WALKS AND RUNS The walks and runs  

are 3-mile round-trips, lasting about one hour on the trail. All levels of  

ability are welcome. The walks are brisk, however, and may include some  

uphill terrain. Events are held rain or shine and on all holidays except  

Christmas and the Fifty-Plus Annual Fitness Weekend. Call for dates, times  

and details. 

Free. (650) 323-6160, www.50plus.org. 

 

FOREST HOME FARMS The 16-acre former farm of the Boone  

family is now a municipal historic park in San Ramon. It is located at the  

base of the East Bay Hills and is divided into two parts by Oak Creek. The  

Boone House is a 22-room Dutch colonial that has been remodeled several times  

since it was built in 1900. Also on the property are a barn built in the  

period from 1850 to 1860; the Victorian-style David Glass House, dating from  

the late 1860s to early 1870s; a storage structure for farm equipment and  

automobiles; and a walnut processing plant. 

Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by  

appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. (925) 973-3281,  

www.ci.sanramon. ca.us/parks/boone.htm. 

 

GARIN AND DRY CREEK PIONEER REGIONAL PARKS Independent  

nature study is encouraged here, and guided interpretive programs are  

available through the Coyote Hills Regional Park Visitor Center in Fremont.  

The Garin Barn Visitor Center is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to  

4:30 p.m. In late summer, the Garin Apple Festival celebrates Garin's apple  

orchards. The parks also allow picnicking, hiking, horseback riding and  

fishing. 

Free; $5 parking fee per vehicle; $2 per dog. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10  

p.m. 1320 Garin Ave., Hayward. (510) 562-PARK, (510) 795-9385,  

www.ebparks.org/parks/garin.htm. 

 

GREENBELT ALLIANCE OUTINGS A series of hikes, bike rides and  

events sponsored by Greenbelt Alliance, the Bay Area's non-profit land  

conservation and urban planning organization. Call for meeting places.  

Reservations required for all trips.  

ALAMEDA COUNTY --  

"Self-Guided Urban Outing: Berkeley," This interactive  

smart growth walking tour of central Berkeley examines some of the exciting  

projects that help alleviate the housing shortage in the city as well as  

amenities important to making a livable community. The walk, which includes  

the GAIA Cultural Center, Allston Oak Court, The Berkeley Bike Station,  

University Terrace and Strawberry Creek Park, takes between an hour-and-ahalf  

to two hours at a leisurely pace. Download the itinerary which gives specific  

directions by entering www.greeenbelt.org and clicking on "get involved'' and  

then "urban outings.'' Drop down and click on Berkeley. Free. 

Free unless otherwise noted. (415) 255-3233, www.greenbelt.org. 

 

HAYWARD REGIONAL SHORELINE With 1,682 acres of salt, fresh and  

brackish water marshes, seasonal wetlands and the approximately three-mile  

San Lorenzo Trail, the Hayward Shoreline restoration project is one of the  

largest of its kind on the West Coast, comprising 400 acres of marshland.  

Part of the East Bay Regional Park District. 

EVENTS --  

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 3010 W. Winton Ave., Hayward. (510)  

562-PARK, www.ebparks.org/parks/hayward.htm. 

 

HAYWARD SHORELINE INTERPRETIVE CENTER Perched on stilts above a  

salt marsh, the Center offers an introduction to the San Francisco  

Bay-Estuary. It features exhibits, programs and activities designed to  

inspire a sense of appreciation, respect and stewardship for the Bay, its  

inhabitants and the services they provide. The Habitat Room offers a preview  

of what may be seen outside. The 80-gallon Bay Tank contains some of the fish  

that live in the Bay's open waters, and the Channel Tank represents habitats  

formed by the maze of sloughs and creeks that snake through the marsh. The  

main room of the Center features rotating exhibits about area history, plants  

and wildlife. Part of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.  

ONGOING EXHIBIT --  

"Exploring Nature," An exhibit of Shawn Gould's  

illustrations featuring images of the natural world. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Nature Detectives," 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and  

exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their  

caregivers. Registration required. 

"Weekend Weed Warriors," 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to  

eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and  

older. Registration required. 

"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join  

an expert birder to go "behind the gates'' to areas of the marsh that are not  

open to the public. 

Free. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4901 Breakwater Ave.,  

Hayward. (510) 670-7270, www.hard.dst.ca.us/hayshore.html. 

 

JOHN MUIR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE The site preserves the 1882  

Muir House, a 17-room Victorian mansion where naturalist John Muir lived from  

1890 to his death in 1914. It was here that Muir wrote about preserving  

America's wilderness and helped create the national parks idea for the United  

States. The house is situated on a hill overlooking the City of Martinez and  

surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. Take a self-guided tour  

of this well-known Scottish naturalist's home. Also part of the site is the  

historic Martinez Adobe and Mount Wanda.  

ONGOING EVENT --  

Public Tours of the John Muir House, Begin with an  

eight-minute park film and then take the tour. The film runs every 15 minutes  

throughout the day. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1  

p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.  

MOUNT WANDA -- The mountain consists of 325 acres of grass and oak  

woodland historically owned by the Muir family. It offers a nature trail and  

several fire trails for hiking. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. 

JOHN MUIR HOUSE, Tours of this well-known Scottish  

naturalist's home are available. The house, built in 1882, is a 14-room  

Victorian home situated on a hill overlooking the city of Martinez and  

surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. It was here that Muir  

wrote about preserving America's wilderness and helped create the national  

parks idea for the United States. The park also includes the historic Vicente  

Martinez Adobe, built in 1849. An eight-minute film about Muir and the site  

is shown every 15 minutes throughout the day at the Visitor Center. Self  

guided tours of the Muir home, the surrounding orchards, and the Martinez  

Adobe: Wednesday-Sunday, 1 a.m.-5 p.m. Public tours or the first floor of the  

Muir home: Wednesday-Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.  

Reservations not required except for large groups.  

$3 general; free children ages 16 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10  

a.m.-5 p.m. 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. (925) 228-8860, www.nps.gov/jomu. 

 

KENNEDY GROVE REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The 95-acre  

park contains picnic areas, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts among its  

grove of aromatic eucalyptus trees.  

$5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs Through  

September: daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. (510)  

223-7840, www.ebparks.org. 

 

LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK The 315-acre lake offers  

year-round recreation. Services include canoe and boat rental, horseshoe  

pits, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and seasonal tours aboard the Chabot  

Queen. For boat rentals, call (510) 247-2526. 

Free unless noted otherwise; $5 parking; $2 per dog except  

guide/service dogs. Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro  

Valley. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org. 

 

LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife  

rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned  

animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum  

offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals  

to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum  

includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent  

exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild  

animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital  

complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory  

facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping  

and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.  

WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The  

hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned  

animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there  

are no public viewing areas in the hospital. 

EXHIBITS --  

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.  

Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.  

1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org. 

 

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. SHORELINE This 1,200-acre park  

situated near Oakland International Airport offers picnic areas with  

barbecues and a boat launch ramp. Swimming is not allowed. The Martin Luther  

King Jr. Memorial Grove, a group of trees surrounding a grassy glade, is at  

the intersection of Doolittle Drive and Swan Way. The area also includes the  

50-acre Arrowhead Marsh (part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve  

Network) and a Roger Berry sculpture titled "Duplex Cone,'' which traces the  

summer and winter solstice paths of the sun through the sky. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted Doolittle  

Drive and Swan Way, Oakland. (510) 562-PARK, Picnic reservations: (510)  

636-1684, www.ebayparks.org. 

 

MILLER-KNOX REGIONAL SHORELINE A 295-acre shoreline  

picnic area with a secluded cove and swimming beach, and a hilltop offering  

panoramic views of the north Bay Area. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. 900  

Dornan Dr., Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, Picnic Reservations: (510) 636-1684,  

www.ebparks.org. 

 

MOUNT DIABLO STATE PARK The 3,849-foot summit of Mount  

Diablo offers great views of the Bay Area and an extensive trail system.  

Visitors to the park can hike, bike, ride on horseback and camp. Notable park  

attractions include: The Fire Interpretive Trail, Rock City, Boy Scout Rocks  

and Sentinel Rock, Fossil Ridge, Deer Flat, Mitchell Canyon Staging Area,  

Diablo Valley Overlook, the Summit Visitor Center (open Wednesday through  

Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the Art Gallery, the Observation Deck and the  

Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center. 

Free. $6 per vehicle park-entrance fee; $5 for seniors. Daily, 8  

a.m. to sunset. Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, from the Diablo Road exit off  

Interstate Highway 680, Danville. (925) 837-2525, www.mdia.org or  

www.parks.ca.gov. 

 

OAKLAND ZOO The zoo includes a Children's Petting Zoo, the  

Skyride, a miniature train, a carousel, picnic grounds and a gift shop as  

well as the animals in site specific exhibits, which allow them to roam  

freely. Included are "The African Savanna,'' with its two huge mixed-animal  

aviaries and 11 African Savanna exhibits; the Mahali Pa Tembo (Place of the  

Elephant), with giraffes, chimpanzees and more than 330 other animals from  

around the world; "Simba Pori,'' Swahili for "Lion Country,'' a spacious  

1.5-acre habitat offering both a savanna and woodland setting for African  

lions; "Footprints from the Past,'' an anthropology exhibit showcasing four  

million years of human evolution and an actual "footpath'' of the first  

hominids to emerge from the African savanna; "Sun Bear Exhibit,'' a  

stateof-the-art space the zoo has developed for its two sun bears; and  

Siamang Island, a state-of-the-art, barrier-free area that emulates the  

gibbons' native tropical rain forest habitat. Also see the Malayan Fruit Bats  

from the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida that are now roosting in trees at  

the zoo. In addition there are special exhibits and events monthly.  

ONGOING EXHIBITS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," The three-acre attraction  

offers a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The  

exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and  

more. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

"Endangered Species," An exhibit of photographs about  

the most endangered animals on the Earth and what can be done to save them.  

At the Education Center. Open daily during zoo hours. ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Valley Children's Zoo," Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The  

three-acre attraction will offer a completely interactive experience for both  

children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters,  

reptiles, insects and more. Free with regular Zoo admission.  

"Wildlife Theater," Saturday, 11:45 a.m.; Sunday, 1:45  

p.m. On Saturday mornings listen to a story and meet a live animal. On Sunday  

afternoon meet live animals and learn cool facts about them. Meet in the  

Lobby of the Zoo's Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education.  

Free with regular Zoo admission. (510) 632-9525, ext. 142. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Bedtime with the Beasts," through Sept. 19 and Sept. 25 through  

Sept. 26, 7 p.m.-9 a.m. An overnight program for youth (ages 6-18) and their  

chaperones. An Oakland Zoo education specialist will lead your group on an  

evening hike around the zoo where you'll get to see what the zoo is like  

after all of the guests leave. Program includes an optional educational  

wildlife video and continental breakfast. $60 per person; Minimum group size  

15, pre-registration required. (510) 632-9525. 

$7.50-11; free children under age 2; $6 parking fee. Daily, 10  

a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. (510) 632-9525,  

www.oaklandzoo.org. 

 

PLEASANTON RIDGE REGIONAL PARK This 3,163-acre  

parkland is on the oak-covered ridge overlooking Pleasanton and the Livermore  

Valley from the west. A multi-purpose trail system accommodates hikers,  

equestrians and bicyclists. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Foothill Road, Pleasanton. (510)  

562-PARK, www.ebparks.org. 

 

POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE The 2,315-acre  

parkland bordering Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo offers views of Mount  

Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline and San Pablo Bay. There are trails through  

meadows and woods, and along the bluffs and beaches of San Pablo Bay.  

Visitors can hike, ride bikes or take the park's shuttle bus to reach the  

1,250-foot fishing pier at Point Pinole. 

$5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog  

(guide/service dogs free). Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted.  

Giant Highway, Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org. 

 

QUARRY LAKES REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The park  

includes three lakes sculpted from former quarry ponds. The largest,  

Horseshoe Lake, offers boating and fishing, with a swim beach that will open  

in the spring. Rainbow Lake is for fishing only, and the third lake, Lago Los  

Osos, is set aside for wildlife habitat. In addition, there are hiking and  

bicycling trails that connect to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. The park  

includes three lakes sculpted from former quarry ponds. The largest,  

Horseshoe Lake, offers boating and fishing, with a swim beach that will open  

in the spring. Rainbow Lake is for fishing only, and the third lake, Lago Los  

Osos, is set aside for wildlife habitat. In addition there are hiking and  

bicycling trails that connect to the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. 

$5 parking; $2 per dog except guide/service dogs; boat launch  

fees; Park District fishing access permit fee of $3. Through Labor Day:  

daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 6 through Sept. 30, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 2100  

Isherwood Way,, between Paseo Padre Parkway and Osprey Drive,, Fremont. (510)  

795-4883, Picnic reservations:: (510) 562-2267, www.ebparks.org. 

 

ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE East Bay  

residents have several volcanoes in their backyard. This park contains Round  

Top, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills. 

Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510)  

562-PARK, www.ebparks.org. 

 

RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN One of America's finest private gardens,  

the Ruth Bancroft Garden displays 2,000 specimens from around the world that  

thrive in an arid climate. Included are African and Mexican succulents, New  

World cacti, Australian and Chilean trees, and shrubs from California. 

DOCENT TOUR SCHEDULE -- 10 a.m. Saturdays. Docent-led  

tours last approximately an hour and a half. Plant sales follow the tour. By  

reservation only. $7; free children under age 12.  

SELF-GUIDED TOURS -- 9:30 a.m.-noon Mon. - Thurs.; 9:30  

a.m. Fri.; 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sat.; 5 p.m. Sunday. Self-guided tours last  

two hours. No reservations required for weekday tours; reservations required  

for Friday and Saturday tours. Plant sales follow the tours. $7; free  

children under age 12.  

Gardens open only for tours and special events listed on the  

garden's telephone information line. 1500 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. (925)  

210-9663, www.ruthbancroftgarden.org. 

 

SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The 296-acre  

park includes an 80-acre lake and a four-flume waterslide, with picnic  

grounds and a swimming beach. Water slide fees and hours: (925) 829-6230. 

$6 per vehicle; $2 per dog except guide and service dogs. May 1  

through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; shortened hours for fall and  

winter. Stanley Boulevard, one mile from downtown, Pleasanton. (510)  

562-PARK, www.ebparks.org. 

 

SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER A wildlife rehabilitation and  

education facility where injured and orphaned local wild creatures are  

rehabilitated and released when possible. There is also a lending library of  

animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and more. The lending fee is $8 per  

week.  

ONGOING EVENTS --  

"Toddler Time," Learn about animals by listening to  

stories and exploring. Themes vary by month. Call for schedule. $7 per  

family.  

"Day on the Green Animal Presentations," Meet an  

assortment of wild and domestic animals. Wildlife volunteers will present a  

different animal each day from possums to snakes, tortoises to hawks.  

Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. 

CHILDREN'S EVENTS --  

Free. Park: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Discovery Center:  

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Animal Lending Library: Saturday-Sunday,  

10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1801  

D St., Hayward. (510) 881-6747, www.haywardrec.org/sulphur_creek.html. 

 

SUNOL REGIONAL WILDERNESS This park is full of scenic and  

natural wonders. You can hike the Ohlone Wilderness trail or Little Yosemite.  

There are bedrock mortars that were used by Native Americans, who were  

Sunol's first inhabitants. 

SPECIAL EVENTS --  

"Sunol Sunday Hike," Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural  

history walk in the wilderness. 

"Sunol Sunday Hike," Sundays, 1:30-3 p.m. A natural  

history walk in Sunol Regional Wilderness. 

Free unless otherwise noted; $5 parking; $2 dog fee. Geary Road  

off Calaveras Road, six miles south of Interstate Highway 680, Sunol. (510)  

652-PARK, www.ebparks.org.