Take a Hike: Local Treks with Great Views

Hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy the local beauty of your own backyard. Scenic views, challenging climbs, seasonal flowers and wild life are just a few reasons why hiking is great way to get some good old fashion exercise.  Just an hour of hiking can burn 355 calories. 

Some great local hikes in Solano and Contra Costa include:

Benicia to Vallejo Bay Ridge Trail: Best known in Benicia as the "Kinder Care trail," this route is mostly through open grasslands. In summer, conditions may be cool or hot, so check the weather forecast before heading out. From the ridge tops you can see beautiful views of the bay to the west, Carquinez Strait to the south and a quarry to the north. The two major trailheads are at Blue Rock Springs Park in Vallejo and at the bottom of Rose Drive at Columbus Parkway in Benicia. (The trail begins at the Kinder Care parking lot). 

Martinez-Carquinez Scenic Route: This abandoned road is now a haven for walkers, hikers and bikers. The winding road offers some great views of the Carquinez Strait, Benicia and Benicia-Martinez Bridge. You will share the road with cars for about a mile and then come to a cement barrier that prevents the autos from going any further. From that point some of the roadway is washed away, so watch your step. To find this awesome hike, take Marina Vista in Martinez to Berrellesa and turn left, then go right  on Escobar. Turn right on Talbart Street, then bear left with the road and you're on Carquinez Scenic Drive.

Concord Lime Ridge Open Space: This is a huge open-space park in Concord between Treat Blvd and Ygnacio Valley Road. It offers miles of trails through grasslands, chaparral and oak trees. It's a great spot to unwind and take a stroll, snap landscape photos, treat the dog to a long walk or go for a challenging uphill climb. There are several entrances to Lime Ridge; check out this website for access: www.wcosf.org/trail_guides/directions_to_entrances.shtml.

Before heading out onto the trail make sure to fill your backpack with the essentials — snacks, water, a cellphone, a map or GPS device, extra layers of clothing, sunscreen and your ID. 

HIKERS' TIPS:

• Hike with friends. It's much safer than hiking alone, and more fun.
• Research the trail and the area you plan to hike in advance.
• Tell people where you'll be, for your own safety.
• Wearing the proper hiking attire makes a difference. Hiking boots, sunscreen and a light jacket are recommended.
• Stick to the trails. It keeps you and the natural habitat safe. 
• Don't pick the flowers—leave them for others to enjoy.
• Look where you step and step where you look. Exposed tree roots, jutting rocks and snakes are not uncommon.
• Leave no trace. Pack out your trash.
• Remember wild animals are just that—wild. 
• Don't feed the animals. They have a different diet than we do. 
• Bring a camera.