The Lafayette Ridge staging area for Briones Regional Park is finally reopening after a long period of closure due to last year’s major storms. This brings good news for outdoor enthusiasts and local residents looking for challenging hikes.
And, the staging area got a huge upgrade!
Challenges Faced
The staging area, located by Acalanes High School, had to be closed after severe landslides took out much of the trail.
It took significant effort and heavy equipment—including excavators—to clear the trail and make it safe for public use again.
The cows were using it all along, of course!
Renovations and Improvements
The storms also left the parking lot covered in mud, which had to be cleared.
That’s complete, and to make things even better, the East Bay Regional Parks District also made some big changes to their facilities, independent of the trail repairs.
The parking lot is now open, making it easier for visitors to access the trail. And with the new Park District improvements, the trail is coming back stronger than ever!
New Facilities
One of the most notable upgrades is the installation of brand-new bathroom facilities, replacing the porta-potties that were previously the only option. While the new restroom hasn’t opened yet, it is fully installed and expected to be operational very soon.
A Great Resource for Hikers
The Lafayette Ridge staging area serves as an excellent starting point for hikes into Briones Regional Park, especially in a more populated area. It offers plenty of parking and will provide much-needed amenities for hikers.
For Lafayette citizens seeking more challenging hikes than what the Lafayette Reservoir offers, this trail provides a gateway into deeper areas such as the Martinez staging areas in Briones.
Overall, the upgrades and reopening are set to make Lafayette Ridge a fantastic resource for the local community and visitors alike.
UPDATE 6/5: We clarified that the repairs and the improvements were separate projects, with the improvements coming from EBRPD.
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