Length: 2.75 miles roundtrip from the beginning of Hunsaker Canyon Road.
Time: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Yes!
Calories: Around 350
Highlights: A very scenic stroll through Hunsaker Canyon with the first half being on a paved private road and the second half being a dirt road that used to lead to a ranch. The land has been purchased and “land banked” by the East Bay Regional Park District but is not officially open to the public. Enter at your own risk.
Directions: Take Silverado Road south through Burton Valley. Take a left on Bradbury and park where you see the green “Hunsaker Canyon Private Road” sign (see picture).
Trailhead: Begin your hike by proceeding on Hunsaker Canyon Road by foot.
Special Notes: Since this area has not been prepared for public use and various types of wildlife have been spotted – it is only appropriate for experienced hikers.
Park before this sign
Hunsaker Canyon Road is a private rural road that leads out of the south-eastern corner of Burton Valley. It is most known as the route to Wildwood Acres Resort (for weddings and large parties), but should be known as the entry way to a great hiking area! NOTE: Since it is a private road it is only for residents and their guests and you aren’t supposed to park along it. And make sure not to litter or use any cigarettes along this road. It is an extreme fire danger area with no easy access to water.
Hike about 3/4ths of a mile down the road until you see a fire road gate on the left (see picture below). This is the entry way to land owned by the East Bay Regional Park District. Back in 2005, they purchased 1000 acres of land between Roosmoor, Burton Valley, and the Las Trampas Wilderness Area. The area is protected and “land banked” but not officially open to the public. It will expand the Las Trampas Wilderness Area to 5100 acres and protect the entire ridge line.
Entry gate to barn hike
Climb over the gate to enter the open space. A very scenic dirt road meanders through meadows and some trees, adjacent to Grizzly Creek for about 0.7 miles. The road ends at a barn that’s no longer actively being used. There was a huge oak tree next to the barn but it died, possibly from the drought. Anyway, it’s a very picturesque spot! It would be perfect for a picnic, but there is no picnic table. There are various old supplies and fencing laying around so keep an eye on kids. Enjoy the peaceful setting, with no signs or sounds of suburbia, and then head back.
You may run into grazing cows in the vicinity of the barn and like most East Bay parks and wilderness areas there may be mountain lions and other wildlife in the area (coyotes, boars, snakes, etc.). But I personally haven’t seen anything except birds and cows.
This is a nice hike with a family group with varying ages and abilities because it’s manageable for just about anyone.
Barn and oak tree at the end of the dirt road (oak tree has since died).
Las Trampas Peak:
Right before the barn, there is a fire road that veers off to the right. If you are really comfortable in the wilderness, you can take this fire road to Las Trampas Peak which is on the edge of the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness and 1827 feet high. Stay left at the first junction. Follow the fire road which has some pretty steep sections. When you reach the ridge (Las Trampas Ridge Trail), take a right and you’ll arrive at Las Trampas Peak in another 10 minutes or so. You will likely run into cows and maybe see other wildlife. Best to do this hike with at least one other person. It takes about an hour to reach the peak from the gate.
The Undiscovered Hikes of Lamorinda 