Independent Contra Costa County Guide — Not affiliated with Contra Costa County government.
Explore parks, hiking trails, bike routes, reservoirs, waterfronts, and open spaces throughout Contra Costa County. Our outdoor guides cover Mount Diablo, Briones, Black Diamond Mines, Contra Loma, regional trails, shoreline destinations, seasonal conditions, and practical safety information. Plan responsible outdoor experiences with route ideas, access updates, and preparation tips.
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The Iron Horse Trail closure at Treat Boulevard is changing one of central Contra Costa County’s most familiar walking and cycling connections through the end of 2026. The Robert I. Schroder Pedestrian Bridge in Walnut Creek closed on October 5 for rehabilitation work. The bridge
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most anticipated skywatching events of the year, and 2026 offers unusually favorable conditions for viewers in Contra Costa County. The shower reaches its peak overnight from August 12 into the early hours of August 13, almost exactly
Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch remains one of eastern Contra Costa County’s most useful places for fishing, shoreline walking, picnicking, boating, wildlife watching, and short outdoor trips. The park surrounds an 80-acre reservoir and covers roughly 775 acres, giving visitors a combination of open
Contra Costa County offers a strong mix of paved regional trails, neighborhood connections, creek corridors, farmland views, and waterfront riding. Summer 2026 is an especially good time to explore by bike because the county’s free Summer Bike Challenge runs from June through August and encourages
Summer hiking in Contra Costa County, but it also brings conditions that can change a pleasant walk into a serious problem. Inland temperatures can climb quickly, exposed hillsides offer limited shade, and dry grass increases wildfire risk. A safe outing starts before you reach the