Best Backpacking Destinations in Concord, California, United States
1. Concord Naval Weapons Station
A vast, former military base offering miles of hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot unique species like the California Quail and White-tailed Kite.
- Hiking Variety: Choose from easy, moderate, or challenging trails based on your preference.
- Historical Sites: Explore remnants of military buildings and structures.
2. Mount Diablo State Park
A diverse park with scenic views, challenging hikes, and historic landmarks.
- Scenic Views: Take in panoramic vistas of the Bay Area from summit.
- Challenging Hikes: Test your stamina on Mount Diablo's steep, rugged trails.
- Historic Landmarks: Visit the old Mitchell Canyon mine and other historic sites.
3. Windy Hill Open Space Preserve
A picturesque preserve with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Scenic Views: Capture stunning photographs of the sunset over the bay.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot local wildlife like deer, raccoons, and various bird species.
- Hiking Trails: Explore a network of trails, including the popular Ridge Trail.
4. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
A tranquil wilderness area with numerous hiking trails and beautiful oak woodlands.
- Hiking Trails: Experience solitude on less-crowded trails.
- Oak Woodlands: Admire the beauty of California's native oak trees and grasslands.
- Wildlife Encounters: Enjoy wildlife sightings, including deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species.
5. Round Top Regional Preserve
A preserve with challenging hikes, scenic views, and diverse wildlife.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking vistas from the summit.
- Challenging Hikes: Test your endurance on strenuous trails with steep inclines.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot black bears, cougars, and other local wildlife.
6. Muir Heritage Land Trust Preserves
A collection of preserves offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and historic sites.
- Hiking Trails: Explore a variety of trail systems within the network.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot local wildlife like bobcats, mountain lions, and various bird species.
- Historic Sites: Discover remnants of old ranches and homesteads.
7. Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
A historic site commemorating the deadly Port Chicago disaster.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the tragic events that occurred during WWII.
- Educational Opportunities: Attend ranger-led programs to deepen your understanding of the disaster.
- Nature Walks: Enjoy easy nature walks along the memorial's trails.
8. Briones Regional Park
A large park with hiking trails, horseback riding, and picnic areas.
- Hiking Trails: Choose from easy, moderate, or challenging trails based on your preference.
- Horseback Riding: Explore the park on horseback with your own horse or join a guided tour.
- Picnic Areas: Enjoy a picnic with friends and family in scenic surroundings.
9. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
A park offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stunning views.
- Scenic Views: Take in panoramic views of the Sonoma Valley from the summit.
- Hiking Trails: Explore a variety of trails, including the popular Coast Range Trail.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot local wildlife like deer, coyotes, and various bird species.
10. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
A preserve with hiking trails, mining history, and unique geological formations.
- Hiking Trails: Explore a network of trails through the hills.
- Mining History: Learn about the area's mining history and visit abandoned mineshafts.
- Geological Formations: Explore unique geological formations like the Devil's Pulpit.
11. Sunol Regional Wilderness
A wilderness area with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and historical ruins.
- Hiking Trails: Explore a network of trails through the scenic hills.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot local wildlife like deer, coyotes, and various bird species.
- Historical Ruins: Discover remnants of old ranches and mines.
12. Ohlone Wilderness Park
A park offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and native plant gardens.
- Hiking Trails: Explore a network of trails through the hills.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot local wildlife like deer, coyotes, and various bird species.
- Native Plant Gardens: Learn about native plants and their importance in the ecosystem.
13. California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Martinez Wildlife Area
A wildlife area offering birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography.
- Birdwatching: Spot a variety of bird species, including waterfowl.
- Hiking Trails: Explore the area's trails while enjoying the scenery and wildlife.
- Wildlife Photography: Capture stunning photographs of local wildlife.
14. Coyote Hills Regional Park
A park offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic views.
- Hiking Trails: Explore a network of trails through the hills.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot local wildlife like deer, coyotes, and various bird species.
- Scenic Views: Take in panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area from the hills.
15. North Bay Regional Shoreline
A shoreline offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and beautiful views.
- Hiking Trails: Explore a network of trails along the shore.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot local wildlife like birds, seals, and sea lions.
- Scenic Views: Take in breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.