Where can I find parks and "The Great Outdoors" in Walnut Creek?
With more space per capita than any other community in the state of California, Walnut Creek encompasses almost 20 square miles (40% the size of San Francisco, with 8% of its population). Walnut Creek 's $6.7 million bond measure allowed the city to buy more than 1,800 acres of hillsides, ridges , and parks. Walnut Creek owns parts of Lime Ridge Open Space, Shell Ridge Open Space, Acalanes Ridge Open Space, and Sugarloaf Open Space. Diablo Foothills Regional Park and Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area, both in Walnut Creek, are operated by the East Bay Regional Park District.
Contra Costa County is home to more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails within dozens of parks spread across the county. This includes the towering 3,800 ft Mt. Diablo, located in the 20,000 acre Mt. Diablo State Park. An entrance to the park is located at the northeastern edge of the city, in the Northgate district.
Walnut Creek prides itself on its biking trails, including the 13-mile Contra Costa Canal Trail and the 40-mile Iron Horse Trail. Both are great for hiking, biking, or horseback riding - and adjacent or close by to most Walnut Creek real estate.
Walnut Creek has as warm, Mediterranean-style climate - rainy temperate winters and hot summers. Homes in Walnut Creek are only 45 miles from the beaches of Marin or 175 miles from the snow in Tahoe. Take a 2-hour day trip to Monterey or Big Sur - leave early to avoid traffic.
