16Jun-Photo Release This part of Del Valle has been closed to the public for that last two years for the sake of the Eagles who nest in the grove. It was one of our favorite hikes before then. There are a couple of steep climbs at various side trails but the main trail is fairly tame – sort of. When It’s slick, the trails are treacherous. This is all clay here, so we’re talking skating rink with wooden skates. I’ve had to go off trail to be safe in the winter.
I’ve shown DelValle at every time of year except the dead of our winter. I may have said how bleak it is. Compared to the spring, winter is desolate. Summer and Fall are just outdoor ovens. But in the dead of winter between the end of December through January, it’s just bleak. It looks like these photos when the sky is overcast. In it’s own way, though, that look also has appeal.
16Jun-Photo Release
DelValle Jan 1, 2021 – Cedar Grove
16Jun-Photo Release
16Jun-Photo Release
- Park Scope: Del Valle covers over 4,300 acres and is centered around the 5-mile-long Lake Del Valle, which was created in 1968 by damming the Arroyo del Valle river.
- Wildlife & Conservation: The park is a known habitat for bald eagles. The East Bay Regional Park District has actively managed and monitored eagle populations in the area, often hosting educational events to help visitors understand the birds’ resilience and the challenges they face in maintaining nests near high-traffic areas.
- Trail Systems: The park offers about 28 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. It also serves as the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, which connects to other regional parks like Sunol and Mission Peak.
Nature of Closures
- Protective Measures: Nesting areas are frequently closed off to the public to minimize human disturbance, particularly during critical breeding and fledging stages. This is standard practice in many parks to ensure that sensitive species like bald eagles can successfully raise their young without interference, as mandated by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
- Past Weather Impacts: The area has historically dealt with closures due to environmental factors, including the extreme drought in the 2010s and heavy flooding during the 2016–2017 winter, which damaged trails and facilities, leading to temporary park-wide closures for repairs.
For those interested: You can find more specifics on current park alerts and trail conditions directly through the East Bay Regional Park District website.
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