Crockett Hills Regional Park wilderness guide
Regional Park · CA

Crockett Hills Regional Park

Crockett Hills Regional Park offers visitors sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay Area, with rolling hills and varied trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Regional Park1,6204+ Trails

Designation

Regional Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,620

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Crockett Hills Regional Park

Crockett Hills Regional Park offers visitors sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay Area, with rolling hills and varied trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Contra Costa County, California, Crockett Hills Regional Park spans across 1,620 acres of open grasslands and oak woodlands. The park's topography ranges from gentle slopes to steeper hills reaching elevations up to 1,120 feet, providing panoramic vistas of Mount Diablo, San Pablo Bay, and the Carquinez Strait. The park’s ecosystem supports native grasslands and scattered oak groves that offer habitat to local wildlife such as hawks, deer, and coyotes. Historically, the area was home to ranches before being acquired by East Bay Regional Park District in the late 20th century to provide outdoor recreational opportunities close to urban centers. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching. The park features an interconnected network of multi-use trails, with scenic overlooks and picnic areas that attract families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Crockett Hills Regional Park is especially popular for sunrise and sunset views, capturing stunning light over the Bay Area waters and hills. The park’s open space and relatively mild terrain make it accessible to a broad range of skill levels, from casual walkers to experienced mountain bikers. The park is dog-friendly, providing off-leash areas for well-behaved pets. As a regional park, it combines natural beauty with easy accessibility, serving as a peaceful getaway spot close to the communities of Crockett and Martinez. Its combination of natural habitat and recreation makes Crockett Hills an asset in conserving local open space while encouraging healthy outdoor activities.

Field Guide · Regional Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Crockett Hills Regional Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Panoramic views from the highest hilltops overlooking San Pablo Bay and Mount Diablo✦ Diverse trail system supporting hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use✦ Native oak woodlands providing habitat for local wildlife including raptors and deer✦ Off-leash dog area allowing pets to enjoy the park freely in designated zones
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Crockett Hills Regional Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Crockett Hills Regional Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Crockett Hills Regional Park
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in Crockett Hills Regional Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Crockett Hills Regional Park
Park Recreation

Dog Walking

Available in Crockett Hills Regional Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Crockett Hills Regional Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Crockett Hills Regional Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Crockett Hills Regional Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access; no permits or fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Crockett Hills Regional Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Hercules, California
⌖ 2.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hercules, California

Hercules is a Bay Area town with easy access to waterfront trails, kayaking, and birdwatching. Its parks and regional shorelines offer gentle hiking and biking with excellent wildlife viewing along San Pablo Bay.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Pinole, California
⌖ 2.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pinole, California

Pinole, California offers peaceful outdoor adventures with scenic coastal trails, regional parks, and bay paddling spots. Ideal for hiking, biking, and bird watching from spring through fall near San Pablo Bay’s natural beauty.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Crockett, California
⌖ 2.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Crockett, California

Crockett is a small historic town on the northern edge of San Francisco Bay known for scenic bay views, peaceful waterfront parks, and excellent cycling and paddling along the Carquinez Strait. It’s an ideal quiet basecamp for outdoor lovers exploring Contra Costa County.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Port Costa, California
⌖ 4.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Port Costa, California

Port Costa, California is a peaceful small town on the Carquinez Strait perfect for paddling, hiking, and birdwatching. Its historic charm and scenic waterfront trails offer a relaxing escape for outdoor lovers.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Vallejo, California
⌖ 5.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Vallejo, California

Vallejo offers bayfront hiking, biking, and kayaking with easy access to regional preserves and waterfront parks. Enjoy bird watching, fishing, and family adventures in a relaxed town with notable historic sites.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Benicia, California
⌖ 5.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Benicia, California

Benicia is a relaxed waterfront town in California offering hiking, biking, and kayaking along the scenic Carquinez Strait. Enjoy bird watching, historic sites, and waterside parks that make it a great outdoor basecamp from spring to fall.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Crockett Hills Regional Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Berkeley’s Semi‑Private Sail: Half a Day Aboard the Excalibur
ADVEXPEDITION
Berkeley, California
Boat TourADV Bookable

Berkeley’s Semi‑Private Sail: Half a Day Aboard the Excalibur

A roughly four‑hour semi‑private cruise aboard the Excalibur—SailNOW’s 30‑foot monohull—offering small‑group sailing with close‑up views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the San Francisco waterfront.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip