Ridge Top Trail to Briones to Mount Diablo Recreational Trail Loop

Starting from the Marshall Drive entrance, this scenic loop follows the Ridge Top Trail and Briones to Mount Diablo Regional Trail through the rolling hills of Shell Ridge Open Space. Along the way you'll hike across open grasslands, oak-studded ridgelines, and sweeping hillsides, with panoramic views of Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek, and the surrounding Diablo Foothills.

This 4.6-mile loop features 866 feet of elevation gain, making it a rewarding moderate hike with a mix of steady climbs, rolling terrain, and scenic ridgeline vistas. The route offers one of the best opportunities to experience Shell Ridge's expansive landscapes and wide-open views in a single hike.

Source: Trail information adapted from AllTrails.