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Description
Starting from the Marshall Drive entrance, this scenic loop follows the Deer Lake, Ridge Top, and Briones Regional trails through the rolling hills of Shell Ridge Open Space. Along the way you'll hike across open grasslands, oak woodlands, and scenic ridgelines, with panoramic views of Mount Diablo, Walnut Creek, and the surrounding Diablo Foothills.
This 5.5-mile loop features 853 feet of elevation gain, making it a rewarding moderate hike with steady climbs and expansive viewpoints. The route combines peaceful backcountry trails with some of Shell Ridge's most scenic ridgeline landscapes, offering a memorable adventure for hikers looking to explore beyond the preserve's shorter loops.
Source: Trail information adapted from AllTrails.
