Dublin Hills Regional Park - Donlon Point

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has many beautiful parks and trails for you and Fido to explore. Some of them are highly trafficked, pawpular trails that are well-known to both locals and visitors from around the country. There are other, lesser-known trails, however, that are often considered hidden gems off the beaten path. One of those quaint but charming trails is Donlon Point at the Dublin Hills Regional Park. 

Not to be confused with a larger loop trail of the same name, this short, simple trail makes its way out from the Donlon Point Staging Area, where you can park, take a quick restroom stop, and load up on drinking water before making your way past the trailhead. You’ll start your journey on the Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail, which you can continue onto after you’ve made your way around the loop.  

Since the trail is more or less a simple dirt road with few shaded areas, you’ll want to visit early in the morning, or on days that aren’t scorching hot. The area is also home to lots of native wildlife, such as hawks and deer. Keep an eye out for less friendly critters, too. During spring, you’ll see wildflowers scattered throughout as well. The hours of operation for the park and trails also vary based on the time of year. From Feb 14th to Apr 30th, the park closes at 6:00 pm; from May 1st to Aug 30th, the park closes at 7:30 pm; from Sept 1st to Sept 30th, the park closes at 6:30; from Oct 1st to Nov 5th, the park closes at 5:30 pm. The rest of the time, the park closes at 4:30 pm.

The view from Donlon Point is not pawticularly majestic, but it gives visitors a lovely vantage point of the surrounding park and the system of trails sprawling through it. Take your time to enjoy the view before making your way back down the hill to the parking area.