Contra Costa Dog Haven                                         

This page is dedicated to all fellow dog lovers, particularly those who live in our beautiful community of Contra Costa County. 

As you may have discovered, I have a "dog-friendly" section in Community Links which includes information on trails, lodgings and other fun dog-lover stuff.

What I'll love to do is to post a monthly gallery of your favorite puppy and dog snapshots to share with the world!  If you'd like to participate, please email your contribution to dogs@GeneHoRealtor.com.  The photo above is that of Benjamin, our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog.  Besides knowing he's good looking, Ben loves to get his chest and tummy rubbed, going for car rides and runs, and hangin' with dogs 25 pounds or less.  His favorite human-pleasing trick is "pretty sit", where he gets into begging pose waving his giant front paws for response.

Until that site is up, I hope you will find the following information helpful in your pursuits to find that perfect doggie hangout (all listings are off-leash unless otherwise stated!)

Danville:
Las Trampas trails - separate trail heads at:
Hemme Avenue -  Off Danville Blvd in Alamo.  The trailhead begins at the end of Hemme and there are limited parking spaces in a parking lot designated for trail users.  Trail maps are available and a stream runs alongside the trail in the winter months.  A favorite for water loving dogs.

Camille Avenue - Off Danville Blvd in Alamo.  The trail can be accessed at the beginning of Camille Lane (the end of Camille Avenue).  Off-street parking is available on Camille Avenue.  Use the fenced off, unpaved section of Camille Lane.  The Off-leash area begins at the end of this fenced in section.  Eagle Peak at 1,720 ft elevation and Vail Peak, at 1,787 feet, can be accessed from this trailhead as well as the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Landmark.  The steep terrain yields gorgeous views.  A side note to dog owners - late winter and spring is calving season, so leashes are helpful if you have a herding dog.  Mama cows have been known to attack. 

Hap Magee Dog Park  (Danville) - Access from 680 Freeway via El Pintado exit, turning right onto La Gonda Way, past the cemetary.  Open from sunrise to sunset.  Has a separate large and small dog area.  Grassy play areas, park benches and a water spigot.  Can get muddy in the winter months.  There are some newly planted shade trees although it will be a few years before they are truly useful in the hot, summer months.  An extensive playground for kids is across the way so both dogs and kids can be entertained.

San Damiano Retreat (Danville) - Take Prospect off Hartz Avenue.  Continue uphill heading toward the Retreat.  Park spaces at the retreat are available.  The lower parking lot is closer to the relective trail intended for Retreat users.  The uphill "Fire trail" at the top of the parking lot leads to some lovely, wooded areas.  Cool hiking conditions for hot, summer months.Though steep and narrow at times, the views of Mount Diablo are well worth the climb.  At the very top are more trails leading to the Las Trampas Ridge Trail system.

San Ramon:
Bollinger Canyon Dog Park - on Bollinger Canyon Rd after the traffic intersection at San Ramon Valley Blvd.  There is extensive parking and is open from sunrise to sunset.  There is a separate large and small dog area.  The play area surface is crushed gravel and gets very dusty in the summer months.  There are water sources, park benches and shaded picnic tables and benches.  A children's playground is also in the vicinity.

Walnut Creek:
Shell Ridge trials - direct access off Sutherland Drive (cross street - Walnut Blvd).  Parking lot at the end of Sutherland Drive.  Many loops with varied terrain, some ponds and shady creek trails.


Pleasant Hill/Martinez:
Paso Nogal Dog Park - situated on Paso Nogal Drive, off Morello Avenue, nearer Martinez.  Open sunrise to sunset.  May be closed in the winter months and scheduled maintenance days.  Grassy play areas with shade trees and park benches.  Water for drinking and hosing off muddy dogs is available.  Leash law strictly enforced in the surrounding trails above the dog park.  Fines given regularly.

Lafayette:
Briones Regional Park - one trail access begins at the parking lot next to Springhill School, off Pleasant Hill Road.  The trail is mostly uphill and leads to the Lafayette Ridge Trail system. 

If you are looking for affordable dog-boarding services, please contact Cynthia at www.cynthiak9inn.blogspot.com or 925-899-0130.