Few parks in the East Bay park system can surpass Morgan Territory in
any season. In winter, its green velvet ridges offer panoramic views of
Mt. Diablo from the south, foreshadowed by the kelly green hills of the
Diablo foothills and Las Trampas’ rocky ridges. To the north is Mt.
Shasta, and to the east the snow-capped Sierra. In spring, hikers
wander through groves of bay and eucalyptus and grasslands filled with
flowers. There are creeks and hot hillsides, and also significant
elevation changes. Keep an eye out for the rare Mt. Diablo sunflower
and watch for increasingly brave deer and shy coyotes, or even signs of
a mountain lion. In summer, the hillsides are golden, hot, and
expansive, and the sky is full of red-tailed hawks, ever-present turkey
vultures, and possibly a few kestrels, or maybe even a golden eagle or
two that has wandered over from Round Valley. Loop hikes are great here
or get adventurous and organize a shuttle hike from Morgan Territory
through Vasco Reservoir to Round Valley.
.Best Hikes
Morgan Territory Regional Preserve