Lime Ridge Open Space

Love this area, Rex and I are on it every weekend. Looking forward to the rain and how gorgeous this will look once everything grows back.

Started at the Ygnacio Valley Rd and Crowell rd parking lot in Concord. That’s the northern part of the open space. From there I had a plan on where I wanted to go but it didn’t really work out that way. If you have not been before I would say print a map out and just explore– only use the map if your lost. There were a couple unmarked trails so I had no idea what I was doing and just walked. It ended up working out because shortly after I gave up I came across a trail sign– I definitely wasn’t near where I thought I was but it worked out since I had the map. There are definitely some easy trails and some harder ones. Overall I enjoyed the hike I was pretty much the only person there and it was soo quiet despite the fact that there was a major road not too far away.
So the trails I took:
Ohlone trail to bukeye trail– easy hike not many hills at all
Blue Oak trail to Ridge trail– again pretty easy
I then took Ridge trail south for about a mile and turned around I did this because I saw the elevation change and wanted to get to the top! Overall this was my favorite part of the trip– I got beautiful views and the hiking was a little more challenging.
Back down Ridge Trail to paradise valley trail to the parking lot. This was heavily shaded and all down hill so a good way to end the hike.
Overall I enjoyed this hike and really feel like the best way to enjoy it is by getting «lost»!

I really enjoy walking/​hiking this area. I try and get out early to beat the heat. The trails and hills are moderate and I think good for any fitness level. I usually run and walk most of time. There’s always people out waking or biking so I feel pretty safe doing the hike alone.

We hiked 90 minutes from Montecito parking. The prettiest and most peaceful path is up the single width paradise trail. Through shady buckeye, then oak, 35 minutes to the top with views of Mount Diablo and walnut creek suburbs quite far below. There’s a bench to contemplate it all. Then Lime Ridge all the way back down. Good views. We took Blue Oak back up to the old rusted water tower, and then the Ridge Trail back to the car. OK, it’s good to have a local large open space close to the local sprawl development. But Mount Diablo itself is so nearby, and so 5 star amazing for hikes. Here’s some more pluses: paths well maintained, and we met NO ONE in an hour and a half. :)

I’ve spent a fair amount of time cycling all over Lime Ridge. There’s a great single track leading up to the Ridge from the tunnel that passes under Ygnacio Valley Road.
A seldom visited park with lots of interesting geological features as well as signs of the mining of the limestone that went on here decades ago.
There’s a great hike through Oak Woodland to the top of the ridge starting on the Ygnacio Valley Road side. It’s called the Blue Oak Trail. Be cautious for mt. bikers coming descending. They aren’t suppose to be on the trail, but most mt. bikers can’t stop themselves from riding a beautiful single track trail such as this one. I always give them a wide berth and smile. No need to play the authority figure of a ranger since that’s not our job or responsibility.
Other than that trail, the Open Space is very exposed. Somewhat similar to Shell Ridge.
Always keep your visual sense open for Rattlesnakes. They will not harm you if you leave them alone and don’t suddenly frighten you. Stay away from climbing around rocky areas where you cannot see where you’re putting your hands or feet.

Lime Ridge is a great location for breaking in new mountain bikes and mountain bike riders. Most of the roads are not too steep and provide opportunities for good exercise. There are terrific panoramic views all the way to the MothBall Fleet in Suisun Bay… You can ride the ridge line but I think that it’s illegal for bikers to do so… However, the upper trails are really fun…
I recommend that you enter the open space from the parking lot across the street from Boundary Oaks Golf Course. I’ve observed the Treat parking lot and the Ignacio Valley road lot and they both have spaces filled with broken glass like someone’s window was smashed… No problems on lot at Valley Vista Rd… It also happens to be very near to the Walnut Creek Police Force small arms shooting range. After parking, enter the gate and climb to the large swing oak then traverse the trail over to the access road. You’ll have a short climb to the trail before the climb. From there it’s all fun and games… Cheers.

I hit the lower ridge loop for the first time yesterday on the mountain bike. Trails are in great shape, views are nice. Went counter-​clockwise and it took about 30 minutes. Not a technical or difficult ride at all. Just bought a new bike and wanted to get it dialed in.
Perfect for hikes or a run with the dog.
I heard the upper ridge trail is a little more technical/​challenging so I’ll probably check that side out sometime soon.

Thsi review is for the section off of cowell and Ignacio Valley at Montecito.
Ok. Lots of ground hog holes, so watch your step. Also, watch out for rattle snakes in the spring and summer time. We came across one yesterday. Super scary!

i’m writing in regards to the Lime Ride Open Space parking lot located on Treat Blvd in Concord. This morning, my car window was smashed between 8−9AM. there was nothing in my car to steal. The bastards tried to steal my car too but my car security system shut off the engine so they were unable to. it was broad daylight. nothing like paying out of pocket for a new window! I AM NEVER parking here again. if you care about your car, park elsewhere and bike, walk, or run in to use the trails. apparently, a lot of cars are broken into at this parking lot also known as «crime ridge» but nothing is done about it, so park at your own risk.

Love it when a big city doesn’t let developers build on every square inch on land and Lime Ridge is exactly what I was looking for when I was visiting the area for a few months. Great trails and the one high trail has an amazing view plus little benches up there to enjoy that breathtaking view! Parking is easy to find and abundant off of Treat Blvd. The weekends are busier so make sure to go during the week or early in the morning on the weekends.

I enjoyed my first hike at Lime Ridge, would suggest only hiking when it is cool outside. I went mid-​day, due to fear of potentially having my car broken into. I think it is a great place during the day, but I could see how it would be scary at night for hikers due to the desolate location and also potential animals…

Lime Ridge Open Space is a vaguely key-​shaped parcel of land stretching from Concord south into Walnut Creek. The open space is cut into three chunks by two bisecting roads bustling with auto traffic. Each section generally serves the directly adjacent neighborhoods, offering broad dirt trails through rolling grassland, perfect for dog walking (where permitted), and for daily strolls or runs. Historically, lime was mined here, and the land still bears the scars from years of mineral extractions and hints of where later housing development could have occurred.
Gayle and I enjoyed a nice scenic stroll though a small section of Lime Ridge as part of one of Mayor Bob’s monthly Walnut Creek walks. I continue to be pleasantly surprised on what the WC offers in terms of open space and recreation. Lime Ridge is certainly not a drop dead gorgeous slice of Open Space. However, it’s a nice place to unwind, stroll, contemplate and all within a busy suburb that is both in view and far far way.

I recently came here to run some hills with my sister and Mom. I really liked the area and the views. It wasn’t very busy on a Saturday morning. I only saw a guy on a bike and a few cars in the parking lot.
I definitely will be back to enjoy some more hills :)

Beautiful but unsafe. My mom’s car was broken into today 4÷14÷11 at 1pm! I will not go back. If you don’t care about your car you’ll have a great time.

Lots of critters. Low to moderate foot traffic. Dog friendly. Leave your kids at home.

Lime Ridge is a long park, stretching from near Concord’s Cowell Road almost to Mt. Diablo State Park, thankfully saved from development by future-​minded civic leaders. Judging from some of the fire roads, there may have been development planned for it.
There are three parts. North of Treat Blvd, it’s a wide-​open meadow with steep hills where the dog can run free and mountain bike fanatics can speed downhill. South of Ygnacio Valley Road, it’s lots of rocky hills laced with good hiking trails and wildflowers. Between these two spots is a no-​mans-​land with terrible access, therefore you get this whole portion to yourself. And views, views, views.
And sun, sun, sun. There is little shade on Lime Ridge, and the nearest store is a mile away. Bring water.
Just keep your expectations in check, and you’ll be fine. It’s not a jaw-​dropping gorgeous spot. But it’s a good spot to unwind after work, strolling the trails, civilization in view but seemingly far away.

I typically enter this open space from Treat Boulevard. There’s a nice sized parking area and it has a few trees so there is some shade on a hot day. I’ve been here about five times with my dog and I have very rarely seen other dogs and owners. There is a huge meadow just a short distance from the parking lot where Boss (the doggie) is allowed to run off leash to his hearts content. However, there are a few gopher holes, so he loses his ball sometimes and I have to go help him find it.
The space also has trails to follow and it’s a nice jaunt (maybe a mile or so) back to the parking lot. This would be a nice area to go running as well. Totally recommend it for any dog owner that is very wary of dog parks.

H-​O-​T, HOT! Had a great hike this afternoon within Lime Ridge Open Space with my very favorite guy and favorite Boston Terrier. The space is truly beautiful — breezes sweeping through the wheat fields, trees permanently tilted by the wind, gigantic cracks crushing the ground, swallowing lizards and acrobatic grasshoppers…
Ok, maybe except for the bugs and reptiles.
We trekked our way to the top of a hefty hill and happened upon a doe and her Bambi just hanging out. They even allowed a few photos to be taken.
My suggestions to make this excursion a happy one:
*Take lots of water (extra for your 4-​legged friend)
*Apply sunscreen liberally (I have quite the redneck sunburn)
*Bring a camera — you never know what kind of interesting wildlife you’ll stumble upon
Oh & try not to scream when the grasshoppers take flight. Your hiking partner just may laugh at you.

Again, this is for the dog park area, which isn’t much of one, by the Montana entrance. There’s no fence to stop your dog from running out of the space (which is what happened with Bongo — went straight down the street and scared the hebejeebis outta me!), the dog section is mainly tar with a lot of gravel (which kept getting stuck in Bongo’s paws, making him limp every 10 minutes or so), there aren’t too many dogs who go there (maybe I just went at a bad time?). Overall, this place was quite disappointing, which is too bad since it’s 5 minutes away from our house.
We’ll definitely give it another chance and keep y’all posted!

Lime Ridge is a huge open space park which is in Walnut creek and Concord between Treat Blvd and Ygnacio Valley Road. It near the Boundary Oak golf course. This open space is a great place for a hike. You can see hawks, great views, cows, and rarely a coyote in the wee morning hours. Good place to take landscape photos, or take the dog on a long walk or go for a challenging up hill run.