The Preserve Staging Area 

6045 Laurel Creek Drive, Pleasanton, California 94588, United States

 

The Preserve Staging Area is a public park maintained by the City of Pleasanton. It has a 1.4 mile Preserve Trail. This isolated hiking trail features several steep hills and panoramic views of Pleasanton. Ample parking, a water fountain and a public toilet are available.

 

The Preserve Trail is a nice, hidden loop trail near the Pleasanton residential area. There is a large parking lot at the beginning of the trail, with a toilet and a drinking fountain. Then it gets a little confusing, as there are two separate trails from which you can start, both leading downhill. It's actually a big loop, although it's not clear where the best starting point is from the limited signage.

 

There are two different trails that you can take from this trail. The trail head is easy to find and has ample parking, a bathroom, a water fountain and a trash can. The loop could be a little tricky to follow.

 

The loop has a few moderate inclines, but overall it was easy to rate. It's so beautiful, with an expansive view of the area and the beautiful golden hills. The path isn't wide enough to walk side by side with your hiking buddies and pretty much. Dogs are allowed (woo!) and it seemed that, except for the few rule breakers, most people would pick up after their pups.

 

It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from April to the end of September and is otherwise limited to daylight hours. It's going to get close to the homes so it's important to stay on the trail. It's a great easy hike with wonderful views.

 

Easy trail for beginners, or if you just want a quick hike. Like the other Yelpers mentioned, it's a loop that's nice, and you don't have to worry about getting lost! Bring some cold water, a hat, and wear some sunscreen as it gets really hot, because there are sections of the trail with no shade.

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Overall, this is a fairly well-maintained trail and of moderate difficulty. They've got lots of hills, from the beginning, the middle, and even the end. There's a stream of flowing water that you're going to have to hop across, along with some wet spots. We even found a place that was like a swamp and had to turn back.