Halls Valley and Yerba Buena Trail Loop

The loop is located within Joseph D. Grant County Park. You can access the trailhead from the park's main entrance. There is a $6 cash vehicle entry fee for the park.

Yes, there is a $6 cash vehicle entry fee required to enter Joseph D. Grant County Park. No additional permits are typically needed for jogging the trails.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trails within Joseph D. Grant County Park, including the Halls Valley and Yerba Buena Trail Loop. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash.

The best time to jog this loop is generally during the cooler months, such as winter or spring. During these seasons, the weather is more pleasant, and you might see wildflowers. Summer midday can be very hot due to limited tree cover on exposed sections.

The terrain varies, featuring exposed dirt singletrack, grassy hills, and oak-studded sections. The Yerba Buena Trail starts fairly flat before climbing, while the Halls Valley Trail includes easy to moderate grades and some steep sections. Some parts of Halls Valley Road are asphalt/tarmac.

The Halls Valley and Yerba Buena Trail Loop is generally considered a moderate challenge. While some sections are flat, there's a significant elevation gain of around 1250 feet (353 meters) with varied grades, including some steep climbs. It offers a good workout but might be challenging for absolute beginners.

The loop is approximately 10.9 kilometers (6.7 miles) long. For an average jogger, it typically takes around 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete, depending on pace and stops.

Joggers can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the distant San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains, and even the Monterey Peninsula from higher points. You'll also see views over the Diablo Range hills, Grant Lake, and the broad San Felipe Creek Valley. The landscape features grasslands, majestic oak trees, and wildflowers in season.

The park is home to various wildlife, including coyotes and wild boar. You might also spot diverse bird species and grazing cattle, which are part of the park's resource management plan.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Halls Valley Trail, Yerba Buena Trail, Canada de Pala Trail, Los Huecos Trail, and Loop Trail, among others within Joseph D. Grant County Park.

It's highly recommended to carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as shade can be limited on exposed sections of the trail. Sun protection like a hat and sunscreen is also advisable.