Want Access to New, Less-Crowded Bay Area Hiking Trails? A $10 EBMUD Permit Could Be the Answer

If you’re a Bay Area hiker who feels like you’ve exhausted all of the region’s most scenic parks and trails — or are just getting tired of being surrounded by people on crowded trails when you’re looking for solitude — there might be a cost-effective solution. 

That is, buying this $10 annual pass to be able to enter 57,000 acres of East Bay Municipal Utility District land.

Bordering reservoirs in the East Bay and the Sierra foothills, EBMUD’s land includes the entire watershed the utility manages and is full of hiking, biking and even watersports opportunities that only people with an annual pass can access.

Why the $10 fee for the pass? Nelsy Rodriguez, spokesperson for EBMUD, said the agency asks for this paid yearly trail permit to cover trail and land maintenance, and also so the agency can monitor how many people are actually using its trails.

“For a very small fee, just so that we know who’s there, we can fund the maintenance of these trails,” she said. “There’s worlds of trails to explore out there.”

• Jump straight to: 3 beautiful Bay Area hikes to explore with an EBMUD permit

The permit, which you can purchase online, costs $10 per year and includes access for you and your immediate family (with no limit on this number) — plus three other people. If you don’t want to commit to a year, you can buy a day permit for $3. EMBUD also offers 3-year permits for $20 and 5-year $30 permits, which may offer you even more value if you plan to use these lands over several years. 

Rodriguez said when visiting an EMBUD trail, it’s best to keep your permit on you and sign the trail register at the start of your hike. 

“That way, in case there’s any emergency, we can verify your identity,” she said.

While hiking on watershed land, stay on the trail, stay aware of ticks and always carry water, Rodriguez said. Any form of fire is prohibited, she said.

As for the reservoirs themselves — from San Pablo all the way to Pardee in the Sierra foothills — they’re open for recreation but not for swimming. That means visitors can hike around the water’s perimeter and sometimes fish, boat or kayak in the water. Just remember: these waterways provide drinking water for 1.4 million people in the Bay Area, so actual body contact isn’t allowed.

Keep reading for a few ideas on how to use a $10 annual EBMUD pass around the Bay Area. And if you still want more ideas, the utility has its own interactive trail map where you can filter by difficulty and other factors, and a list of suggested Bay Area hikes.

Oursan Trail to Bear Creek Trail along Briones Reservoir 

This 13-mile loop, 10 miles of which is dog-friendly, can fill a full day of adventure — or simply make it an out-and-back and turn around when you’re ready. 

Following unpaved fire trails with intermittent views of the reservoir, the trail is scattered with meadows, oak trees and lots of wildlife. Just be sure to keep your dog on leash at all times.

Pinole Ridge and Valley Loop Trail

Connect two trails together to form a 6.6-mile loop through the Pinole Valley Watershed, an especially quiet trail despite its expansive valley views.

This trail is best done in the shoulder season or on cool days as there is little shade. Dogs are not allowed.

Lakeside Nature Trail at Lafayette Reservoir

This paved, family-friendly trail can be hiked in an easy 1-hour loop, ideal for strollers, runners and dog walkers. 

Enjoy constant views of the reservoir and plenty of picnic areas, benches and water fountains – and even a playground and boat rentals for a full day of activities with kids. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times.