Elderberry - Rocky View - Cuestas Loop

Pass through a small gate to the right. After roughly 500 feet, make a left and go up the hill gradually, as you climb up, look east for canyon views. About 1.8 miles in, you'll arrive at the junction of Elderberry Trail and Rocky Ridge View Trail. Enjoy a quick rest on the chair donated by a hiker's friend while enjoy the panoranic view of Mt Diablo, Tri-Valley, San Mateo Bridge, etc. Continue west and upwards on the Rocky Ridge View Trail. At mile 3.3, after a couple of rolling hills, you'll reach the peak around 2,000 feet elevation. On a clear day, you'll be able to see the cityscape of San Francisco. Continue for a gradual descent and hang a right on the Rocky Ridge View Shortcut Trail. At the end of this, the hike turns right on the Cuesta Trail for more views (but you could head down the Rocky Ridge View Trail for a more direct exit if you're short on time).Start climbing on this less-frequently traveled trail. The mostly singletrack is a bit uneven and their are low branches. At Mile 5.3 you'll return to the Rocky Ridge View Trail, continue to the east, you'll be hiking downhill gradually back to Elderberry Trail. At mile 6, make a sharp left turn and hike back to the parking lot. You just completed an 8.0-miler hike with 1,700 ft of elevation gain. Give yourself a hug.