Round Valley Regional Preserve
Compared to the statuesque and glamorous chicks in her clique – Los Vaqueros, Morgan Territory, Black Diamond Mines and Mt. Diablo – Round Valley seems petite and plain. Then you get to know her. The scrawny schoolgirl starts turning heads. When at the prom the guys who’ve been snubbing her strut up and ask for a whirl on the dance floor, she says, “Take a hike.” So we do.
Mt. Diablo viewed from Merlon Ridge in February of 2023.
Winter sunrise on the Round Valley summit, elevation 1,220'. Eight miles west stands Mt. Diablo.
Owl's clover in March.
The oak woodland of Hardy Canyon in winter.
In Murphy Meadow, a male tarantula in mating season inspects a burrow in the hope of hitting on some long-legged, eight-legged brunette.
Round Valley Creek in March.
The rusted remains of a harvester combine belonging to rancher Jim Murphy, former owner of Round Valley, are among the many vintage farm implements scattered across Murphy Meadow.
Winecup clarkia in April.
A blue oak greets sunrise in Murphy Meadow.
Prescribed burns in Murphy Meadow are set by the East Bay Regional Park District to prevent wildfires from spreading out of control.
Blue oak at sunrise.
The Hardy Canyon Trail is a prime track for equestrians looking to move up in the world.
Frosty autumn morning in Murphy Meadow.
The view south from Merlon Ridge on a foggy January morning.
Sunrise shadows define North Peak’s eastern canyons. Viewed from Coyote Ridge.
California orange poppies in Hardy Canyon.
Summer sunrise viewed from Merlon Ridge.
Buckeye trio on a misty winter evening, Coyote Ridge.
Buckeyes at sunrise in summer.
Miniature lupine in March.
Dead oak in fog, Summit Ridge.
Milk thistle in autumn, Summit Ridge.
Valley oak and owl’s clover in late winter. Hardy Canyon.
The spurs and draws of Hardy Canyon in autumn.
Fog drifts through Murphy Meadow at sunrise.
September sunrise.