Morgan Territory Regional Preserve
Back in the day before all this recreational hiking – when hikers were known as explorers – in order to enjoy the thrill of the view from a high place, you were required to trudge up to that place. On foot, if you can believe it. Nowadays we let our cars do the climbing, especially if we hanker for the glories of Morgan Territory. When we arrive at the park’s staging area and pop the car door, we’re already 2,040 feet above sea level. No trudging required.
Sunrise, Roger Epperson Ridge. Epperson supervised Round Valley, Black Diamond Mines and Morgan Territory for the East Bay Regional Park District. You might not have heard of him before now, but if those parks occupy a special place in your heart, you’ve seen his handiwork all over the place.
California buckeye in full bloom.
Ruby chalice clarkia, Blue Oak Trail.
Valley oak against the backdrop of North Peak, Mt. Diablo. Viewed from Highland Ridge.
Morning on the Prairie Falcon ledge. The canyon below is cut by the headwaters of Marsh Creek.
Harvest brodeaia, Eagle Trail.
Valley oak along the Clyma Trail at sunrise.
Mt. Diablo's North Peak at sunrise viewed from Highland Ridge.
California buckeye in autumn. Highland Ridge.
A blue oak rests its elbow on a boulder along the Volvon Trail.
Storksbill filaree, Stone Corral Trail.
Mt. Diablo absorbs the muted hues of sunrise. Viewed from Highland Ridge.
A trio of valley oaks in January viewed from Epperson Ridge.
Bark peels from madrone, Prairie Falcon Trail.
Manzanita blossoms, Condor Trail.
A valley oak welcomes morning sunlight on the Clyma Trail.
Mt. Diablo at sunrise viewed from Highland Ridge.
California buckeye in autumn. Highland Ridge.
The panorama from my rock recliner along the Prairie Falcon Trail. Photo by Chris Erickson.
Mt. Diablo fairy lantern, Coyote Trail.
Mt. Diablo at sunrise viewed from Highland Ridge.
California buckeye, autumn sunset.
Winter evening on Roger Epperson Ridge.