Sausal Creek to Joaquin Miller in Piedmont

We meet at 11 & P at 6:50 and depart by 7:00 am. We will arrange carpools there or feel free to organize your own and share with me the details so we will not wait for you.
1.5H drive.

The trail begins in the cool, shaded corridor of Sausal Creek, where spring announces itself in soft, subtle ways, new leaves glowing almost translucent in the morning light, the steady murmur of water slipping over stone, and the scent of damp earth rising underfoot. The first miles ease you gently, the path winding alongside the creek as birdsong echoes through the canyon that makes you feel alive.
As you settle into your rhythm, the trail begins to climb to a peaceful stroll that turns into a more purposeful ascent, the elevation gain revealing itself step by step. Over the course of the hike, roughly 1,525 feet of elevation, that makes you feel engaged. Ferns and moss cling to shaded slopes, while bursts of wildflowers, California poppies, lupine, and oxalis dot the edges of the trail in bright, fleeting colors.
Around the midway point, the forest begins to open up. Sunlight filters more directly, and the air feels warmer, carrying the faint sweetness of blooming trees. The trail network becomes more intricate, weaving through the uplands as we transition toward Joaquin Miller Park. You might catch glimpses of the Bay through breaks in the trees, a reminder of how far you have climbed.
By the time we reach the upper sections of the park, the landscape has shifted again. Towering redwoods gives way to more open woodland, and the sky feels closer, wider. There’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing we have covered 8.24 miles, not just distance, but a gradual unfolding of terrain, mood, and perspective. Your legs carry the memory of the climb, but the expansive views and fresh spring air make it feel earned rather than exhausting.
The hike ends not with a dramatic finish, but with a sense of gentle completion. Looking back, the journey from Creekside calm to hillside openness feels like moving through chapters, each mile adding something new, each turn offering a slightly different version of spring.
As always, carpool is strongly encouraged. The price of gas is going up. So please pay your driver the price of one gallon of gas per hour of driving + any parking and tolls. Bring cash please as not everyone uses electronic means.
Bring your lunch, plenty of water, layers, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, poles (if you use them), and a positive and happy attitude and no “no shows”. I do track “no shows” and they show up on your profile. I reserve the right to remove them from the hikes so others who are more reliable will have a chance.
Here are the details for the hike:
https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/6700111267/