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Print Friendly MapThe Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail links its two namesake communities via a former logging railroad corridor that largely parallels St. Mary's Road. Uniquely, mules hauled lumber on the corridor before tracks for steam trains were installed.
Winding through the Moraga Valley, the paved trail offers a spectacularly scenic journey while providing regular access to homes throughout and businesses in the center of the two towns. Expect heavy trail traffic, especially on the weekends.
Parking is available at trailheads at both ends of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail. In the north, park at the Olympic Boulevard Staging Area at the intersection of Pleasant Hill Road and Olympic Boulevard in Lafayette. In the south, park at the Valle Vista Staging Area on Canyon Road at the southern edge of Moraga.
If you're a fan of dedicated bike paths, and in the area, don't miss the opportunity to ride Lafayette-Moraga. Almost the entirety of the path is along a shaded corridor, gently curving back and forth, beautiful homes visible in wooded settings, quirky sections (e.g. a brief segment with many dozens of miniature bird houses hanging from trees), St. Mary's of Moraga's beautiful campus visible at one point.
I'd recommend starting from the Lafayette side. This trail is not flat: the out and back registered 600 vertical feet on Ride with GPS. Starting on the Lafayette side will result in about 5 miles of mildly climbing trail, a descent of about 2 miles at the far end, and then a somewhat steeper (but not steep) climb back to the summit. The last 4.75 miles of a round trip to Lafayette involves a swooping and delightful descent back to where you started. While the climbing is not negligible, it is well within the capabilities of even moderately fit riders.
My partner and I rode this trail on our tandem trike on a Wednesday, finding light to moderate foot and bike traffic. If you're family oriented, use caution with the younger riders, as on the downhill slopes some riders will be coming down in excess of the 15 mph speed limit.
Overall, a gem of a ride, scenic, interesting, and just enough of a challenge to feel that your heart and lungs benefited from a great day outside.
We went on this trail yesterday and really liked it! There’s a little bit of up and down, but an ambitious 9 year old and a reluctant 12 year old did it on bikes with gears. Do not park at the southern most lot, though as the path is closed a mile after starting due to a bridge being under construction. Start at the second lot going north at St. Mary’s and Moraga.
"Nice trail. Good parking. It goes accross considerable and variable landscape from completely rural to suburban. Bring a some small water container. There is a Safeway about halfway through that you can get some eats. Also multiple water fountains along the way. The hills, though long, are not steep and if you take your time, are no problem. If you're looking for something longer, this trail easily connects with the more extensive East Bay system that's even nicer. Very few bikes. Mostly walkers and runners. "
"I ride this every time I'm in the Walnut Creek area. I ususally start at the Olympia Trailhead and go as far as the Rheem Blvd hill which is quite steep. At the top I rest on one of the many benches along the path and then cool down on the way back down the gentle slope after the hill. Well paved, wide and popular. Coupled with the Iron Horse and Contra Costa Canel trails this trail is a wonderful system."
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