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Print Friendly MapThe Ygnacio Canal Trail begins at a junction with the Contra Costa Canal Trail. Most of the trail runs along the Ygnacio Canal, a narrow irrigation channel where ducks live. The trail is paved, except for a gap near Ygnacio Valley Rd.
The western part of the Ygnacio Canal Trail goes through Heather Farm Park, passing a dog park and a lake. The Heather Farm Community Center and Clarke Memorial Swim center are nearby. At the end of the park there is a small gap where you must bike on the road or walk your bike on the sidewalk. Turn south on Kinross Dr., then go east along Ygnacio Valley Rd. At the entrance to the John Muir Medical Center, cross the road to continue on the bike path. The rest of the trail passes through residential areas. A number of parks are located along this section. The largest of these is Arbolado Park, which has parking, restrooms, and drinking fountains. The trail then turns north, passing through a tunnel under Ygnacio Valley Rd. The trail ends along the base of Lime Ridge, where it rejoins the Contra Costa Canal Trail.
To reach the west end of the trail, park at the Heather Farm Dog Park (505 N San Carlos Dr). Parking is also available at Arbolado Park, located at Arbolado Dr. and Doncaster Dr.
This is a nice paved trail that runs alongside places like the Boundary Oaks golf course and Lime Ridge park. It is nice for bikes as well as pedestrians -- and dogs on leash! It's a very low impact walk with very little slope. The tunnel underneath Ygnacio Valley Road is the coolest with lighting and is fairly clean (i.e., not a nasty stinky tunnel).
Tried this trail, but ended in disaster. Starting at the "Heather Park" end, after crossing Marchbanks Rd, I encountered Diablo Hills Golf Course. Map routes through the golf course to Kinross Dr, but once I entered the green, I was "politely" chased away by a lady in a golf cart yelling, "You can't be here... this is private property... you could be killed" (assume she meant by a line-drive).
When you get to Marchbanks Dr, turn left, go down to Ygnacio, hang a right, then pick up the trail.
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