The parking lot at the end of Bollinger Canyon Road marks the trailhead and the beginning of our four and a half mile loop trail around the Western slopes of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. From this location known as 'Staging Area', pick up the Rocky Ridge View Trail by the gate to the West and begin your hike up the paved road surface.

When you hit the road you'll become immediately aware that there's some elevation gain to this trail. In fact, this clockwise route up the westerly slope gets all of the hill climbing out of the way in one go, so all you'll have to do after that is admire the views and enjoy the ride.

Without a permit you're unable to pass through the gates here, but there's no need since our route takes you on a loop around the best views in the park. Take a left turn just before the gate and follow the narrow track uphill. Thankfully these are the last few upward steps you'll need to take.

From up here on the top of Rocky Ridge, it's easy to forget you're barely a stone's throw away from the towns of Danville and San Ramon. Bask in the views of the unspoilt rolling scenery, the park below, and distant views of Mount Diablo (to the East) and the San Francisco Bay (to the West).

You'll find plenty of opportunities to spot some of our feathered friends up here. We spotted several different hawks up here, and heard the unmistakable shriek of the golden eagle.

Follow the ridge line in a Southerly direction whilst admiring the views but watch out for white patches of rock exposed in the trail. It's not rock, but actually clumps of shell fossils, proof that everything around you was once below sea level.

Take a sharp left here and head down the Elderberry Trail, a gently descending trail which closes our loop hike. If the sun is beating overhead then you'll no doubt welcome the shade of a multitude of species of tree and bush, which is also home for a multitude of scurrying creatures.

You're now at the foot of the hill and just a little ways from the conclusion of your hike. Take a left turn and continue along the Bollinger Creek Loop Trail until you're back at our starting point.