Reviewed by:  ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
DON'T PARK YOUR CAR IN THE STAGING AREA OFF OF REDWOOD ROAD!! Last Friday I had over $5K worth of sh!t ripped off out of my car from some life sucking azzholes from Castro Valley. This parking area is a PRIME target for these MF'ers because after dusk it's secluded and dark. I‘m WARNING YOU. If you like having your windows smashed and all your sh!t taken, please park there. Otherwise park somewhere else with more light and more people.

Recommended Route:
It was: Brandon, red tail, grass valley, goldenrod, west shore, east shore, ten hills. But now that there's no place to park on that side of the park so whos where the hell I'll park/ride tonight.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Skeggs Point(San Mateo). This has got the be some of the best riding on the Bay Area.

Reviewed by: dejj , from oakland, ca (& nyc)

Summary:
the paved loop around the lake is more or less flat but there are some steep up and downhills here. this is a good trail to train on. for intermediate riders, it might be good for leisurely riding; it can be fun. bike patrol does operate frequently here. and there's a nearby rifle range, so if you think you might be disturbed by shots, call to find out when it's in session.

Recommended Route:
a friend said that i could do the lake chabot loop in an hour...but it took more than FOUR!!! it's not a loop, it's like many trails or fire roads within a loop, so you could veer off, e.g., through loggers trail, and still end up on the main trail (is it brannon or brandon?), then there are some *very* steep downhills or uphills depending on whether you're starting from the main entrance or not starting from the main entrance. if you like downhills, you should start from the main entrance. it's really easy to get lost here, e.g., after crossing a parking lot at redwood road, i veered off the main trail and went down a steep hill, where i encountered a fork in the road (i think there is a watershed there??..or at least a HUGE no trespassing sign with some weird object in the distance). from that fork, i went right. it took me to a steep uphill, which led to a campground with no interesting outlet that i could find. if you go left from that fork, it will take you over a narrow bridge and back onto the paved road, which will complete the loop. alternatively, you could follow brannon or brandon trail to the end, roll down a residential street in castro valley, go through ten hills trail, and exit through a zig zaggy downhill street (not the main entrance).

Reviewed by: tom c , from alameda

Summary:
If you like steep grades try the MacDonald trail south of Redwood Rd, Live Oak Trail or Honker Bay from the Lake, RedTail or CottonTail Trails. These are all fun descents or demanding climbs depending on your direction. Goldenrod is a more gradual but longer climb or descent with some excellent views of the Las Trampas area to the east. Riding up the east ridge
toward MacDonald from Bort Meadow is a pleasant scenic climb. For solitude find Soaring Hawk Trail south of Bort. The paved road around the South side of the lake can get very crowded, especially on weekends I'm told. I have not yet ridden the trails at the South end of the Park, but there is more there. In general this is a good area for conditioning rides if you live in the East Bay. I'm giving this 4 stars because there is a lot here to ride.

Recommended Route:
There are lots of trails here, nearly all fireroad, nothing very technical, but still lots of enjoyable mileage can be had in here with pleasant views and no cars. Get a trailmap and ride. You will encounter hikers, equestrians, cattle, and critters so ride accordingly.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Redwood Park (fireroads with some technical spots)

Reviewed by: anonomous , from castro valley

Summary:
if you want technical, it does exist. however, it is not legal. my parent's house backs onto 10 hills trail, and i rode here daily for a few years. what inspired me to write was a message below saying you won't get caught riding the illegal singletrack. i was busted twice by cops on motorcycles. the fines were $250.00. each. i have also been chased back up a singletrack trail with my light off by an officer on foot. i got away, but i am now protesting what i believe are unjust closures politically, rather than simply with civil disobediance. Attend regional parks meetings. shred

Other recommended trails in the same area:
redwood park, china camp and exploring point reyes.