Take a Hike! - Challenge your Family

The weather is brightening up these days and one of my absolute favorite things to do with is take a hike. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, and exploring the regions around and you've got the perfect combo for a summer day trip and quality family time outside.

One place we've discovered that has become one of our favorite places to hike is Morgan Territory Regional Preserve in Livermore. Just off of N. Livermore on 580 and up one lane on Morgan Territory road, this preserve is dog friendly and has a slew of trails for hikers of all kind. The beginning of the trail has a fountain fit for us humans or your furry friend. There is a pond filled with tadpoles and other small fish as you head left. And further up the trail there are creeks and descending dirt paths that lead you to expanse, shaded areas.

Here your kids can climb the rocks and tree trunks overhanging the water. Our dog, Vada, had a blast running over the rocks and in the water. (Psst...Oh yea, your dog can run freely here without a leash and release some indoor frenzy.)

My favorite part of our hike here is seeing how far we could go together. We were able to go almost 6 miles! With the Volvon loop, Condor, and Coyote trails around us, we found our way back to the beginning of our venture after 5 hours. We saw cows, a bull, wildflowers, some beetles, a scorpion, some beautiful spider web formations, and a stunning view of Mt Diablo all while achieving steep rocky hills and challenging terrain.

If your kids haven't done a trail hike before, I suggest maybe going as far as the end of the creek to start then for the second time around, going beyond and exploring the surrounding trails which will take you even further.

So the next time you are suffering from couch potato syndrome, get out, kick some rocks, and take a hike. Your family will thank you for it.

More info on Morgan Territory including history, trails, and a map, go to: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/morgan#about

Do you have a favorite hiking spot in the area? Please let us know in the comments section below.