Читать книгу Urban Trails East Bay - Alexandra Kenin - Страница 12

The East Bay has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, and while there is some slight variation from year to year, the area’s annual weather patterns impact hiking conditions in a predictable way. For certain hikes, I note the best times of year to hike—and also when not to hike.

Winter is the area’s rainy season, and trails can be very muddy. This mud can range from a mild, slippery annoyance to a thick, sticky muck that is hard to navigate. And while it may seem obvious, winter can be cool, and you may get chilly on some hikes, especially those at higher elevations, so come prepared with appropriate clothing and layers. It also gets dark very early in the depths of winter, which may make completing longer routes during daylight hours challenging. One hike that’s best in winter is Mount Diablo Falls (Hike 39) as its seasonal waterfalls are at their most impressive in winter (or early spring) after a good rain.

Spring is a great time to hike in the East Bay. The rain begins to taper off, but the grasslands you see in many of the area’s parks are still green from the moisture they received in winter (and may stay green until at least the beginning of May). At the same time, wildflowers burst out of the soil, painting the parks with a rainbow of color. Temperatures are ideal for hiking, neither too hot nor too cold. And daylight saving time brings longer days, which means it’s a good time to start hiking longer routes again.

Summer can be challenging for hiking in the East Bay. Visually, it can be argued that the hikes are less scenic because the grasslands have turned from green to brown. While there is little chance of rain affecting your plans, temperatures can be very hot, and shade and water on some routes can be limited. Make sure you and your hiking companions protect yourselves from the sun and that both your human and dog companions have enough water. This is a great time to head into the shade on trails like Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve (Hike 15), Redwood Regional Park (Hike 16), and Dimond Park (Hike 19).

Fall can have the same mild weather as spring, but without the blooming wildflowers and green grass. Early in the fall, hot summer temperatures can remain, so bring enough water and sun protection. Starting in October, rain often returns to the area, bringing back green grass and cooler temperatures. When daylight saving time ends in November, it gets dark early, so it’s a good time to do shorter routes that don’t leave you hiking in the dark.