Lime Ridge Open Space

Lime Ridge Open Space is a 1226-acre land with 25 miles of trails and trailheads with parking in Walnut Creek and Concord. Lime Ridge is situated on the eastern side of Walnut Creek on a dominant ridge leading to Mount Diablo.It includes some of Walnut Creek’s few remaining chaparral, and a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Lime Ridge derives its name from the area that the Cowell Portland Cement Company quarried from the limestone. There are numerous options for hiking, walking, and nature watching through various plant and quarry populations. Portions of Lime Ridge are governed by The City of Walnut Creek within the City of Concord.

Dogs are allowed but leash laws differ based on which section you are in and dogs are often advised by rangers to stay on leash. In the field around the North Lime Hill, north of Ygnacio, dogs will either be under encouraging voice and sight order or leashed. Dogs chasing cattle can be a serious problem because cattle graze in this area. 

Only before the entry to the Borges ranch parking lot if you turn left through the hills and swing around a power line tower to work your way back to the top you will see a stable of horses off to your left. This ranch sets up the celestial satellites. No-one will hear your dismembering if you run into one up there. If you have a good headlamp and head towards the outer ridge you can see all types and eyeballs staring at you from the surrounding brush making it truly unique and if you’re really lucky and the fog comes in you’ll be in for a real treat.

The trails are really good to go up to the Lime Ridge Open Space where you can go hiking or mountain biking on. There are green fields that are very warm, and some shade walks. When you’ve reached the mountain there are spectacular views of the west Walnut Creek with plenty of rolling hills and lots of trees or looking east the landscape is hilly, sandy and treed. The place we’ve been to is mainly uphill before you hit the edge. You should be mindful that particularly during the hotter season, there are rattlesnakes that may be on the road. Lime Ridge provides many routes to explore. The fastest and shortest path is a parking lot off the road to Ygnacio Valley & Montecito Dr., which is available from 6 am to 6 pm.