Mulholland Ridge Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Parking is limited and on the road. There are no restrooms or facilities at the trailhead.

From the Moraga side (east parking area at the end of Donald Dr.) the path ascends somewhat steeply for about 0.15 miles. 300 feet from the parking area, on the left (southeast) there is a gate and trail that climbs to a small knoll with excellent views of Moraga. At about 0.1 miles the trail gains the ridge line and turns towards the northwest. The grade levels out and the path continues for about 1 mile, until it reaches the boundary with Orinda Oaks Open Space Preserve and turns into the Donald Drive Trail.

Flora include monterey pines, oaks, trailing blackberry, poison oak (watch out!), coyote brush, grasses, and many other plants typical of the oak chaparral of the Bay Area. During the winter, especially after rain, many fungi can be found, especially on dead trees and decomposing logs. In the spring, wildflowers bloom for weeks. Fauna include many species of birds, especially acorn woodpeckers (especially on the dead pine trees), red-tailed hawks, kestrels, chickadees, jays, and much more. Fauna also include deer, coyotes, rabbits, western fence lizards, and other common animals to the area.