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Walter Costa Trail

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Trail Map: CLICK HERE

App Map: AllTrails

Walter Costa Trail Map 

The Walter Costa trail takes you from the Lafayette Reservoir, over Quail Ridge to Happy Valley School. From there you can cross Happy Valley Road and continue on Panorama Drive into Briones Regional Park. The trail is a mix of suburban streets and more rural trails, with magnificent views from high on the ridge.

The trail begins on the north side of Mt. Diablo Blvd. at the signed entrance to the EBMUD water treatment plant across from the entrance to the Reservoir. The trail is paved from this point through the EBMUD plant to Pine Lane.  Follow Pine Lane north to Timothy Lane, turn left on Timothy Lane, and then right on Los Arabis Drive and follow the road to the cul-de-sac. The trail continues on the paved fire lane to connect with Quail Ridge Road. Follow Quail Ridge Road for a half block and then climb a small rise to the left via steps and drop down through a wooded area to a paved driveway.  Bear right when entering the driveway which leads to Cambridge Drive.

Follow the road to the cul-de-sac at the end of Cambridge Drive and take the paved trail down over the bridge and past Happy Valley School to Happy Valley Road. Turn right on Happy Valley Road and left on Panorama Drive. Follow the steep road to the trailhead entering Briones Regional Park. Continue on the paved EBMUD road. Then turn left at the Lafayette trail sign directing you uphill to the Russell Peak trail. This connects to the Lafayette Ridge Trail and other Briones Regional Park Trails.

One Way Length:  2.17 miles

Surface: Mostly paved with some dirt trail

Terrain: Steep - climbs two ridges

Parking: Park on El Nido Ranch Road, Pine Lane and Happy Valley Road where permitted.

TRAIL RULES, REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

  • Trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk.
  • Alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted.
  • Firearms, hunting, shooting, fireworks, fires of any type, including matches and lighters, are not permitted.
  • All plant, wildlife and geological features are protected by laws. Do not capture, collect or harm.
  • Dogs must be securely leashed and under the control of their owners at all times. Dog waste and trash must be carried out.
  • With the exception of motorized wheel chairs, motorized vehicles of all types are prohibited.
  • Respect private property and be considerate of neighbors and fellow trail users by keeping noise down.
  • Cutting, breaking, defacing or disturbing a sign, fence, bench, or other city property located on trails is prohibited.
  • Placing a rope, wire, mark, writing, or sign on a tree, plant or city structure located on, or next to a trail is not allowed.
  • Bicycles are not permitted on trails that have been posted as unsafe for bicycle use.
  • Bicycles shall be operated in a safe manner especially when sharing trails with pedestrians. Bicycle speed, on     mixed-use trails shall not exceed 15 mph on straightaways and 5 mph around corners and hills. Call out when pedestrians are ahead.

Lafayette Municipal Code Chapter 8-22, contains a complete listing of the rules, regulations and restrictions applicable to all Lafayette trails.  Violations will be subject to citations and fines.

LAFAYETTE EMERGENCY & MAINTENANCE CONTACTS

Police Dispatch: 925.284.5010

Public Works: 925.934.3908

Parks, Trails & Recreation Dept.:  925.284.2232

TO REPORT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE OR TO VOLUNTEER, DONATE, OR HELP WITH TRAILS: Email the PTR Dept.: Trails@LoveLafayette.org

FOR GENERAL TRAILS INFORMATION: http://www.ci.lafayette.ca.us/

TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: Email the Police Tip hotline: 94549tip@gmail.com

 Walter Costa

Walter “Wally” Costa was a member of the Lafayette City Council from 1972-76, serving as the City’s 6th Mayor in 1973. An architect and planner by profession, he volunteered his talent and experience on the city's first planning commission and Lafayette Architectural Review Commission. He also served as a director of the Lafayette Historical Society and a member of the Lafayette Horseman's Association, the Lafayette Improvement Association, and the Lafayette Design Project. Additional volunteer work included serving on the Board of Directors for the East Bay Regional Parks District where he advocated for parks and trails throughout the region. In recognition of Mr. Costa’s contributions to the City and community at large, the Walter Costa Trail was dedicated in his name on April 22, 1979.

Walter Costa