Laughlin, Tamcan, and Brushy Peak Loop

This loop is generally considered a moderate hike. While it's approximately 10.1 km (6.2 miles) long and can be completed in about 2 hours and 44 minutes, some sections involve steady climbs with grades up to 16-18% for short periods. It requires good fitness, but the paths are mostly accessible.

The trail is located within Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore, Alameda County, California. You can typically find parking at the preserve's main staging areas, which provide access to the various trails, including this loop.

The loop traverses former ranch lands, featuring a mix of open savannah, grassy slopes, and areas with sandstone rock outcroppings and scattered oak woodlands. You'll experience rolling grasslands and open hillsides, with some sections of the Brushy Peak Loop Trail winding through more rocky terrain and groves. Expansive views of the Livermore Valley, Tri-Valley, and Altamont Pass windmills are also prominent.

The trail offers dramatically different scenery depending on the season. In winter and spring, the hills are lush and green with seasonal ponds. In summer and fall, the landscape is dry, golden, and exposed. For cooler temperatures and vibrant greenery, spring is often preferred, but be prepared for limited shade in any season.

Regulations for dogs in Brushy Peak Regional Preserve typically allow them on trails, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check the latest rules for the preserve before your visit.

Brushy Peak Regional Preserve generally does not require an entrance fee for day use. However, it's always a good idea to check the East Bay Regional Park District's official website for any updated regulations or specific permit requirements for activities beyond general hiking.

The preserve is known for excellent raptor viewing, with red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, harriers, and falcons often seen. You may also encounter cattle grazing, ground squirrels, amphibians, reptiles, badgers, burrowing owls, and potentially the San Joaquin kit fox, especially during the greener seasons.

The trail offers impressive views of the Livermore Valley and the Altamont Pass, dotted with windmills. While the very summit of Brushy Peak is not publicly accessible, the trail rises up to its oaks and wild outcrops, providing sweeping vistas. The Brushy Peak Loop Trail section also showcases interesting geological formations.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several trails within the preserve. You will hike along parts of the Laughlin Loop Trail, the Tamcan Trail, and the Brushy Peak Loop Trail, among others like the West Side Loop Trail and Dyer Ranch Trail.

Given the limited shade and potential for hot, windy conditions, especially in summer and fall, it's crucial to bring plenty of water. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen), appropriate hiking footwear for varied terrain, and layers of clothing are also recommended.

The very summit of Brushy Peak is not accessible to the general public for independent hiking. Access to the summit is typically by guided tour only. However, the trail does rise up to the oaks and wild outcrops of the peak, offering impressive views from nearby.