Near: Freemont
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation: 900 to 1200 feet
Vegetation: Pasture
Last Visit: June 2020
Vargas Plateau Regional Park is yet another East Bay cowpark situated east of Freemont. This post is for a moderate loop around the high portion of the park. You can also hike up the steep trail from subdivisions at the base of the plateau, but to the extent this lesser visit park has something unusual to offer, it's the the wide open views available with relatively little climbing from the upper parking area. Also it's not clear to me if there is any public parking close to the lower entrance.
Rules
Pretty standard East Bay Regional Park rules. Dogs are OK off leash under voice control outside of parking areas.
Trailhead
There is a single trailhead accessed via Morgan Canyon Road by way of the Vargas Plateau exit from I-680. There is room for about 20 cars. If the lot is full you don't have a lot of options as there is no legal parking on the road. No fee. There is pit toilet.
Route Notes
There is a lollipop loop around the highest portion of the park. The only shade on the whole loop is a short section of trees at the far end as the trail dips down a couple hundred feet on the steep hills above Niles Canyon.
Photos
Some 'friendship rocks' are sprinkled on the route up from the subdivisions below. Some parent down there found an excellent activity to keep their kids busy.
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