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Cowtown by JimmyLyding Morgan Territory Regional Preserve holds 4,700 acres of steeply eroded sandstone ridges. The ridges are covered with grasslands and oak woodlands. Riparian forests are found in the drainages. Cattle are prevalent, but pretty tame. The setting is typical for the East Bay. The preserve is managed by the East Bay Regional Parks District. It wouldn't be worth traveling very far to hike here, but there are nice views here and several athletic hikes. The main trailhead is located across the parking lot from the park residence (allegedly occupied). The Coyote Trail heads downhill to the north to a stock pond. Continue on the Coyote as it winds its way steeply downhill through a riparian forest along the headwaters of Marsh Creek for about a mile. The Coyote Trail goes another 1/3 mile or so through a large meadow. The steep slopes on the right are covered in a dense forest of evergreen oak, and the open meadow may have cattle. Coyote Trail ends 1.5 miles at the Stone Corral Trail. Go left/west on Stone Corral to points unknown or right for 2/3 mile to its intersection with the Eagle, Volvon Loop and Volvon trails. The junctions are actually 200' apart. Continue due north on the Volvon Loop Trail as it winds around Bob Walker Ridge and back again to add a mile to my route. Go left on the Eagle to access the western part of the preserve (there is also access to the western part via the Mollok Trail almost a mile in), or right on the Volvon Trail to follow my route. The route is out in the open now, and I suspect this portion would be unpleasant in the summer. The trail winds its way around the southern tip of Bob Walker Ridge before crossing over at a small saddle to head south along the ridge's eastern side. It's easy to walk along the crest of the ridge without fear of destroying any native soil or vegetation because the cows have already done exactly that. The Blue Oak Trail branches off to the left/east about 2/3 mile into the Volvon Trail, and it travels into a small valley with a stock tank before rejoining it via the Hummingbird Trail 3/4 mile later. Continue on Blue Oak as the route goes through a surprisingly dense oak woodland, and repeatedly goes up and down for the last 1.25 mile back to the parking lot. Check out the Triplog. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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