Brushy Peak Adventure

Explore the magical parkland known as Brushy Peak Regional Preserve with LARPD Ranger.

Participants must stay with the group. A registered adult must accompany children under 18. The trip will be canceled if it rains. The trip-ending timing is an estimation—it depends on the group's hiking speed and how much exciting stuff we stop to check out!

• Carpooling is encouraged. Please meet at the larger community center parking lot, located at 491 Loyola Way, next to the LARPD Community Garden.

4 Mile Brushy Peak Hike 

This strenuous hike covers approximately four miles over dirt and rocky trails, gaining 800+ feet in elevation. It includes an exploration of unique sandstone rock formations, an introduction to the Native Ohlone, Bay Miwok, and Delta Yokuts cultures associated with the site, and an opportunity to view the plants and animals that live or visit this area. 

2 Mile Brushy Peak Hike

We are also offering an alternate version of the Brushy Peak hike that does not include the final ascent to the peak. This hike reduces the mileage to around 2 miles, elevation gain to around 200 feet, and ends an hour earlier. However, we will still explore all the incredible rock formations and cover the same topics.

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Brushy Peak Group Adventure 

Do you have a group that wants to explore Brushy Peak Regional Preserve? A group tour of Brushy Peak can accommodate groups of up to 15 people (see description above). 

Please contact the Rangers at natureprograms@larpd.org or (925) 960-2400 for information and availability. The fee is $450 per group.

Explore the big world with your little ones at Sycamore Grove Park!

Every other week, we'll meet at the Arroyo Road entrance of Sycamore Grove Park and learn about the natural world through hands-on activities, sensory play, and outdoor exploration related to the session theme.

Sycamore Sprouts - Who Calls Sycamore Grove Home? 

LARPD Ranger Staff 

What makes a habitat a home, and who lives at Sycamore Grove Park? In this session of Sprouts, we’ll learn who calls Sycamore Grove home sweet home.

• Please meet at the Arroyo Road park entrance. 

Sycamore Sprouts: Movement 

LARPD Ranger Staff 

Let’s jump, swim, crawl, and fly as we learn how wildlife moves at Sycamore Grove Park! The program will be canceled if it rains.

• Please meet at the Arroyo Road park entrance. 

Explore the SEASONS at Sycamore Grove Park with the LARPD Rangers! Sycamore Science Camp is an afterschool and homeschool program for youth ages 4-12. This year, we’ll spend as much time as possible out on the trail exploring the seasonal changes at Sycamore Grove Park. 

• Please meet at the Arroyo Rd. Park entrance. 
• If you have any questions, please call the Ranger Station at 925-960-2400. 

Sycamore Science Camp | Seasons Session 1 | Summer Season 

Hot temperatures and long days define Summer, and in California, it might be the most extreme season of them all! Let’s start by going out into the park to see what the last days of summer look like at Sycamore Grove. 

Sycamore Science Camp | Seasons Session 2 | Fall Season 

Changing colors, changing places, and a name that just makes the most sense – this science camp is all about the season of Fall.  Let’s see all these changes and more out in Sycamore Grove Park. 

Sycamore Science Camp Field Trip: Tarantula Hike at Holdener 

Ah, the changing of the seasons, back-to-school shopping, the trees changing colors, and, of course, TARANTULAS!  We’ll see if we can spot these arachnids on their search for love and take in the shift from summer to fall with an evening hike at Holdener Park, located at 2995 Hansen Rd.

• Parking is limited; please carpool when possible. 

Junior Rangers Program

Hiking, playing games, exploring nature, and lots of fun are included for those who register to be a LARPD Jr. Ranger. This program meets at Sycamore Grove Park every other week, where participants will explore the park and learn all about Open Space.   

• Please meet at the Reservable Picnic Area. 
• Please call the Ranger Station if you have any questions at 925-960-2400. 

NEW! Junior Rangers Campout 

Keep the adventure going after dark with the LARPD Junior Rangers Campout.  Experience Sycamore Grove Park after the sun goes down – play night games, enjoy a campfire, listen for owls on a night hike, and sleep under the stars. 

Participants who are registered in the Junior Rangers program can add on this overnight adventure; after enrolling in Junior Rangers, participants will be sent a separate link to register.

• Dinner and breakfast included.
• Campers supply their own camping equipment (Tents will be provided by LARPD). 

Ranger Explorers Program

Calling all nature lovers and outdoor explorers!

From pursuing an interest in STEM and the outdoor industry to adventuring and recreating in nature, this program is geared towards young teens and will give them a sense of independence, a community of peers, and a calling towards stewardship. Each 5-hour session will show participants a different side of our local wildlife and open spaces.

• Please meet at Sycamore Grove Park Reservable Picnic Area for the first session.
• Please call the Ranger Station if you have any questions at 925-960-2400. 
• Locations will vary; more information will be provided once registered. 

NEW! Ranger Explorers Campouts 

Explore further with our Ranger Explorers Campouts.  You'll learn the ins and outs of camping, play night games, go on a night hike, and see (or hear!) who comes out after dark. 

Participants who enroll in the Ranger Explorers program can add-on these overnight adventures; after enrolling in Ranger Explorers, participants will be sent a separate link to register.

• Dinner and breakfast included.
• Campers supply their own camping equipment (Tents will be provided by LARPD). 
• Additional information will be provided via email from the rangers after registration.

LARPD Ranger Staff offer public programs, many of which are free! Please visit our Ranger Programs and Events page to see what's happening.

You may also subscribe to receive “Valley Wilds,” LARPD Open Space’s monthly newsletter, and be the first to learn about interpretive programs.

For more information about Ranger Programs, please call 925-960-2400. 

“Hoot Owl” program

The LARPD “Hoot Owl” program is a fun, after-hours walk-in Sycamore Grove Park led by LARPD Rangers! As the sun sets, you'll learn about nocturnal animals and their adaptations. Participants can touch wings and talons and view taxidermy specimens.

The introductory talk is followed by a one to two-mile hike as twilight transitions to darkness. Along the way, rangers make frequent stops so the group can look and listen for nocturnal creatures and offer fun activities that exercise all five senses to experience nature at night better.

How do I sign up for a Hoot Owl program?

• Email the ranger staff at natureprograms@larpd.org with your proposed hike date at least two weeks in advance. Further in advance will ensure more availability!
   
• The start time for the Hoot Owls Program is based on sunset, so times vary depending on the time of year.
   
• The Hoot Owl program generally lasts 1.5 to 2 hours and walks about one mile at a relaxed pace. 

What are the trails like on a Hoot Owl Hike?

The usual route is on wide dirt trails with some loose rock and gravel sections. This route is not recommended for strollers or wheelchairs. An ADA (paved) route is available upon request.

Plan Ahead

Hoot Owl Hikes are limited to 20 people, including kids and adults. You may need to book more than one hike so everyone can attend. We suggest all participants be at least 5 years old. Pets are not allowed. When registering, note which entrance your hike meets at. The Nature Area Entrance does not have restrooms or water fountains. If your hike is at this entrance plan extra time to make a restroom stop at the main park entrance (1051 Wetmore Road) before coming to the nature area.

What to Bring

• You should wear sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or tennis shoes. Unless an ADA route is requested, you will be walking on dirt and gravel trails.
• Layers of clothing – when the sun goes down, it may get cold, even in the summer.
• Drinking water in a reusable bottle that you can carry with you.

What is NOT Allowed

These items may not be taken on the night hike – you will need to leave these items in your car:

• Flashlights
• Cameras with flashes
• Food
• Walking sticks
• Cell phones

Our Meeting Locations

• Sycamore Grove Park, Nature Area Entrance
• Sycamore Grove Park, Wetmore Road Entrance

Program Fee

Fees are per group, not to exceed 20 participants per group.

• Livermore resident Groups: $205
• Non-resident Groups: $225

Nature Programs for Groups

Do you have a group interested in a special nature program with the Rangers? 

From Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups working towards badges to special interest groups wanting a guided hike of the park, LARPD Ranger Staff is excited to create a custom program for your group. 

Don't hesitate to contact the Rangers at natureprograms@larpd.org or (925) 960-2400 for information, availability, and pricing.