Briones Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Briones Hills |
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Briones Reservoir in the Briones Hills.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 430 m (1,410 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| District | Contra Costa County |
| Range coordinates | 37°56′34.725″N 122°8′47.876″W / 37.94297917°N 122.14663222°W |
| Topo map | USGS Briones Valley |
| Geology | |
| Type of rock | Inner Coast Ranges, California Coast Ranges System |
The Briones Hills are a group of low hills in western Contra Costa County. They are part of the East Bay area near San Francisco Bay, California. These hills are a great place to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
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What are the Briones Hills?
The Briones Hills are a small mountain range. They are part of a larger group of hills called the California Coast Ranges. These hills are not very tall, with the highest point being about 430 meters (1,411 feet) high.
Where are the Briones Hills Located?
The Briones Hills are found in the southern part of the Inner Coast Ranges. Several cities and towns are located near or at the base of these hills. These include Briones, Lafayette, Martinez, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Alhambra Valley, and Walnut Creek.
Exploring the Briones Hills
The Briones Hills offer many natural features to discover.
Briones Regional Park
A big part of the hills is protected within Briones Regional Park. This park is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. It has many trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park also helps protect important natural areas. These areas include California oak woodlands, chaparral shrubs, and riparian habitats along streams.
Briones Reservoir
In the western part of the hills, you'll find Briones Reservoir. This large lake is managed by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). It stores water for people living in the East Bay area. The reservoir was created by the Briones Dam, which holds back water from Bear Creek.
Local Creeks
The Briones Hills are also where several creeks begin. For example, the headwaters (the very start) of Pinole Creek are on the western side of Costa Peak. The headwaters of Alhambra Creek also start within Briones Regional Park. These creeks flow down from the hills, providing water for plants and animals.
