Austin Creek State Recreation Area (Backpacking)

On the edge of the greater Bay Area resides a diverse natural world of oak woodlands, redwood groves, perennial streams, far eaching vistas, and fantastic spring wildflowers, all tucked deep within secluded canyons. An overnight journey into the reaches of Austin Creek State Recreation Area takes you far from the bustling human world. The trail descends steeply from ridgeline to lush valley bottom, past four mellifluous streams, two different trail camps, and a wide diversity of ecosystems. The full 10.5-mile loop journey along East Austin Creek and Gilliam Creek trails to Manning Flat Trail Camp is described below, however shorter trips are possible. The quickest overnight excursion is the 6.4-mile out-and-back journey to Tom King Trail Camp on East Austin Creek Trail. Several other semi-loops are also possible that utilize only portions of Gilliam Creek Trail. East Austin Creek Trail is a broad service road; Gilliam Creek Trail is singletrack and open to hikers and equestrians only. While it is possible to bike into the trail camps, the drop into the canyons is steep and difficult.