Sycamore Grove: A Nature Retreat Minutes From Downtown

Sycamore Grove is an anomalous preserve of land nestled in the Livermore Valley where vineyards and tract homes dominate the landscape.

It's a refreshing haven for a diverse variety of fauna and flora which inhabit the almost 800 acres of this park. I recently spent the day exploring Sycamore Grove, and discovered the joys this thriving ecosystem has to offer.

The park entrance is just south of downtown Livermore on Wetmore Road, which is accessible through Arroyo Road or Vallecitos Road. There is no visitor center at this park, just a kiosk to print out a five dollar parking stub.

Maps and information on the area can be found in glass cases at the trailhead, next to a dirt lot used to park horse trailers. I suggest printing out a trail map (click Trails and Amenities Map pdf) as none are available to pick up. It's always a good idea to know exactly where you are, and a map will also ensure you don't miss out on worthwhile side-trails or landmarks.

Among the activities offered throughout Sycamore Grove's weaving network of trails are hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

A paved two and a half mile trail serves as the most trafficked path, popular for runners and bikers. If you're looking for more than exercise -- to absorb your surroundings and get a break from the city -- I recommend the network of dirt trails which lets you fully explore the area. These less-trod paths increase your chances of seeing the wildlife which is a major perk of the park.

The amount of squirrels that I ran into on my hike was staggering. Upon certain stretches of trail, Winery Loop in particular, I saw dozens of these critters within the course of a few minutes. Swarms of the agile fur-balls would scurry across my path in tandem, kicking up dust in a sprint to grapple up trees or dive into holes in escape. Squirrels are just one member of the diverse Sycamore Grove wildlife community though.

Lizards, butterflies, ants, grasshoppers, and song birds are plentiful, but more exotic animals are often seen. In addition to the already mentioned fauna, I ran across a few fish, a tarantula, several red-tail hawks, and even a group of ducks. What I didn't see (and what you might) were deer, coyotes, foxes, bald eagles, bobcats, white-tail kites, frogs, turtles, muskrats and meadowlarks. Such a large plot of land that is mostly untainted by human contact has created this wildlife hot spot.

Aside from all the energetic critters, a plethora of ancient trees add to the allure of the grove. Individual trees are full of personality, certain quirks and traits jumping out of each when you take the time to study them.

Some stretch up toward the sun, tall, skinny and proud. Others squat, spreading their limbs outwards, even reaching so low that their leaves rest lightly on the ground.

Many defy the wide or tall categorization, and all possess very different bark and color formations. Just like people all trees are different, and beauty can be found in each one. Aside from it's namesake sycamore, oaks, pepper trees, and walnut trees are scattered around the grove.

Unfortunately there are a few negatives aspects to contend with.

Power lines slice through the park's many acres, obstructing otherwise gorgeous views while generating an unnatural hum.

Lastly, noisy roads are never far away. Sections of trail are shrouded in organic surroundings, but the path always winds back toward disrupting traffic.

These distractions become less severe over time, as encounters with animals and interesting features help you tune out ambient noise, so don't let the negatives ruin your experience.

Sycamore Grove is definitely worth a visit, spots like this are seldom found just minutes from a bustling downtown area.

Be sure to take side-paths, and visit the creek as it's full of tiny rapids, and deep pools. The trees around these spots grow creatively to adapt to their surroundings, and often have exposed root systems partially submerged in the water.

Enjoy all the creatures you see, and slow down in order to immerse yourself in the area. Climb a tree, tackle a steep hill or wade the creek. Just do whatever you can to synchronize with the pulse of this ecosystem.

Trust me, everyone needs this connection with nature every so often. Lucky for us, places like Sycamore Grove make this possible. 

At A Glance:

Sycamore Grove
Address: 1051 Wetmore Road
Hours: 7am - sunset
Best time to visit: Morning, to avoid hot weather and harsh midday sun.
Cost: $5 for parking
Great for: Hiking, Running, Biking, Dog Walking, Horseback Riding
Could be better if: There wasn't so much ambient noise