Round Top, Volcanic and Skyline Trail Loop

Park Features: Not many Bay Area residents know that they have a volcano nearby but Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is home to one! This volcano, Round Top, dates to about 10 million years ago and is the source of all the volcanic rock in the park. The unstaffed visitor center provides a thorough geological history of the park through display panels and specimens. Trails Highlights: The trail starts out in a forested understory, then opens into rolling grassland hills, and nally concludes on the shaded Skyline Trail, bringing you back to the staging area. Round Top Trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and cities far below. The Volcanic Trail is lined with different types of volcanic rock that help tell the story of the formation of the landscape and how it has changed over time. Pick up a park brochure before you begin your hike to learn more. Trail Directions: Park at the Sibley Staging Area and walk up towards the visitor center. Start on the paved Overlook Trail to the left of the visitor center and continue past the interpretive panels. Go past the trail post to the Backpack Camp, and at the next trail post, make a left and immediately at the next trail post bear left on the Round Top Loop Trail. Follow the directions for Volcanic Trail, staying on the gravel trail and continuing through the gate. In .4 miles, make a left at the fork onto Volcanic Trail. You will immediately pass a lookout bench and trail post #3. At the next fork, make a right on the trail that heads uphill; here there is a trail post marked #5-11. Stay to the left at the next fork and follow the Volcanic Trail until it meets with the paved Quarry Road; turn left onto Quarry Road. Stay on Quarry Road as it descends nearly .6 miles to the gate. Stay left and immediately make another left through another gate to access Skyline Trail. Skyline Trail will take you back to the Sibley Staging Area, climbing somewhat steeply along the creek as you cover .87 miles. Park Hours: 7am to 6pm Nov-Feb; 7am to 10pm Mar-Oct Fees: No fees