Hoot Owl

Hoot Owl
Sycamore Grove Regional Park, Livermore

Several times a year the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District hosts Ranger-led night hikes and programs. Using your eyes, nose and ears, you will be on the lookout for the nocturnal inhabitants of Sycamore Grove Park. Call the rangers’ office to make arrangements for this night hike.

Hike Statistics

Distance: 1 mile round trip
Time: Allow about 1-2 hours for program and hike
Grade: Flat
Suggested Age: Tiger Cubs, Wolves, and Bears

Livermore Area Parks: Sycamore Grove Regional Park, Livermore, CA

Hike Description

As stated in the park rules, this park normally closes at sundown. However, several times a year the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District hosts ranger-led night hikes and programs. If your group is interested in participating in a night hike you can call the LARPD to find out when the next one is scheduled, or better yet, you can schedule a night hike just for your Pack.

Using your eyes, nose and ears, you will be on the lookout for the nocturnal inhabitants of Sycamore Grove Park. Wear sturdy shoes, dress in dark colors, dress warmly, and be prepared to hike or sit quietly for a time.

Historical and Natural Features

Sycamore Grove Regional Park provides the ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. With 364 acres of park land, Sycamore Grove is a great place to jog, bike, horseback ride along the Arroyo Del Valle, have a picnic, or just be alone. The Park became part of the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District in 1974 when the land was purchased from the New York Trap Rock Corporation. As an open space park, Sycamore Grove is preserved for nature study and passive recreation.

With many different habitats providing food and shelter, Sycamore Grove is home to many kinds of animals. Wandering among the Park’s sycamores, you may be fortunate enough to see a fox, a bobcat, or perhaps a red-tailed hawk soaring overhead. Magpies and bushtits chatter as you stroll along quiet trails. A quiet hiker can sometimes find a great blue heron wading through the river, slowly stalking a fish or frog. you can also find deer, rabbits and hares, ground squirrels, mice, lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, and a variety of birds and insects in the park.

Administration

Livermore Area Recreation and Park District
71 Trevarno Road
Livermore,CA, 94550
(925) 373-5700 (General Information)
(925) 373-5770 (Ranger Office)

Suggested Season: Summer

Location/Directions

Sycamore Grove Regional Park
1041 Wetmore Road
Livermore, CA 94550

Drive east on Highway 580 and take the First Street Exit. Turn right and follow First Street until it turns into Holmes Ave. Continue on Holmes until you reach Wetmore Road. Turn left on Wetmore Road. The park entrance is on the right.

Park Facilities

  • Parking
  • Picnic Tables
  • Ranger on Duty
  • Bike Path
  • Hiking
  • Equestrian Trail
  • Restrooms
  • Sycamore Grove Park is open 365 days a year
  • Nature programs are offered on weekends the year round, and on weekday evenings only in the summer. The schedule is available at the park, or call for information.
  • Environmental programs are available to schools and community groups on a fee basis.

Visitor Rules and Regulations

  • The Park is open from 8:00 am to sunset.
  • For your safety, NO: Open fires or smoking, Alcoholic beverages, Weapons of any kind, Swimming in the Arroyo, Tree climbing.
  • Do not harm, collect, or remove any plant or animal from the Park.
  • Keep all motor vehicles, horses, and bicycles in designated areas.
  • Pets must be leashed at all times.
  • Stay within the Park boundaries, enter and exit at the Wetmore Road entrance only.
  • Place all refuse in designated receptacles.

Limitations

  • There is a fee for this hike. Call LARPD for fee information on hike dates and fees.
  • There are no handicapped facilities.

Advancement Opportunities

Tiger Cubs:
Discover Nature and Energy

Wolf:
Achievements: 71, 8e, 10b, and Electives 13a, 13d, 18a, 18b, 18f, 18g

Bear:
Achievements: 5d, 10a, 12b, 12c, 12e, and Electives 11a, 11b, 12a, 12c, 12f, 23e