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Park Info
1320 Garin Avenue
Hayward, CA 94544
Download Brochure
Phone Numbers
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4530
Local Weather
Movie Clip
PanoramaMaps
View Trail Map
Download PDF Map
Yahoo Map
Wayside Panels - Anza
Park/Gate Hours - 2011
Nov. 1 - March 7
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
March 8 - April 5
8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
April 6 - May 17
8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
May 18 - Sept. 8
8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sept. 9 - Oct. 4
8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Oct. 5 - Oct. 31
8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Visitor Center:
Open Weekends and
Holidays, Memorial Day
through Labor Day
Open 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Dry Creek Garden HoursThe garden is open to the public Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Park Events
Click HERE for upcoming events
Parking Fee
$5 per vehicle (when kiosk is attended); $4 per trailered vehicle. Buses: $25/per bus.
Dog Fee
$2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free
Grazing Information
Grazing in the Parks
Camping Reservations
No reservable campgrounds
Picnic Reservations
1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2
Emergency Number
911
EBRPD Headquarters
1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757
Park Update
Trails are open. One or two days of rain can make all trails very muddy and single track trails such as South Fork, Pioneer and portions of the Dry Creek Trail are difficult at best. It takes a good 5 to 6 days of cool, clear weather for most trails to become comfortable again.
For safety wear good sturdy boots, hat and gloves. Dress in layers being sure your jacket keeps you dry in the rain. Carry a hiking stick. Always take water and be sure to let others know where you are going and when you’ll be back. Mobile phone reception is not reliable in the hill country.
Grazing Update
Cows, bulls and steers are in the park. Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer maintains several head throughout the year as a means of weed abatement, fire control and to better assist native plants competing against exotic grasses and other plants.
Cows are generally mild tempered and prefer to be left alone. In the spring and summer when they have one or two calves they will be protective in their demeanor if you come between them and their calf. Stand aside if need be, pass them calmly but with self-assurance and do not raise your voice or threaten them. Always give them a way out. Bulls are generally placid and often prefer to be off to themselves. There are seldom more than half dozen bulls throughout the range land as they are there for one propose only though they do tend to think about food in between their job.
Steers are the rambunctious teenagers of the cattle world. Curious, full of false bravado and daring do -more often than not they will flee from you. Treat them just like the cows and do not touch them. So give them space as their life is short. They are here to fatten up for your dinner plate.
For more information on grazing in the Regional Parks click, go to Stewardship and Resources.
Garin / Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks
About the Park
This is Dry Creek and we bid you welcome.
Famed in the early 1880s for the spirit of gaiety that reigned here on festival days, guests poured in from the rural districts of the whole county to greet their friends and make merry.
And so today, we pray you to maintain with us that holiday spirit; leave care and worry behind you; enjoy the beauties of nature here in your midst; and pause for a moment in your rush through life to give thanks to the great artist who painted this ever-changing picture of the hills and fields and streams.
--Edith Meyers, of the Meyers Ranch Family
| Submit Your Photos to the EBRPD Photo Pool |
Park Features
Garin Barn Visitor Center
The Garin Barn Visitor Center is open weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is designed to aide in interpretive programs and for the enjoyment of the casual visitor. The Visitor Center displays artifacts from the ranching and farming history of the Hayward area. There is a blacksmith shop, a tool shop and several ranching-related displays to explore. An interesting collection of antique farm machinery outside the barn augments the display.
Dry Creek Garden
Meyers Cottage was a popular summer home of Edith, Mildred, and Jeanette Meyers, three sisters of Alameda who were very involved in local charities and fundraisers during the early and mid 1900s. The sisters also owned the 1,200-acre Dry Creek Ranch, which was donated to the Park District in 1979 and later opened as Dry Creek Regional Park. Upon the passing of the last surviving Meyers sister, the Meyers Cottage and its garden was also donated to the Park District. This beautifully restored garden and cottage sits at the end of May Road off Mission Boulevard in Hayward, and provide access to trails at the south end of Dry Creek Regional Park, which is adjacent to Garin Regional Park.
In addition to restoring the garden, pathways were rebuilt and footbridges were reconstructed over the creek, and a new parking area was built. The two-acre garden is home to nearly 200 native and exotic plants, with something in bloom just about every day of the year.
The Park District plans to eventually open the cottage for receptions, weddings, and similar events, and will also house a small visitor center inside.
The garden is open to the public Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The parking lot is open all week until dusk, offering easy access to the park's southern trails.
Park Activities
Nature Study
Look around you and you will find two magnificent parkland areas-Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer regional parks. Independent nature study is encouraged here, so bring binoculars, a magnifying glass, field guides, camera, and be amazed with what you will discover. Guided interpretive programs for this area are coordinated through the Coyote Hills Regional Park Visitor Center in Fremont. For information, phone (510) 544-3220.
Garin Apple Festival
The spirit of Garin's orchards live on in the antique apple varieties cultivated in remnants of the old apple orchards. The late-summer Garin Apple Festival celebrates the farm's apple-growing tradition. Antique apple varieties grown in the orchards may be tasted in the flesh and as juice. Folk music, song and old-fashioned games fill out the day.
School Groups
Teachers or group leaders wishing to use the park with a naturalist guide, or those looking for curriculum guides for using the parklands, should contact Coyote Hills Regional Park at (510) 544-3220.
Picnicking
Several picnicking areas near the park entrance are available for use by families and larger groups. Hikers can carry picnic lunches in day packs and enjoy lunch along one of the many park trails.
There are four large group picnic areas at Garin: The Cattlemen's, Buttonwood and Ranchside areas each serve 100 people, and Pioneer serves 50. These areas have picnic tables and barbecue brazier units and may be reserved by phoning EBRPD Reservations at 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, at least 14 days in advance of the planned event.
Hiking and Horseback Riding
The 20-mile system of trails within Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks give you the opportunity to explore the 4,763 acres that comprise these parklands. While the trails are not paved, many are suitable for bicycles. Please, no motorcycles.
Trail Etiquette
Carry out what you carry in. No littering allowed. No alcohol in the back country. Any type of gun –air rifle or greater - or paintball guns- are NOT allowed.
Equestrians have the right away. Hikers and cyclists should pull aside for them. Heel or leash your dogs. Cyclists should call out when passing hikers and remember not all can hear or may have headphones on. Try not to take up the whole trail when riding in groups. Hikers should walk or stand to the right so bicyclist can pass safety; try not to take up the whole trail when hiking.
Equestrians are not to bring their horses into the picnic sites at Garin. Stay to the south edge of the meadow area instead. No trick ridding or demonstrations please as children and others may be injured who get too close.
No gathering of: plant material - dead or alive; wildlife of any shape or form be it insect, mammal, reptile or bird; rocks or cultural artifacts. This is their home, you're just visiting.
Dog Walking
Dogs must be on leash (six-foot maximum) in all parking lots, picnic areas, lawns, and play fields. Dogs must be under voice control at all times, and please have a leash in-hand and ready to be used when necessary.
Please keep your dog(s) under control to prevent conflicts with cattle and confrontations with coyotes. It is not permissible to allow dogs to chase the cattle, which has resulted in injuries and deaths to cattle. If you see cattle ahead please heel or leash your dog(s) until you are past the cattle.
Fishing
The Jordan Pond pier was constructed in 1987 by Park District crews using materials provided through the generosity of the Hayward, South Hayward and Mt. Eden Lions Clubs. Jordan Pond has naturally reproducing populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and sunfish. The Park District also plants channel catfish in the pond once or twice a year. Anglers aged 16 or older must have a state fishing license.
Video
Garin History and Features (duration: 1 min 20 sec)
You can also save this movie to your computer in QuickTime format.
If you don't have QuickTime, you may download QuickTime here.
Download Movie Clip (5 MB QuickTime movie): Garin History and Features
Park Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located in the restroom building by the Garin Barn and a wheelchair accessible chemical toilet is available near Jordan Pond. Accessible drinking fountains are located throughout the picnic area. The service roads around the meadows and picnic areas at Garin are wheelchair accessible and total between 1/4 and a 1/2 mile in length. Disabled parking stalls are located in the Garin parking lot.
Trail Accessibility Report
Dry Creek Trail: Download PDF format | Download Word format
To Reach the Park
Public Transit
Traveling by BART, come the the South Hayward Station and connect with AC Transit bus #21. Take #21 to its stop at the foot of Garin Avenue on Mission Boulevard. From there the park entrance is slightly less than one mile uphill (steep). From the Union City BART Station, take AC Transit bus #21 north to its stop at Tamarack Drive and Mission Boulevard. From there it is about one-third mile to the trailhead. If you are a confirmed bus rider coming from Oakland, take the AC Transit bus #82 to the Hayward BART station. Connect there with the #21 line to the Mission Boulevard and Garin Avenue stop.
Riders should call to confirm transit information.
BART: (510) 464-6000
AC Transit (511): Transit.511.org
Trail Map
Click the map image below to see an enlarged version.
When the enlarged version of the map opens click on the 'Full Expand' icon in the lower right hand corner of the map to see the 'Actual Size' map.
When the 'Actual Size' map is viewable, you can 'Click-Hold and Drag' the mouse button (left on a PC) to reposition the map, as desired.
'Single-Click' on the 'Enlarged' or 'Actual Size' map to return to the park page.
Interpretive Panels
Click images to download PDF versions.
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