Paint-Out Jan 31, Round Valley Regional Preserve

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Tuesday, January 31, 10 am - 2 pm

Round Valley Regional Preserve

19450 Marsh Creek Rd., Brentwood CA 94513

Round Valley Regional Preserve

Let's go back to Round Valley to enjoy Marsh Creek full of rushing water and surrounded by lush greenery. Water in the creek is so rare that I don't have a photo, but believe me, it's beautiful!

You can find nice views of the hills within steps of the parking lot, but for the best views of the creek you'll want to walk down to creek level. Just before the bridge you can veer left on a trail with a gentle slope toward the creek, or you can cross the bridge and turn left to get down to the creek. Just be aware that the slope there is steep and bumpy before it levels out, not good for heavy gear and rolling carts (this is the voice of experience!)

Admission is free, restrooms are open. I hope to see you there!

Paint-Out Jan 26, Markham Nature Park

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

1202 La Vista Ave., Concord CA 94521

Visit – Markham Nature Park and Arboretum (markhamarboretum.org)

Let's go back to Markham Nature Park in Concord! Galindo Creek should be full and everything looking green and lush after all the recent rain. Park in the lot at the end of La Vista Avenue, then head out on the paved trail along the creek. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

Please note, there are NO RESTROOMS in this park, but shopping centers are a short drive away. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Paint-Out Jan 20, Lafayette Reservoir

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Friday, January 20, 2023, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District (ebmud.com) 

The Lafayette Reservoir should be looking great after all this rain! The forecast for Jan 20 is mostly sunny so it should be a nice day.

Enter the park at the main entrance at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. In the middle of the parking lot there’s a ticket machine where you’ll need to purchase a One Day Parking Permit for $7. The machine takes cash or cards. From there turn right and drive uphill toward the Visitor Center. Parking at the Visitor Center is a loading zone only, but there’s an all-day parking lot just up the hill that’s convenient. I suggest popping into the loading zone to drop off your gear, then driving up the hill to park. From there you can walk down a series of steps to the Visitor Center area. Do the same in reverse when you’re ready to leave. We can all help each other keep an eye on our stuff. (It's a very safe area.)

There are also great views from the other side of the reservoir. If you’d rather paint there you can just park in the main lot and head to the left. I'm attaching a map to help you find our paint-out spot at the Visitor Center.

Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!