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There is a trail network in southeastern Del Valle that leads from the East Shore Trail into the ridges above it. The East Ridge parking lot (at the ridgetop, along Del Valle Road) and the marina are both staging areas near this trail network, and several of the turn-offs along the southern section of the East Shore Trail lead upwards towards the East Ridge. Cutting into the ridge are several canyons that the eastern trails pass through, including Hidden Canyon. This region of the park is good for those who want a taste of Diablo Range cowboy country.
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This long, narrow inlet is just southeast of Swallow Bay. its southern boundary is a steep, oak-covered slope, while its northern boundary is the peninsula that divides Badger Cove and Swallow Bay. A creek flows into Badger Cove's eastern end.
This section of the East Shore Trail begins at the marina in the southern part of Del Valle Regional Park and makes its way along the eastern shore of the lake to Badger Cove and Swallow Bay. The trail begins to become quieter when it narrows near Badger Cove and follows the slope of an oak-covered ridge. It then passes Badger Cove and continues to the nearby Swallow Bay. Although this section of the trail is about two miles, the East Shore Trail continues for another few miles from here to the northern Arroyo Entrance to the Del Valle Park.
This bay marks the central section of Lake Del Valle. A creek flows into the northern part of the bay and a peninsula cuts into the bay's southern end. Although Swallow Bay seems to be closer to the northern end of Lake Del Valle when it is viewed on a map, the bay is best accessed from the southeastern Del Valle staging area.
The public may rent motorboats, patio boats, pedal boats, and canoes at the East Beach marina area. Kayaks can be rented at the Kayak Center at the east beach. Any size boat may be launched at the public boat ramp.
Only the southern portion of Del Valle's western shore has any trails, but once you get away from the swimming section and the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center, the western shore trail is peaceful and gives you a better understanding of the flora and fauna of southern Del Valle Reservoir - which is different from the areas to the north of it. This section of the West Shore Trail is called the Deer Jaw Trail and goes north from the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center, along the shore of the lake, to a canyon. The trail is about one mile long.
There is a parking area near the top of the hill along Del Valle Road. If you park at this parking area and then walk alongside Del Valle Road about one-fifth of a mile to the east, you should see a gate on your right and a trail beyond it. If you follow this trail, it follows the contours for some time before intersecting with another trail and beginning a steep descent into a canyon below. If you continue deep into the canyon, you will go past several ranches and have excellent views of the mountain ranges around the Del Valle Park. The trail then passes an abandoned cabin before reaching some interesting forested country. You should eventually reach a trail called the "Cedar Camp Trail". If you take a right onto this trail, you will go about one-third of a mile along a valley until you reach the Cedar Camp. There are picnic benches and restrooms at the campsite. It is an approximately 2-3 mile hike to the Cedar Group Camp, and if you come back the way you came, it should be approximately 4-5 miles.