Enjoying Morgan Territory Road

Many years ago, when I was an overly confident, adventurous 19 year old, I pointed my black 1976 Trans Am toward the outskirts of Clayton just for fun. It was on an overcast winter day I decided not to use a map and explore where Morgan Territory Road actually led.

And since that day, I have been in love with this region of the county.

The road is beautiful all year round but is especially worth seeing during the winter. After a heavy rainfall, the head waters of Marsh Creek flow heavily, making the experience unique. This is something you will not see during the summer.

Bicyclists frequent this road most of the year for its outstanding beauty and physical demands.

Morgan Territory Road runs from Clayton to Livermore. The Clayton side is completely covered by an oak canopy surrounded by lush vegetation.

Along the way you will find many trailheads that enter Mount Diablo State Park and the Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. There is limited parking along the shoulder at some of these trailheads and a large parking lot at the preserve.

Saturday, during a break in the storm, I decided to go out and take a look. The creek was flowing higher than I can recall in years. The sound and sight of it was stunning. Because the rain was heavy and recent, the water was muddy. In my experience, the water clarifies considerably after two to three weeks without rainfall.

If one ever considers enjoying the sights of this area, there are two words I wish to share with you: caution and respect.  

On the cautionary side, driving this road is not for the faint of heart. It is a narrow one-lane road with blind curves and one-lane bridges.

It's not uncommon to have an oncoming car come into view just as you round a turn. In order for two cars to pass, one or both must drive partially off the pavement and onto the shoulder.

Driving no faster than the conditions permit and maintaining a high degree of courtesy is the order of the day. Be mindful of bicyclists.

In winter, the road is subject to closures from mud and rockslides. Many sections of the road have been improved after being completely wiped out by a mudslide.

On the respect side of things, it is important to remember that this area is an ecological treasure and that a number of residents live on the road.

From the Clayton side, you can find Morgan Territory Road off Marsh Creek Road,  just east of the Clayton city limits.

If you are coming from the Livermore area, you can find it off Manning Road, which runs off North Livermore Road.

If you are coming from the Danville or San Ramon area, take Camino Tassajara Road east, then go east on Highland Road to Manning Road.