Top Spots For Hikers In The East Bay, California

If you’re inspired by Northern California’s majestic redwood trees but don’t have time for a trip to Muir Woods, head to Redwood Regional Park. This Oakland spot is home to 1,830 acres of redwoods, along with other native trees like evergreens. If you’re hoping to spot some wildlife, keep your eyes and ears peeled: Redwood Regional Park is a habitat for deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels, as well as rarer species like the golden eagle. Keep your camera at the ready and you might just catch one of these animals on film.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is where nature and history visibly collide. 10 million years ago, a volcanic explosion led to the creation of Round Top, the area’s most prominent peak. Today, several trails such as the Quarry Trail and the Round Top Loop Trail will lead you all around this impressive geological formation. None of the trails are too strenuous, so young children can accompany you as you explore this former volcanic hotbed.Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve also includes a labyrinth that will provide lots of fun for kids and adults alike.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Skyline Boulevard, Oakland CA USA

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve is a geology enthusiast’s dream. The layers of shale and chert that cover the park were actually created miles under the ocean, and eventually reached their present location as a result of tectonic plate movement. Observe the evidence of these ancient events as you walk the park’s 1.7 mile loop trail. This path takes you to all the park’s most stunning sights, and you’ll also catch a glimpse of some of the unique plants that blossom year-round in this pocket of Oakland.

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, Skyline Boulevard, Oakland CA USA

Tilden Regional Park is one of the East Bay’s most popular parks. With its steam train, carousel, and visitor’s center, it’s a common place for families to enjoy the weekend. But don’t let all of those frills dissuade you from considering Tilden Regional Park as the site for your next hike. The Trans Tilden Loop trail, which covers just over seven miles, is perfect for people looking for a moderately strenuous day hike. You’ll pass by sights like Jewel Lake and Wildcat Creek, and experience an increasingly solitary hike as you explore the depths of this 2000-acre park.

Since 1952, Roberts Regional Recreation Area has served as a go-to spot for Bay Area hikers and picnickers. The staging area is located directly adjacent to a grove of redwoods, so it’s an especially great spot for people who want to see these native California trees without a strenuous hike. But if you are looking to get some exercise, hike the Roberts Ridge trail, a half-mile stretch that will take you up and down small hills and through tunnels of lush vegetation.

Roberts Regional Recreation Area, 10570 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland CA USA

Just 20 minutes from the urban hub that is Downtown Oakland, you’ll find Anthony Chabot Regional Park. This 3,314-acre space offers 70 miles of hiking trails, which snake through fragrant eucalyptus groves and scenic grasslands. Zealous hikers will have plenty of routes to choose from. Try the two-mile long MacDonald trail, which is shaded by a thick growth of trees, or the three-mile Red Tail trail, which provides a 577-foot gain in elevation and stunning views at the top to reward you.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life for a little while, head to Joaquin Miller Park. This 500-acre space is home to over 200 species of plants, like the Oakland star tulip, pallid Manzanita, California poppies, and eucalyptus. See them all as you traverse the Palos Colorados trail, which runs through a lush canyon of redwoods, or the Sequoia-Bayview trail, which is a wide, flat trail perfect for people who want to see the sights without breaking a sweat.

Located in the Oakland and Berkeley hills behind the famous Claremont Hotel, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is a 208-acre space that houses several trails with spectacular views of Oakland, Berkeley, the San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re not afraid of a steep climb, hike the Stonewall Panoramic trail, which ascends for nearly a mile and leads to the best vista in the park. Or, if you’re looking for something a little less strenuous, take the Gwin Canyon trail for two miles to see lots of native flora and fauna.

Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Claremont Avenue, Berkeley CA USA

Indian Rock Park is a popular place for beginner rock climbers, but it’s also accessible to hikers thanks to two staircases that were carved into the rock during the Depression era. As long as you’re willing to brave a steep and constant ascent, the top of this pile of volcanic rock is an ideal spot to watch the sunset. The Bay Area’s three largest bridges are visible from the summit. If you decide to hike Indian Rock, bring your camera and plenty of water.

If you’re looking for a short, relaxing hike that won’t leave you gasping for breath, head to Temescal Regional Recreation Area. This park features a beautiful man-made lake, and visitors can walk around it by following the aptly named Shore trail. Large stretches of this path are paved and wheelchair accessible, making it an ideal spot for young children and anyone with limited mobility. The lake is also a favorite swim and picnic spot for locals during the hot summer months.

Temescal Regional Recreation Area, 6502 Broadway Terrace, Oakland CA USA