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	Photo: Jeff Swenerton

Get Out More

5 Ways to Hike the East Bay

If you’re like 100 percent of Americans between the ages of 7 and 88, you made resolutions back in January to exercise regularly and spend more time with your family. Here’s a great way to do both at the same time: Go take a hike, and bring someone along you want to get to know better. The East Bay has nearly 100,000 acres of regional and state parks—all are within a half-hour’s drive of your house, and all are well-maintained and marked, with easy-to-download maps available on the Internet. The East Bay Regional Park District manages more than 1,000 miles of trails in its 65 parks, and the views are astonishing. From lush meadows and grass-covered bald mountains to quiet fern-saturated glades, the air becomes still and mountain-fresh the moment you take your first step past the parking lot.
    We’d like to help you keep your resolutions this year by offering five local day hikes that have something for everyone, whether you’ve got a toddler in tow or are in training for the John Muir Trail.
So lace up your boots—it’s supposed to be sunny this weekend.

Tilden Regional Park:
5.5-mile loop from Inspiration Point

Tilden is a great place to start day-hiking sojourns because it is easy to get to, with several different trailheads-cum-parking lots and many different entry points. It is one of the oldest parks in the East Bay Regional Parks (EBRP) system, and it has a botanic garden, merry-go-round, steam train, golf course, lake and beautiful family camping sites scattered around its 2,077 acres.
    This 5.5-mile hike begins at Tilden’s Inspiration Point trailhead, where there is a parking lot, a well-maintained restroom and a big map of the park plus take-away brochures. Start downhill, heading west at the Curran Trail right next to the road. Veer right (north) quickly, onto the Meadows Canyon Trail, which is a wide trail, nearly a fire road, that winds downslope for about a mile and a half. It ends at Loop Road in the Tilden Nature Area, a dense eucalyptus-wooded area with three family camping sites and the Environmental Education Center, a building that can occupy a phalanx of toddlers with interactive displays and a water-discovery room.
    Turn right onto Loop Road, and continue past the Blue Gum, New Woodland and Wildcat View group camps. Take a brochure at the Tilden Nature Area display—the trails in the Nature Area aren’t marked with words; instead, the trails use enigmatic symbols to represent the names of the trails, and you’ll need the brochure to decipher them. After the trail bears to the right (north), turn right (north) onto the Sylvan Trail, which has a symbol of three trees on the post. Continue for a half mile uphill, through the namesake pastoral glade of eucalyptus, and break right on the Wildcat Peak Trail, which is marked with a symbol that looks more like a snail than a peak. From here, you will gain back the elevation you recently lost by climbing above the trees past wildflowers on an upward trek that has sweeping views of the bay. Near the top, there is a short side-trail that leads to the top of Wildcat Peak, where travelers can have lunch at a table surrounded by a low stone wall while gazing down the backside of the mountain, toward San Pablo Reservoir.
The trail meets up with the highway of the park trail system, the Bay Area Ridge Trail (which is also the Skyline National Recreation Trail here), which is paved in parts in this section and can get busy on weekends with dogs, kids and office workers talking shop. Another mile and a half brings hikers back to the starting point.

Getting There: Take Highway 24 east and exit at Claremont Avenue. Turn left (northeast) and take Claremont up the hill to the junction with Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Turn left (east) on Grizzly Peak, and then right (north) on South Park Drive. Turn right on Wildcat Canyon Road and continue to the Inspiration Point Trailhead, which will be on the left (north) side of the road. If South Park Drive is closed because of migrating newts (awesome!), continue west on Grizzly Peak down the hill, turn right (east) on Shasta Road, and then continue on Wildcat Canyon Road to the trailhead.

Why Go: Easy access to the convenient trailhead and a good mix of scenery, from wooded groves in the nature area to hillsides and peaks with great views. Not too much of a workout for a great payoff, and the trails are wide and well maintained, if a little busy on weekends.  

Distance: 5.5 miles.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve and Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve

This 6.5-mile hike starts along the ridge Tops off Grizzly Peak Boulevard and winds down into a close valley, with a burbling stream and moss-covered trees leaning over the trail, before heading on a beautiful loop into a botanic preserve. On hot days, there are many places to eat lunch streamside.
    Facing the Sibley Interpretive Center off the parking lot, start from the paved path on the left. Follow it northeast a few hundred feet up to the lookout area with benches and interpretive signs, continuing on to the Round Top Loop Trail. After a couple hundred feet, the trail crosses a fire road and intersects with the Skyline National Recreation Trail/Bay Area Ridge Trail, which veers to the right, or south. Follow this narrow trail down toward the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, about a mile. This section of the trail becomes rocky and descends steeply, ultimately leading to a stream and eventually entering fern-covered glens where there are multiple stream crossings.
    There is one confusing spot on the valley floor right before entering Huckleberry. After a stream crossing and a brief uphill section, the trail continues past a broken gate with a sharp right (west) turn in the trail, which continues uphill. Note the Skyline Trail marker here that designates the turn. At the Huckleberry Preserve, the trail is actually a loop, so hikers can choose which direction to take; this route heads left, taking a southeastern-to-northwestern path through Huckleberry. After a half mile or so, the Skyline Trail departs from the Huckleberry loop, but stay on the loop. Stop number six on the interpretive-trail map (designated with a painted marker on the trail) includes a short walk uphill to a grove of manzanita and wide views of the surrounding green hills. There is a wooden bench here, so feel free to take a view break. The loop finishes where it started, at the intersection with the Skyline Trail. Retrace your steps on the Skyline Trail back up the hill to the Sibley Interpretive Center and parking lot.

Getting There: From Highway 24, exit at Fish Ranch Road and travel it to Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Turn left (southwest) on Grizzly Peak, continuing to Skyline Boulevard. Turn left (southeast) and follow Skyline to the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, turning left into the parking lot.

Why Go: Huckleberry Preserve is a beautiful, 1.7-mile flat loop, perfect for a shady stroll with views. The hike down from Sibley and back up adds some meat and variety to the hike. Huckleberry does have a parking lot, for those only interested in doing that part. 

Distance: 6.5 miles.

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Map it

For downloadable PDF maps of the East Bay Regional Park trails mentioned here, see the EBRPD maps page at www.ebparks.org/resources/resources_maps.htm.  Mount Diablo is a state park and not part of the East Bay regional park system, so get a map from www.parks.ca.gov. (Hikers can also buy a more detailed map at the park or from local outfitters, including REI.)

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Redwood Regional Park:
3-mile Canyon Meadow Loop

A fog-lined canyon just over the ridge of the Oakland Hills, Redwood Regional Park is covered with redwoods replanted after the area was laid bare in the mid-1860s to provide building material for the new arrivals during the gold rush. The family-friendly park is easy to get to, with meadows dotted with picnic benches and playgrounds. To hike this section of Redwood, enter the park on the eastern-most side, through the Redwood Gate, and follow the road to its terminus at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area. This 3-mile hike is easy and short, though you can connect with other trails in the park to make it longer.
    Begin on the Stream Trail, which follows Redwood Creek for a mile or so, then make a left (or south) turn on the Chown Trail. This trail heads steadily upward on switchbacks; hike it for a half mile or so until reaching the French Trail. Turn left (south) onto the French Trail, which hugs the ridgeline, and continue for about a mile to the Orchard Trail. At Orchard, head left (east) and descend back down toward the valley. Orchard dead-ends at the Bridle Trail, so at that juncture, continue left (north) on the level path, picking up the Stream Trail again and returning back to the Canyon Meadow Staging Area.

Getting There: From Highway 13, take Joaquin Miller Road east to Skyline Boulevard. Turn left (north) onto Redwood Road. Continue down Redwood Road to the Redwood Gate on your left. Follow the entrance road to the end to the parking lot.

Why Go: Deep tree canopies mean lush ferns and mossy stumps, with several stream crossings. Many picnic areas, some secluded, are great for gatherings or for hanging out while the kids romp on the playground. Stone structures remain at the remnants of an old mill, which is an easy mile-long paved walk from the parking lot.

Distance: Short 2-mile hikes to full 10-mile treks. The hike described is about 3 miles.

 

Mount Diablo Grand Loop

This 6.8-mile loop hike starts high on the mountain and circles around the peak, with 1,800 feet of climbing and great views from all sides. It is a pretty rigorous hike, but if you’re looking for a good workout and it’s a sunny day, this hike is a beautiful way to see some of the best parts of Mount Diablo.
    The summit has upper and lower parking lots, and this hike starts at the lower area, which you come to first when driving up (North Gate and South Gate roads merge to become Summit Road).
    From the lower parking lot, take the Summit Trail downhill (east) to the Devil’s Elbow, the junction of the Summit Trail with the North Peak Trail. From here on out, the loop is all left turns: From Devil’s Elbow, go left on the North Peak Trail to the Bald Ridge Trail and turn left. Follow Bald Ridge to Murchio Gap, turning left on the Meridian Ridge Fire Road. Continue on Meridian to Deer Flat Road and head left until reaching Juniper Trail. Turn left on Juniper and hike to the Juniper Campground. Take a breather here before heading back up the Juniper Trail and on to the parking lot.

Getting There: From Highway 24, take Interstate 680 North, exit at Diablo Road (exit 39). Continue east on Diablo Road toward Danville, turning right to stay on Diablo Road at El Cerro. Turn left (north) at Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, which becomes Summit Road. After 11 miles (most of which is uphill), you approach the summit; the lower summit parking lot will be on your right.

Why Go: It’s a little tough, but it’s also a beautiful hike that starts at elevation, so you don’t have to climb (and descend) as much as on some of the others. A good tour of several trails means that you can really get around, and Mount Diablo is known for its vibrant wildflowers in the summer.

Distance: 6.8 miles.

Mount Diablo: 8-mile Mitchell Canyon Loop

The big mountain beckons you—don’t fight it.  At more than 3,800 feet, Mount Diablo towers over the East Bay and is the last sentry before the wide expanse of the Central Valley. The Miwok Indians believed their ancestors were created on the mountain, and it remains an integral part of Bay Area history. Two Mount Diablo hikes are featured here because there are so many ways to approach the mountain. This 8-mile trek offers a good view of the north side of the mountain and the foothills.
    While fire roads aren’t always synonymous with backcountry adventuring, starting from the Mitchell Canyon Interpretive Center and Ranger Station trailhead means either heading up to Eagle Peak, or taking the more, er, scenic route. This hike suggests doing the latter. Head southwest along the Mitchell Canyon Fire Road, which is really a multi-use path beginning right behind the ranger station, and amble streamside for a couple miles before the uphill switchbacks begin. There is a picnic table and a spot to lie in the grass at Deer Flat, where the fire road becomes the Meridian Fire Road and goes left (north) on up to Murchio Gap, the highest point on the trail (and where Meridian meets the Eagle Peak Trail). Continue on Meridian to Back Creek Trail, which leads back down toward the Coulter Pine Trail. Coulter Pine connects to Mitchell Canyon Fire Road, so at that juncture, follow Mitchell Canyon on out to the starting point.

Getting There: Take Highway 24 east to the Interstate 680 split, then exit on Ygnacio Valley Road. Travel east about 8 miles, then turn right, traveling south on Clayton Road. After about a mile, turn right onto Mitchell Canyon Road. Continue to the trailhead at the end of the road, which is about 1.5 miles. It’s busy on weekends, so expect the beginning of your trip to look like an outdoor gear expo.

Why Go: This is a good sampler plate for Mount Diablo, with a section of trails that take outdoors-lovers through much of what the mountain offers—high, sweeping views; dense forest; and a finish through the grassy meadows and the rolling foothills that the East Bay parks are known for.

Distance: 8 miles. 

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Just a Walk in the Woods

    Day hiking is simple, but with the incredible amount of techwicknolypropgorethermainsatex gear out there, it can seem more complicated than just a walk in the woods. All you really need is a pair of boots and a small backpack, but if you want to earn the East Bay Backpacking merit badge, you need to be prepared for eventualities. This doesn’t mean packing signal flares and a sat phone, but it does mean knowing what to do if you get lost or hurt. Here are a few pieces of backpacking essentialia to get you started:

What to bring

    Water. I’m not kidding. I’ve had to dole out my water to families with children at least three times. Bring a quart of water per person for every 5 miles.
    Shell. Bring a light windproof jacket no matter how hot the day. Eighty percent of staying warm is keeping the wind from blowing your heat away, so shells are crucial. If the sun goes down or a rainstorm blows in, this can save you. While you’re at it, bring a warm hat.
    Cell phone. And charge it up before you go. We read a story every year about people who get lost and can’t find the trail out, and this could send in the troops. But keep it turned off while you’re out—this is your time.
    Emergency tools. Bring a pocketknife, small flashlight, pen and lighter.
Lunch. Or at least more than a snack. If you bonk (get low blood sugar), you could get confused. Bring an empty zip-lock for trash.
    Map. Never rely on signage when you’re out on the trail; always carry a map in your pocket and check your current position at every (and I mean every) trail crossing. Print a map out before you go (all these hikes have downloadable maps), or buy one at an outdoor store, like REI on San Pablo Avenue at Gilman Street in Berkeley.

What to wear

Be sure to put on sunblock, because most of these trails are exposed. A wide-brimmed hat is also a great choice, and I always wear a long-sleeve white T-shirt made out of some fabric developed by the gnomes at NASA that I got at REI. Long sleeves keep you cooler and prevent the sun from baking your bare arms. Don’t forget the sunglasses.
    Also, don’t go out and buy all new gear. I wear cargo shorts and cotton socks and usually whatever T-shirt I happened to be wearing that morning. Wear boots, but if you’re in the market for new ones, don’t get the big leather clunkers; get the lightest boots with the most mesh you can find. They should be comfortable right away and not have to be broken in.

Before you go
   
    Tell someone at home specifically where you’re going. If you print out maps, print one out for them, too; highlight the route and leave it on the kitchen table. Cancel your evening plans so you don’t have to worry about getting home on time. That way, you can spend more quality time in a woodsy spot you discover along the way.

While you’re out

    Be sure to put all your trash in the extra zip-lock you brought with you. Bury any toilet paper you use at least 6 inches under, or better yet, take it home in the zip-lock (yay outdoors!). After you stop for a break, pack up, and just before you walk away, scan the area where you were just sitting for trash and valuables. I cannot tell you how many times this has saved me from donating my pocketknife to the next hiker. Turn off your iPod and listen to the wind and the birds. Stop when you feel like it, and stay a little too long. What’s that you say? You’re right; from here it almost does seem like you can see forever.