Best trails in Tilden Regional Park, California

Park Features: Founded in 1936 from former watershed lands, Tilden is one of the East Bay Regional Park District’s three original parks. It was named after Charles Lee Tilden, president of the District’s rst Board of Directors. Workers from the Works Progress Administration built much of the park’s infrastructure during the Great Depression. Tilden’s 2,079 acres feature the iconic carousel, steam train, botanical gardens, Little Farm, Environmental Education Center, redwood groves, picturesque views of the bay, picnic areas, and seasonal swimming at Lake Anza. Trails Highlights: Please note: portions of this trail are severely storm-damaged and may be difficult to navigate when wet and muddy. Check District website for possible closures before proceeding. This trail starts at placid Lake Anza and descends along the Wildcat Creek drainage through tall redwoods and shady oak/ bay woodlands. It then gently climbs Meadows Canyon through grassland and scrub, eventually dropping back down to the creek. Trail Directions: Park at Lake Anza Parking lot; if closed, use the gravel overflow lot outside the gate. Proceed to the Lake Anza entrance near the bathhouse and swim area. Outside the bathhouse area, turn left and follow the paved Lake Anza Trail a few hundred yards. At the Spillway, cross the bridge to your right and then turn left onto the Wildcat Gorge Trail to descend to the creek. At the bottom of the dam, you’ll see a small stone building which was the old pump house for the lake. Continue down Wildcat Gorge Trail past the Curran turnoff for approximately 0.75 mile. At the bottom of the canyon, turn right onto Meadows Canyon Trail, near the Lone Oak Picnic area. Due to storm damage, the creek crossing may be difficult. Follow Meadows Canyon Trail uphill for about 1.5 miles where you’ll make a right, near the top, onto the Curran Trail. Descend on the Curran Trail for .62 miles where you’ll return to the Wildcat Gorge Trail. Turn left to follow Wildcat Gorge Trail the way you came in and it will connect with the Lake Anza Trail back to the parking lot.Show more

NOTE: The road leading to this trailhead - South Park Drive - is currently closed to vehicular traffic due to COVID-19. Visitors may still walk or bike to this trailhead. Please check here for updates: https://www.ebparks.org/news/covid_19_park_and_trail_updates.htm#parks-open-closedShow more

NOTE: The road leading to this trailhead - South Park Drive - is currently closed to vehicular traffic due to COVID-19. Visitors may still walk or bike to this trailhead. Please check here for updates: https://www.ebparks.org/news/covid_19_park_and_trail_updates.htm#parks-open-closedShow more

NOTE: As of September 2020, the beginning of this trail is closed however there is a detour. Additionally, the parking area for this trail is closed due to COVID-19. Visitors can still walk or bike here from elsewhere. Please check the park's website for more information: https://www.ebparks.org/news/covid_19_park_and_trail_updates.htm#parks-open-closed This scenic loop takes you from the Tilden Park Environmental Education Center to the summit of Wildcat Peak via the Jewel Lake, Sylvan, Peak and Laurel Canyon trails. Terrific views of the Bay Area and a variety of plants and birds keep this route interesting throughout. This route may be very muddy in wet weather.Show more

This is a great family-friendly trail that can be completed in a couple of hours. The entire trail is paved, making it a great trail for strollers and wheelchairs and an easy bike ride for children. The trail is relatively flat and features great panoramic views of the Bay Area. The beginning of the trail is fairly crowded, but clears out after a couple of miles. There is plenty of parking at Inspiration Point. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved and it is typically at least five feet wide. There are some cracks in the pavement that might make the ride bumpy for equipment users. The estimated average grade is 3% and there are steeper sections where the grade is between 8% and 10% (at about 1.4 and 3.6 miles) so wheelchair/mobility equipment or stroller users may need assistance. Show more

Loop trail that wraps around Lake Anza. An excellent spot for birdwatching, fishing, or going for a swim This trail sees a lot of use on the weekends, mostly by families and people walking their dogs. Some parts are a bit technical and there is no paved trail around the lake, but it offers a nice view of the lake and connects with the Selby Trail along with a few others. Weekdays are best here, especially during the summer months.Show more