Jewel Lake Loop is a 2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Berkeley, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
NOTE: 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 The path around Jewel Lake offers a great tour of the Tilden Nature Area. There is a boardwalk section along the east side of the lake and the majority of the trail is a gentle walk through a lovely lush forest, with opportunities to see wildlife. The area is home to many bird species, turtles, frogs, ducks and butterflies. Tilden Nature Area also includes a playground with nearby picnic tables as well as the Little Farm. At the Little Farm, children are welcome to bring their own celery, carrots and lettuce to feed goats, pigs, rabbits and many other farm animals.
Park at the parking lot near the Environmental Education Center
November 2, 2020Nice shaded trail. Creek and Jewel Lake are dry unfortunately.
October 4, 2020September 24, 2020Nice loop! There’s no water in Jewel Lake, but Tilden is still so pretty!
September 19, 2020August 12, 2020The trail itself is fun, adventures and seem as a jungle book theme. Many loops, but a wonderful place for a nice walk.
August 12, 2020Very mystical trail. Easy hike, beautiful scenery. You won’t regret that his short hike. It has so much to offer for everyone. Great place to take your family
July 29, 2020Easy little hike. These days lake is almost completely dry, but the hike is still pretty
June 5, 2020Short and pretty, with options to go further if you’re up for it. Lots of kids.
October 15, 2019Very jungly and scenic hike. Short and easy.
September 23, 2019Beautiful trails! I really liked the boardwalk section along the east side of the lake. Went there early on a Monday morning, so not a lot of people, but I saw a coyote.
July 27, 2019Ver nice hike! Just did Lower Packrat to Sylvan trail to the little farm. Lower Packrat had a lot of low branches that made it difficult to get past with a baby backpack on.
July 7, 2019I would recommend this trail for people that are looking for an easy and relaxing hike taken in a wooded like environment. I have been hiking here in July on a Saturday and there was a significant amount of people around. Parking was a little difficult. Other than that the hike itself it’s nice.
July 4, 2019Saw lots of animals: deer, rabbits, frogs, lizards, songbirds, ducks, raptors, turtles, butterflies, dragonflies. A gentle walk through a lovely lush forest. Parts of the trail are narrow single-track that’s starting to get overgrown in July, so wear pants to prevent tick bites. Lots of poison oak lines the trails.
May 20, 2019Fun with little kids but too short to be a ‘real’ hike. It’s near the Little Farm and there’s a playground and picnic area at the parking lot. 5 stars for an outing with little ones, 3 stars as a hike...really 2 but it’s beautiful so there’s an extra star.
April 20, 2019Great trail with the kids! Short and minimal elevation. Walk around the lake, on a boardwalk and through some woods. We combined the hike with a stop by the farm first to feed the farm animals!
April 7, 2019March 16, 2019A quick, accessible and pretty hike around a small lake. Most of the trail is in the shade by mid-afternoon. Bonus points for being right next to Little Farm.
February 24, 2019Nice hiking with family. Kids friendly.
September 25, 2018FYI it’s definitely not stroller friendly, although I agree it’s kid friendly
May 1, 2018A nice trail for a very easy, quick hike in a pretty, shaded forest. We saw turtles sunbathing and ducks at the lake itself as well as a couple of deer along the trail. Beware that it is right next to Little Farm so there are lots of small kids in your serenity. Please note that dogs are not actually allowed, contrary to what AllTrails has listed for Jewel Lake.
April 29, 2018Mostly flat and good beginners hike.
August 21, 2016
First to ReviewThe Jewel Lake Trail is peace and quiet, and it is good for walking and wildlife spotting. We started at the Tilden Environmental Education Center. We hiked around the Jewel Lake Trail and saw a blue heron in the Jewel Lake. We continued hike up to the Wildcat Peak and enjoyed the view of the entire bay and surrounding cities.
January 1, 2021January 1, 2021November 27, 2020September 19, 2020August 10, 2020August 8, 2020
