Best Trails near Berkeley, California

It’s really steep, which makes the return trip (descent) a bit difficult. The majority of it is in the sun, with limited tree coverage, so be sure to wear sunscreen! I prefer some of the other fire trail hikes that are more wooded.

Fairly easy and nice long walk

This hike is a nice representation of California. Know that this trail is legit hard. The uphills are steep and seemingly never ending. The views will provide just the right amount of distraction and reason to stop and rest. There’s also plenty of shady parts. It’s a bit tricky to follow the trail on the rebound. We got off trail, but plenty of cut overs were available. The trail also had quite a few benches, so take a lunch/snacks and enjoy the view! There’s a reason this is called a panoramic hike. You’ll have multiple views of Mt Tam, SF, Oakland and beyond.

Take plenty of water!

cool trail

Very nice trail with a good mix of views. Will definitely come again.

I love this hike and have been back 4 times in the past 2 months. It’s about a 6.5 mile loop and the first half is all incline but you get some breaks in between each hill which helps. Be prepared for some rocky/gravel areas which can get slippery so wear good hiking shoes.

The second half of the hike is easy and you get even better views from the other side of the hill. Beautiful views throughout the trail. About half is covered. It can get pretty hot depending on the weather and the annoying flies come out.

The path is wide and well signed. It starts with a gentle incline through mostly exposed ravine. This takes you over the hill and back towards the road. From the new trail head, you walk steadily uphill through partially shaded trees to the ridge line. Once at the top you are rewarded with views of East Bay hills and reservoirs on one side and Bridges and bayviews to the other side. There are some nice benches to sit and enjoy the vistas. Then, it is a shady decline through bay and eucalyptus trees. Some parts are a bit rocky and steep, but doable.

best for dogs

Solid elevation with an incredible view at the top!

Good hike - views were nice. Parking lot is really small but since we went on a weekday we got a spot. Very steep near the start but otherwise a pleasant hike. Saw lots of lizards and a baby king snake. Got engulfed in a ladybug swarm which was a little strange! Can get a little warm in spots but not bad even in summer.

TSEST

Great views of the city and plenty of elevation change to raise the bpm.

Hiked this trail looping the opposite way, which seemed easier in my opinion. Great views, loved the experience, however if you start mid-afternoon there are endless clouds of bugs in the forest areas by the creek. We spotted someone with a dog that was wearing a bug net around its face, and I wish I had done the same. Seems to be large knats, so nothing that seems to bite, but I kept a brisk pace through those parts just in case.

I will rated as easy with excellent views!

Easy parking at Inspiration Point, then can reach the trail from there. Wonderful views and breeze. Partially shaded, but had and sunscreen a good idea. Budget 2 hours to make the full loop. Semi rocky in parts, so close-toed shoes recommended. Great moderate hike!

This is a very nice well-paved trail with spectacular views of the bay. Great for walking or bike riding.

Great loop for a trail run. Not a ton of views but a good amount of sun/shade and change in terrain.

good hike to take in the views. very little shade so a hat and sunscreen a must. I actually parked and started at Inspiration point then took the curry trail to seaview. inspiration point has more parking and an additional restroom. very warm morning. i started at 8:00 am but wished i had started earlier. parking lots fill up fast at either start but did notice people parking along the side of the road.

bring your hiking shoes! very steep uphill/downhill. overall great trail, and beautiful views

Beautiful views on both sides of the second half of the loop. Dog enjoyed it for sure. Wide open trails and reasonable amounts of shade to be enjoyed. Great first hike for the 6 month old boy in the carrier. Only down side is that it comes out to a road at intersection so a little dangerous for the pup. Overall I would recommend to anyone.

Steep climb can be difficult when the gravel is totally dry and loose. Worthwhile views

Easy stroll with views. Wheelchair-accessible. Good for dogs

Urban “hike,” really more of a city walk. Lots of green, lots of dog walkers.

Goes right by the Anza Lake parking lot.

the view is great! and dog friendly easy hike

Last week, nice one-hour trail!

Tough steep hills but overall great workout. Enjoyed the views but it was overcast so the clouds and fog covered the view of the city. Cool to be above the fog, though.

More incline than expected, but the views were well worth it. Hot in the summer sun.

Relaxing trail with a little bit incline to keep it interesting. Good views but mostly covered by the foliage.