So this new span (the eastern span) of the Bay Bridge seemed to have been built pretty quickly and fairly recently, like within the last 10 years. Growing up here in the Bay Area, I have driven over this bridge hundreds of times. The old span used to be heavy and industrial. Very fitting as that's when it was built, in the first half of the 20th century. Lots of steel and lots of rivets. It was so thick and solid that it was often hard to spot cars on it because of all the steel.
The new incarnation is so much more modern and light, aesthetically. It is much more exposed to the air and the bay. And being so light, the bridge is almost stealthy, blending into the surroundings seamlessly. I'm sure it can hold a lot more traffic as well. I'm still trying to get used to it, as it simply doesn't have that classic look that pulls at my heartstrings...yet. Only time can adjust that.
But what this new span has, that the old span didn't, is a pedestrian friendly trail that can take you to Yerba Buena Island, about 2 miles into the bay. You can start this trail in Emeryville, super close to the Mac Arthur Maze which will also add to your mileage. But if you want to just get the gist of this hike, you can start where the ports of Oakland lie. It's a bit tricky finding the parking as these industrial streets are rarely roamed by the public, but with gps, makes it a non-issue these days.
Once on the trail, it is straight forward. 1 trail, wide enough to fit foot traffic and bike traffic. The way up to the island you will be going against the wind, so it is quite breezy. Definitely more relevant if you're biking. It is also slightly on an incline, but nothing that will knock your breath away. So the way back is crazy easy, downhill and with the wind.
The views are great, especially as you stand right above the bay. The view looking towards the San Francisco skyline, with Yerba Buena in front of it, and Karl the Fog looming in the background is crazy classic. It is what makes the Bay Area so scenic, on how intertwined we are despite a major body of water separating us all.
There are 2 cons though that I observed. One is the noise level is obnoxiously loud because you are literally within about 20-30 feet from the freeway. It is so loud that you can't really hold a conversation, unless you yell the whole time, which I'm never inclined to do. The other is once on Yerba Buena Island, there is no pedestrian access to explore the island. I'm sure you can find a way down there, but I didn't want to walk on the shoulder of a narrow road, that was somewhat under construction. So once touching the island, I literally just headed back. Kinda left me hanging.
So far from the nature hikes that I normally embark on. But an urban hike with an intimate view on modern engineering, that should still be mentioned and noted. It's an available resource that makes Bay Area living so diverse. read more