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    Fairmont Ridge Staging Area

    4.6 (36 reviews)

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    Irena S.

    This spot has a special place in my heart because my husband and I actually got engaged here! (In 2020 when it was so smokey from the fires that you couldn't see Lake Chabot at all LOL) But otherwise, love hiking here because it's a short little hike with lots of alternate paths to explore, with some hills but nothing too excruciating. Pros: - Small parking lot available - Easy trail - slight incline in the beginning and maybe one more in the middle, but otherwise pretty easy. Enough to get you huffing and puffing if you're walking fast, but you won't give yourself an asthma attack - Great view of Lake Chabot - Dog friendly - Lots of benches along the way for rest breaks, a lot of people will bring music and do their workouts here near the benches Cons: - no bathrooms - but the hike is so short it's not really necessary - no water fountains, bring your own bottles! - wear a hat because not much shade if it's a sunny day!

    Alice K.

    First time here. Lake Chabot Regional Park was closed due to storm damage, so we came here for a short hike. Paved trail leads to Children's Memorial Grove with beautiful views of SF Bay looking west and Lake Chabot looking east. Limited shade for summer. Small dirt parking lot, otherwise street parking.

    Hello leg muscles!
    Julie C.

    Now that 24 Hour Fitness has once again closed, I needed a quick cardio workout. I had previously done an urban hike nearby. I've visited nearby Lake Chabot hundreds of times over the years but I finally had my first visit here this week. What a find! The paved trail has some great inclines to get your heart up but as many reviewers have shared, the views are amazing. I saw all of San Leandro and Lake Chabot. It was stunning. I didn't venture off the paved trail but plenty of hikers and their dogs did so on either side of the paved trail. I can't wait to return and explore.

    See San Francisco at the end of the trail on a clear day
    Diana L.

    Living in Hayward, this is my absolute favorite spot for a quick bit of fresh air. Despite being so close to Lake Chabot, I've never seen it too crowded. It's got a short paved trail that goes up to a stunning view of the East Bay (about 3/4 mile each way), and even though it's short, it has a nice incline that allows you to get a bit of cardio in. I always see tons of birds and dogs (they can be off-leash here), and occasionally some groups of grazing cows. Sun-dappled trees and a view of the city on one side of the trail, and green hills and a view of Lake Chabot on the other. There's also plenty of trails cut into the rolling hills if you're in the mood to explore.

    Steep climb up to the ridge and Eucalyptus trees!
    Hazel C.

    I've been wanting to hike here for the longest time. I'm glad I was finally able to go a few days ago. I did a short hike--about 3 miles and climbed an equivalent of about 28 flights of stairs according to my Apple Watch. Not bad. It's always good to get a heart thumping workout. Once you get to top of the ridge, it's mostly flat, so very easy hike actually. Just make sure to wear proper hiking shoes and long pants. There are a lot of prickly weeds and some of the trails are really narrow. It was a cloudy day, so a perfect time to hike here. I really didn't want to get too much sun. I was able to get a parking spot in the small parking lot (under 15 spaces max) and walked up that steep hill to get up to the ridge. As it was a Thursday afternoon around 2 pm, there were only a few people with their dogs on the fire road. Once I got up to the top, I veered to the left which is facing west and walked along the side of the hill to enjoy expansive Bay Area views. When I got to the Children Memorial Grove, I crossed over and walked the trails facing east. Great views of Lake Chabot, Castro Valley and the East Bay hills. It's rather unfortunate that some people walking their dogs here are pretty disrespectful to this park and the people who enjoy it. I saw a couple of bags filled with dog poop on the trail. :( Not cool. I can just imagine how much more when the trail is more crowded in the early evening and weekends. I hope to be back with the hubby before my summer break is over. The views are stupendous!

    Jessie F.

    a review from @amom2kidsandapark I love this little trail. It starts out steep but once you get to the top there's beautiful views of San Leandro, the bay, and Lake Chabot. If it's clear enough you can even see the peninsula and the hills to the east. We usually head straight up the paved road. It's definitely an incline but I have seen people with strollers so it's not impossible. Take breaks! Once to the top there's a break away to the left and a cattle fence/gate. (We've actually seen cows here!) The hillside has benches for the ideal snack break and viewing. We love to look for familiar landmarks like the flowers on 880 and Davis, the polar bear on San Leandro Blvd and Washington Ave, the whales at Hayward shoreline (end of grant), and many more! This is a perfect stopping point if you're just into a short adventure. If you decide to make your walk a longer adventure you can continue on the paved road (this is where you'll see great views of the lake). The road eventually has a cut off into an oak grove and at the end is the children's memorial. This memorial has all the names of alameda county children who died as a result of a violent crime. It definitely tugged at my heart strings and encouraged me to hug my kiddos extra tight. The main paved path continues beyond the grove cut off but I haven't gone that far. According to the @alltrails app it has an end less than a half mile away. We also really enjoy exploring the tree line on our way back to the main gate instead of taking the paved road down. There's a bunch of fun little hiding spots in the trees and more good snack spots. There is a very small parking lot but if that is full there is street parking also. No bathrooms

    Fetching
    Summer B.

    Great hike in the winter and spring. In the fall and summer it's really dry and not as pretty. If you hike far enough you can find a little orchard, see some cows, and get a great view of the forest and a lake. It's really pretty and great trail for pups. Totally recommend, one of our favorite hikes.

    Spinone Italiano with a Smile on the trail near Lake Chabot.
    M M.

    I took my Spinone Italiano "Jazz" and he Loved it. It an off leash dog area & there were a lot of nice dogs out that day. :) Pros: When you get to the top you can see the valley the bay and Lake Chabot. It's a paved walking path. Dogs are allowed off-leash and most dog owners are respectful, kind and dogs will behaved. Parking is free. Cons: There are no water faucets, so pack your water. No bathrooms, so tinkle before you head to the trail. Minimum shade areas, so go early in the day. Not all owners respect the "pick up" after your dog rule, yes: unfortunate..so, watch out for dog poop.

    .Alan Y.

    Fairmont Ridge is a short, paved trail overlooking Lake Chabot on one side, and San Leandro on the other. The "park" is one of the local off-leash sites for dogs and their owners, so don't be surprised to see unleashed dogs romping around on the hills and trail. Unfortunately, there are also a few "landmines" around, though most dog owners police their dog waste. At the top of the ridge, there's a small memorial to all of the children who have perished as a result of violent crime in Alameda County. There is also a grove of trees nearby, wherein a tree is planted for every child who has passed. There are a lot of trees there... On a clear day, there are great views of Lake Chabot, Castro Valley, San Leandro and the greater Bay Area. It's a good park to let your dog burn off some steam. In the summer there are lots of burs and foxtails, so you'll want to check your dog's coat afterward. In the winter, there are a few mud puddles -- as I discovered today, so make sure to bring a dog crate -- or a car you don't care too much about. All of the dogs and people I've met on the ridge thusfar have been very friendly, and there appear to be several regulars who are there every day. Lucky dogs!

    Dawne L.

    When Lake Chabot gets a little too crowded, we head over here. It's less than a mile away, and offers a wonderful sunset view with Lake Chabot and Castro Valley in the background. It rarely gets crowded -- the only time I saw the parking lot filled was during the blood moon lunar eclipse when half of Castro Valley gathered to see the rare event. Highly recommend this place for a good hike/run. Wear sunscreen!

    View of Lake Chabot from Fairmont Ridge
    Indira A.

    Love the view. It's great for a walk and enjoy of a good view. It has a beautiful view of the city and the lake.

    Lake Chabot
    T F.

    I've been here just once over a year ago, but wanted to post these photos so Yelpers will see what a gorgeous hike it is. At the top of the ridge is a grove of trees. This is the Children's Memorial Grove, which was dedicated November 1, 1996. Each year, Alameda county & East Bay Regional Park District hold a ceremony at which they read the names of children who, in the previous year have died as a result of a violent crime, and plant an oak tree in memory of each. Sad thing is, there are lots and lots of trees here.

    Earlier today.  Cows out
    Brad S.

    First off if u have dogs, like hiking or running or even seeing a view of the Bay or the Valley you will like this place! Positves: Great place for dogs(i take mine there, lots of open space for them to be off leash) Great for hikes (lots of hiking trails) Great views(views of Lake Chabot and the valley on one side and the East Bay on the other)((if you live in the east bay highly likely you ll b able to see your own house)) Not as busy as Lake Chabot Dogs can run off leash for the most part Free to park and anything else Negatives: There aren't as many people no water fountains or anything or mile markers on trails Gets busy in parking lot so you sometimes have to park on street.

    Nicely paved and unpaved roads! Not super steep and pet friendly! Beautiful views. I think the trail curfew is 5pm!

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    Ask the Community - Fairmont Ridge Staging Area

    Review Highlights - Fairmont Ridge Staging Area

    On a clear day, there are great views of Lake Chabot, Castro Valley, San Leandro and the greater Bay Area.

    Mentioned in 19 reviews

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    Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area - Entrance 6/2025

    Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area

    4.1(140 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    WEEKDAY VISIT REVIEW OF LAGOON…read more HIGHLIGHTS *Free parking *Low entrance fee *Plenty picnic areas with picnic tables *Plenty change rooms *Very clean public spaces *Attentive lifeguards *Free life jackets to borrow ENTRANCE FEES Under 1 free 1-15 $2 15-65 $3 Senior $2 Cash and card accepted You get a wristband once paid. Ten feet deep swimming area requires a test. You need to be able to swim 20 yards. Shallow area fenced off from deep waters. This lagoon water is cold but not super cold. Fun family day place, especially for toddlers, preschoolers and young children.

    0 Star I had a…read moredisappointing experience at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area. The welcome reception staff seemed inconsistent in how they treated guests. I noticed some guests (mexicans) were allowed to skip the line or enter without having their wristbands checked, while others were required to show wristbands even when they were not swimming. When we had questions, staff members were not helpful and often ignored us, which made us feel unwelcome. The restroom facilities were also in poor condition. The bathrooms were dirty, had a strong unpleasant odor, and did not appear to be cleaned regularly. Overall, the customer service and facility cleanliness did not meet expectations. I hope management addresses these issues and ensures all visitors are treated fairly and respectfully.

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    Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area - 6/2025

    6/2025

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    Hayward Japanese Gardens - Hayward Area Rec. & Park District - Japanese Maple

    Hayward Japanese Gardens - Hayward Area Rec. & Park District

    4.5(399 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    Five stars because it costs no yen…read more As far as Japanese gardens go, this one is my least favorite because it is rectangular, with a visible metal fence perimeter, with ugly trash and graffiti visible from across the creek and no opportunities to feed the koi fish. Three things, though, that make it special is that they have memorial plaques, stray cats, and blowtorched wood for an aged and weather-resistant finish. From 1913-1962, the site was a practice site for farming and raising livestock for Hayward Union High. It became a garden by the late 1970s, and when dedicated in 1980, focusing on botany (with plants donated by local Japanese-American nurseries) rather than religion. Every first Saturday at 1pm there's a free lecture/tour. It's not especially beautiful or big (3.5 acres) or exciting (the few people I saw there were on their phones), but it's a peaceful, clean area. I think informational displays could help people enjoy it more. Or phone chargers. Information like, many of the wooden connections (including the main entry gate) have notches instead of notches to fit together like puzzle pieces. This more authentic approach prevents rust. Or, the garden uses the Shakkei technique: when you can stand at the highest point, the surrounding trees are meant to look like distant mountains, with specific plants blended with the Japanese maples and native Oaks to make the garden feel ten timers larger than its actual 3.5 acres. Or, the hand-selected granite boulders from the Sierra Nevadas are buried one-third into the ground so it looks like they are growing, which is why I don't manicure myself often. .

    I did not know this place existed until my partner found this and brought his family here…read more It's a nice, serene and scenic short walk with plenty of nice photo spots and benches to sit and take in the greenery. I loved seeing all the koi, bansai and various plants they had in the area. It is well worth a visit to come check it out!

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    Hayward Japanese Gardens - Hayward Area Rec. & Park District - 12/2024

    12/2024

    Hayward Japanese Gardens - Hayward Area Rec. & Park District - Koi fish pond

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    Lake Chabot Regional Park - Little mushrooms in the winter

    Lake Chabot Regional Park

    4.5(639 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Lake Chabot Regional Park is an absolutely beautiful place and easily one of the most peaceful…read moreoutdoor spaces in the area. From the moment you arrive, it feels like a true escape from the city--quiet, expansive, and surrounded by nature. The scenery alone is worth the visit. The lake is stunning, especially when the light hits the water, and the surrounding hills and greenery make it feel immersive and calming. It's the kind of place that instantly slows you down and helps you breathe a little deeper. One of the biggest highlights is the sheer number of trails available. There are so many options, whether you're looking for a casual walk, a longer hike, or something more challenging. The trails are well maintained and offer a great mix of lake views, wooded areas, and open stretches. It's also a great park because it works for so many different types of outings. You'll see hikers, runners, cyclists, families, and people just enjoying time outdoors. There's plenty of space, so it never feels overcrowded, even when it's busy. Lake Chabot Regional Park is a true gem. The natural beauty, variety of trails, and peaceful atmosphere make it a place you'll want to return to again and again. Whether you're local or just visiting, it's absolutely worth spending time here.

    I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding my recent experience at the park and…read moremarina area. During my visit, my children and I waited nearly two hours to get on a pontoon boat while I observed management allowing other individuals to board boats based on personal relationships or favoritism. This felt unfair and unprofessional In addition the staff behavior inside the café was extremely disappointing and lacked professionalism. The only positive part of the experience was the young men working on the dock, who remained respectful and uplifting once they noticed I was upset. They handled themselves professionally despite the stressful environment around them I also noticed several safety and cleanliness concerns throughout the area. Many of the boats appeared old poorly maintained and dirty From what I observed employees were mainly instructed to spray the boats down quickly with hoses, with little to no proper cleaning supplies being used This does not appear to be an effective or safe maintenance process for equipment being used by families and visitors Another concern was the way some employees were treated by management I witnessed behavior that appeared disrespectful and unprofessional toward staff members. I strongly believe all visitors and employees should be treated with courtesy, fairness, and professionalism at all times, regardless of background or position Overall the lack of organization, customer service, assistance, and maintenance created a very frustrating experience for my family and negatively impacted our visit to the park I respectfully ask that management seriously review these concerns and take appropriate action to improve customer service, employee treatment, safety standards, cleanliness, and overall operations moving forward

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    Lake Chabot Regional Park - A family that hike together, stay healthy together

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    Lake Chabot Regional Park - 6/1/23

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    Greenwood Park - Entrance from Eden

    Greenwood Park

    4.4(36 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    This park is absolutely AMAZING!!!!!…read more Lucky for us, my family moved in this area and Greenwood Park is within walking distances. With it's infamous 3 towering flower structure that offers beauty and shade, you can't miss it!! While there are the typical play structures found at typical parks, Greenwood has a number of musical instruments to play with and enjoy. The park has plenty of seating areas and also has BBQ grills. There are restrooms available but I can't speak on the conditions since I haven't actually used them. The park is spacious, clean, and is the perfect spot to relax with a snack or have a full blown paaaartay!! 5/5 stars, my family and I love everything about Greenwood!!

    Probably one of the nicest parks in Hayward. Problem is its just in an unusual hard to find spot…read morethat is almost hidden - unless you are one of the lucky residents nearby. Flowering trees, walkways, little musical instrument for kids, bay friendly rated landscaping, beautiful flower shaped shade artwork, hammock, swings, play structure, small trampoline, basketball hoops... I could go on and on about all the different amenities. There is something for everybody. One beautifully done park... likely from money from the new nearby construction. Big newer homes are on one side and then trailer park homes are on the other side. Its a public park and no matter what you pay for rent or where you live it is here for you to enjoy. The one problem I saw was the basketball hoops. They were like tiny lakes. For whatever reason the concrete contractors messed up. They made little swimming pool instead of flat concrete that doesn't puddle up. I've bounced a ball in a tiny pool of water... and let me tell you - its one way to end the fun. Great little park for all residents of Hayward. Worth a little drive to get to.

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    Fairmont Ridge Staging Area - parks - Updated May 2026

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