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Hillside Natural Area

4.6 (16 reviews)

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Madison J.

This is a beautiful little trail my friends told me about. I took a trail that started straight ahead of Schmidt Lane, and climbed uphill from there. It took about 15 minutes to get to the top of the hill where I was greeted with beautiful views of the El Cerrito skyline.

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Ed U.

It's really a big community backyard for El Cerrito that's literally on a steep hill. No argument from me whether it's a natural area either. There's nothing manicured about the gravel trails and Halloween-eerie trees that cover this contained patch of wilderness. It's paradise for the local canine populace and their owners who criss-cross the trails with great frequency. That means watching your step to avoid inconvenient fecal matter, presumably from the dogs. The trails are short in here as they end up at the surrounding suburban cul-de-sacs, but the higher-level ones are worth trekking just for the panoramic views of the bay, spectacular by anybody's standards. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here are the places around the Bay Area where I have trod: bit.ly/2OsCCsK

entrance
John S.

Wow! This place is a hidden gem. Its easily accessible and near civilization, but once you get up on the trail, you feel like you are in a whole different world. Parking here is super easy. There is ample street parking right next to the trail head. We last went on a Saturday afternoon and there were only 3 other cars there. NOTE: This trail is open during COVID, but with reasonable restrictions. There are posted signs that require social distancing and masks. Every person we came across on the trail was in fact wearing a mask. The best time to go is sunset. After a 15 minute (~1.2 mile) walk, you come upon a crest that has panoramic views of the entire Bay Area. The sun sets over the water and creates an epic sight. Highly recommend for a COVID, socially-distanced nature getaway.

Karishma M.

A quick, short hike to the top for a nice view of the Bay. You can see both the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. El Cerrito is a prime spot for good views given its location. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a hike with a skyline view who is in the area. If I didn't live in El Cerrito, I probably wouldn't come here because it's a very short hike and the way to the top isn't too exciting. The best part is probably at the top to see the view. Some parts of this hike are steep but I thought it was pretty easy. My friend on the other hand needed to take breaks and found it strenuous. I would also add that the weather will impact the view you see at the top. Fog was covering a lot on the day we went, but that goes for a lot of hiking viewpoints. If we saw the same view that day in San Francisco, we would see nothing because we would be closer to the fog. However, the nice thing about being in El Cerrito is that you can see through some of the fog. Check this out for something quick, local, and low-key.

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Liberty D.

I can't believe it. I've lived in El Cerrito for almost 5 years and never knew this trail was here. I happened to drive past and it didn't look like much but I was shocked by how beautiful this hike was. The trails were not packed I arrived around 12pm on a Saturday afternoon. The hike itself was moderate and was about 45 mins long. I really loved the tall tree, the beautiful flowers, and how green it was. It was something very charming about this hike I felt so free and good energy. It's dog friendly and I loved that the others on the trails were respectful and had their dogs on Leashes. The trail is very spacious and I can't wait to come back with my bike! Beautiful place

Jana C.

So I HAVE inadvertently passed part of this trail before! When I ascend Potrero, it's off to the side ... At least part of it. In 2 hours time with breaks to catch my breath after particularly steep buggers of hills , I was able to enjoy sweeping , private views of the Bay at sunset. Truly a treat, and my glutes were treated to some punishment! Bring layers of dri fit, because even though it's windy at sunset, you'll be sweating- I can vouch for that. Too, poison oak and tick warning! Cover one's body for maximum protection. Bring water and take photos! Back to starting point if also hike the adjoining green area off of Potrero. Navellier St lets you back into the hillside area if one is aiming to do a full loop, as I did this fun evening. Talking, exercising, nature--- it's a tried and true satisfying formula!

Chum L.

You know what? Sometimes I need a quickie. One that will work me out HARD, make me sweat, make my heart beat fast and give me total satisfaction in a short amount of time. When I get in this mood, I head out to the El Cerrito Memorial Grove. Located right next to the El Cerrito Recycling Center, it's a straight up hill hike. The kind of incline where you can't stand up straight. Once you reach the peak, you will be rewarded with 180 degree view of the SF Bay. Then it's straight downhill for part of the hill and if you are in the know, you will make left into the trees and wind down the hill until it drops you back to the original trail where you will continue straight downhill. It's a good half hour workout that will leave you panting and wanting more. So, like I said, if you want a quickie....

Lily Y.

My sis found this cute nature area by doing a Google map search. Apparently, it's a natural open space that's smack dab in the middle of El Cerrito and somewhat serves as a "backyard" for the neighboring houses that surround the park. It's a great place for those who live close by to enjoy the views of the bay, for dog walking, or for a short trail hike without having to travel farther to Wildcat Canyon or Tilden Park. THINGS OF INTEREST: -Extravagant views of the bay -Lots of lush greenery, bristly & high grassy fields -Secluded area, great for a mini-getaway without having to get away WHAT TO SEE: ***** [Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, SF, Angel Island, Point Richmond, Berkeley Marina, GGB, & Marin Headlands] CONVENIENCE: **** [Several street entrances to the park include Schmidt Lane, Douglas Drive, or King Court] AMBIANCE: **** [Poop bags and trash cans available at the beginning of the trail on Schmidt, but no other trash bins located along the trails so dog owners may be inclined to leave without "cleaning" up, eventually causing a minor stench of feces] DIFFICULTY LEVEL: ** [2 out of 5, a few hills here and there, but the trail is short] PRICE: FREE! [Gotta love that!] OVERALL: **** [4-stars... cuz it's a small nature area, great for the those who live in the area, but really not worth the trip from those who live afar.] Definitely a neighborhood gem. Nuff said. [#34 of 100 YELP CHALLENGE 2013]

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Review Highlights - Hillside Natural Area

The trails are steep, with plenty of gravel and poison oak beside the path.

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Cerrito Vista Park

Cerrito Vista Park

4.4(13 reviews)
0.4 mi

This little Park is an amazing spot in El Cerrito. At first I was Googling a place to take the kids…read moreand I didn't realize that the spot was here. This place was a nice little getaway tucked away on top of the hills in El Cerrito. It has a humongous play / Park area with multiple slides, multiple Bridges, and mouth on the couch for kids to climb and play on. It surprised me how large the entire park was to begin with. What Caught me off guard there was a huge Park for baseball, soccer, and doing a lot of outdoor activities it's, dating for people who want to have picnics in the park, as well as throw Park parties. I'm very impressed with this location because it's also in a very calm and beautiful neighborhood in El Cerrito. If anyone has any questions or concerns about this please please feel free to contact me I'll be happy to answer anything that comes my way.

Baseball field / playground areas is Cerrito Vista Park. Nestled at the top of the El Cerrito…read morecommunity is an intimate park / play area pushed high from the street level with steps leading to the field. Baseball games were being played while there are two separate play areas designated for smaller and bigger kids. Shade areas are hard to come by on warmer days. There are two benches with cement barriers wrapped around tree areas. Both are used for seating, but the cement areas offer ample shade under the trees. The larger play area for bigger kids has many structures to explore, climb and slide down. During our three hour stint of play, our daughter had many kids to play with. Between the play structure, digging in dirt and playing with bugs, play happened throughout the play area. Parking can be limited ,especially during baseball season, since it is nestled in a residential area with street parking. It is a few minutes from Baskin Robbins if the little ones have earned a scoop.

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Cerrito Vista Park
Cerrito Vista Park
Cerrito Vista Park - Yirsti

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Yirsti

Peggy Thomsen Pierce Street Park - This location is fenced off and will under unspecified construction.

Peggy Thomsen Pierce Street Park

3.8(6 reviews)
2.0 mi

My kids (3 & 5) have been begging to go here as it was being built; we pass it on our way to the…read moreAlbany Target. It's a nice new playground, with interesting play structures and a nice cushioned ground. Clean bathrooms, water fountains. Unfortunately no shade in the late morning, which is our usual playground time. It looks like they've planted some trees so eventually that will change. Part of the playground is enclosed by a fence, I guess for the smaller kids. But my kids wanted to play in both areas and i found the fence annoying because the gate is on the side farthest from the unfenced section. (I would be in the fenced area with one kid and the other one would want help so I'd have to walk all the way around.) Obviously not a huge deal, but when I'm evaluating playgrounds I certainly think of parental comfort, and how easy it is to park myself in one spot and be able to see everything. Yes it's next to the highway, and there's plenty of traffic noise. But there wasn't any smell or fumes when we were there. We'll certainly continue to come here, most likely on the way to/from Target.

This is a great park but they need to put a sign up that says no dogs allowed inside the park. I…read morewent there with my son and a lady brought 2 dogs to the toddler section and started fetching with them. Another infant (11 month old) also came into the park. The lady ignored us and continued to fetch with her dogs. The other parent says a lot of neighborhood folks uses the toddler park as a dog park and sometimes she gets scared and won't bring the baby when she sees too many dogs. Come on, there is Point Isabel Dog Park less than 5 min away and Buchanan dog park also less than 5 min away. Please bring your dogs to a dog park and to not a clean children's park! Who do I talk to about this?

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Peggy Thomsen Pierce Street Park
Peggy Thomsen Pierce Street Park

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Hillside Natural Area - parks - Updated May 2026

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