Great place for a beautiful view, it is located in a friendly neighborhood and easily accessible. The rock itself has steps, but I advise to definitely bring shoes with grip here. Going up the rock can be a bit of a struggle, not to worry as the view will be worth it. There isn't a trail here, it's more of a sit down and talk kind of place. I went here during the week around 11 am so maybe I happened to come when it's not as busy. read more

Ok this will be short but sweet. The location is in Berkeley hills. This is hidden in a little neighborhood with limited street parking. Indian rock is small but provides amazing views of the bay. Across the street you have a little park to chill at. But most prior are here to climb the little rock take a pic and go on there way. Well at least that's what I noticed. I have to recommend this place to those who don't hike but want to see great views of the bay. read more

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Place was great! Two big rocks one is easier to climb than the other. Pretty high be careful climbing. The second rock has steps so anyone can really climb it. Parking can be tricky so look around because there is no private parking. You can get some really cool pics and you get a view of the city. read more

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Took my dog to check this Park out. You kind of have to look for it since it is hidden. It was not a clear day so unfortunately we couldn't see much of the city down below. Wouldn't mind coming back on a clear day to see the view. This small park is overall a nice hidden gem in the Hills.#LocalAdventureChallenge read more

Indian Rock Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

It is a three story high boulder of Berkely Rhyolite with steps notched into one side so that you can climb up and sit on top. The other faces are shear or overhanging and are excellent rock climbing practice locations. At sunset on a warm evening, you may find 20 or 30 people on top. Across the street is a nice lawn to hand out on as well as a ten foot high wall for climbing. A block up the street is Mortar Rock Park, with another two story high boulder and ancient indian mortar holes in the rock, used for grinding acorns into powder... a mainstay of their diet. Also, another good overhang for rock climbing practice. Amazing views of the city Oakland to Marin with two bridges in-between!! Don't forget to wear shoes with grip. 2016 Review #86 read more

Indian Rock Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Definitely the least PC-named park in all of Berkeley, but nonetheless, this spot is a vortex of positive energy, good views, climbing and occasional people watching. On the left side, when looking west at the view, there are some carved stairs that lead to the top of the rocks. Don't be afraid, it's worth the view. If you plan to spend some time, maybe bring something to sit on. In addition, the surrounding neighborhood is worth walking around, for as long as you have energy. The windy streets, flora and cool homes make a 3-mile walk seem like a breeze. Aim for uphill from the park. read more

Spent a day visiting nature in Berkeley. This has to have been my favorite spot. I love to climb things but I wore the wrong shoes that day. You get a whole view of multiple cities, it's beautiful. I could sit here for hours. read more

Gorgeous little park in the middle of the neighborhood! So many great places to climb and scramble around. The top of the rocks is an amazing place to watch the sunset. And there are worn in "steps" that make for an easy climb up to the top. Great views of the city! It's a beautiful place for photos as well. read more

Indian Rock Park - Corinna Rose Photography - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Doesn't look like much when you drive past but man is there a view! Located in the heart of the east bay, this place is a must see if you love a good view. Only downside is that there can be too many people sometimes :( read more

Anytime you find a spot with a great view of the Bay Area you gotta love it... This little rock is slightly hidden a few blocks away from Solano Ave., in the middle of a residential area. The rock isn't terribly difficult to climb from the front side-- but it is a little more tricky from the back. Once you get up it's a nice view of the east bay, giving you a straight away shot looking right at the Golden Gate Bridge. You can kinda also see the west side of SF from this view, which is cool. I would give it 5 stars(because i love views of the Bay Area) but the sides are blocked off by trees, so it's not a very commanding view... and also, if you do bring kids here, take them up the trail in the front of the rock and be careful! read more

We are from out of town and stopped by this park based on the reviews. Beautiful views as promised. But to be clear it's really small. The walk up the steps to the top is literally one minute! read more

This is one of those "can't lose" spots to take people (even yourself). It's got an amazing view of the Bay, including three bridges, so it's a no-brainer to go for sunset. The only thing to keep in mind it's a bit dangerous to get up on the rock. There is a carved-into-the-rock staircase, but be sure you're wearing reasonable shoes (no heels, sexy ladies!) and if it's dark, be sure you have a flashlight, especially if it's your first time. Best of all, this is a FREE Bay-Area attraction. It's close to the street so you don't have to park and hike in for 1/4 mile, but it's not right *AT* the street, (unlike at Twin Peaks, another free spot with a killer view, but it's basically also a parking lot, and there are cars spewing gaseous fumes with people making out in them right next to you.) (Here the young lovers might be up the rock from you.) Bring champagne or a picnic or nothing at all. This is one of the best places to bring people to that's easy to get to and costs zero. Get thee to Indian Rock. read more

Indian Rock Park - Photo of Indian Rock by Jenny Pfeiffer for Sunset magazine - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

This place is AmAziNg Very confusing on how to get to the top if your a 1st timer. NOTE TO SELF: Easiest access is to the LEFT SIDE OF THE ROCK. I was a bit chicken to even climb at first but with some nice help from some regulars i accomplished my goal. Didn't get the MEMO of easier route until after my HALF PAST DEATH(JK) experience... Very BEAUTIFUL CAUTION:TRY & GO WHEN THERE'S NOT ALOT OF PEOPLE COULD FEEL A BIT CROWDED FOR A 1ST TIMES. read more

Such a pretty view! Come during sunset with some food, drinks and your friends/loved ones. There's stairs along the rock if you don't want to climb up it. read more

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Such a fun experience in such an unexpected place! Located in a residential neighborhood, but highly trafficked. Plan about 10 minutes to soak in the beautiful view and probably no more if you aren't a local. Limited space=limited time read more

Indian Rock Park - Views of the Bay - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Went here on my first date with my boyfriend. We walked up here after parking in residential area. The rock steps are really awesome as you climb up to the top. What I really enjoyed was the view out to the bay. At times you can see the Bart trailing along towards Berkeley. But there is a skunk like smell around this area, wonder what that could be??? But this is a park where I'd like to read books up on the top of the rock on non rainy days. Other than that, I wouldn't feel safe on the ground near all the people lurking in the bushes. read more

One of my favorite parks in Berkeley!! It's not a long, hard climb that brings you to the verge of tears. And you won't need a rescuing helicopter to bring you back down to the ground once you're on top. The climb is actually pretty easy if you choose to walk up the boulders via the carved out steps; it doesn't requires much physical strength or skill. But if you want more challenge, you can choose a tougher way up, and have fun getting stuck, using your all fours to crawl through the tiny opening and figure your way out (or up, or down). If you want even MORE challenge, there's a rock climbing practice site for serious rock climbers. So this tiny little park is perfect for both boulder buffs and beginners alike. I love the short climb more than the view, actually... Kinda reminds me of my childhood days when I loved to climb trees. Gorgeous sunset and bay view though, once you're on top. You can enjoy the breeze and be surrounded by beauty and serenity... What a cool little park! TOTALLY LOVE IT. read more

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To clarify - this is obviously not a hike but a nice spot to check out in Berkeley. My friends and I thought this was a hike but instead, found a large rock in the Berkeley hills. It is very interesting and different! If you are feeling adventurous, you can climb up the rock OR if you are looking for a place to relax, you can climb up the stairs. The view from the too is absolutely gorgeous, you can see SF and the golden gate park. You can also see all of the residential houses and backyards. Make sure you go on a beautiful day or if you can, the night would be amazing! read more

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Dang what a cool little place. I had heard about it from a friend at PG Sunnyvale who says he climbs there a lot, and had it on my list to try. I keep my climbing gear in my car so today we were able to boulder around a bunch. There are some nice traverses and, while I didnt have any guide to the routes, some residual chalk showed up a few that we then mucked around on. At the top is a great view and all the people up there were sending feel good vibes. We were only distracted by a leathery hippie playing a guitar and singing on the bench. Ouch. And I love how some of the surrounding houses have built their houses around the natural rock on their properties. It's a special place. read more

Gorgeous, local view of the Bay in the middle of North Berkeley. Can't get enough of it. A bit crowded at times, but hey, it's small. It's a bit tricky to find. I usually head up to The Circle... you'll see Indian Rock road as a small branch off of Arlington. Good luck! read more

Finally made the trek here from the Peninsula and it was a blast. Great place to do some climbing with the kids and catch some beautiful views of the bay. read more

Indian Rock Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Nestled in the heart of the Berkeley hills - a few giant rocks perfect for the amateur climber, curious at heart or contemplative soul searcher. (Or maybe if you want to smoke out to a nice view.) Only found 2 nuts bolted into the rocks for 1 top rope climb ... but many areas for bouldering. The top rope climbs has actually a doable overhang ... the rest of the climb you could do blindfolded. But be warned that the overhang part will be rough on your rope. read more

Indian Rock does have a nice view of Marin County and the general San Francisco Bay, but it's ease of accessibility is also its weakness; there were simply too many people at the top of the rock. There were little kids running around everywhere and people drinking loudly, leaving the smell of alcohol in the air. If people want to enjoy the view, then do so QUIETLY. I came on a weekend, so if you want to enjoy the rock by yourself, it's probably better to come on a weekday. There are two stairways that you can take to reach the top. If you are coming from the street, you can either head between the two large rocks, or you can head slightly downhill toward the houses and then there will be a staircase carved into the gradual slope. Flips flops are fine as long as they have some grip, and aren't like my 4-year old sandals that are slippery even on flat ground! This rock is also a popular destination for bouldering. I saw some people bring a gym mat to cushion the fall for those that are feeling more adventurous! read more

The rain let up for a few days, so it was safe and dry to visit Indian Rock Park and climb. Exceptional views of the Bay Area. We found parking fairly easily. I have to come back with a better camera for better pictures. read more

Indian Rock Park - Indian Rock Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

I go here because it gives a great overview of the East Bay. I go here to think about life or make decisions. It's very peaceful whenever I'm able to be up there alone. Lately, it's started to get more crowded.. :( That's okay, I like that others are able to find inspiration there as well. :) read more

This is my happy place in East Bay. It is virtually impossible to come here and not be out into a state of pure bliss and relaxation. It is private yet communal, quiet yet buzzing, monumental yet small in scale. You can see nearly every major landmark in the Bay from the top of the rocks - Golden Gate Bridge, Transamerica Pyramid, Port of Oakland cranes, Sutro Tower, Bay Bridge, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, downtown Oakland, Angel Island, Mount Tam, Richmond Bridge, Berkeley Campanile, Salesforce Tower, San Bruno Mountains, etc. Come for sunset and enjoy the endorphin boost read more

One of the better views from the Berkeley Hills area. I've been told by many people to visit this place and I do not regret it. My sister and I stopped by here to say goodbye to the Bay Area before heading up to Oregon for three months. I love the space there. Super easy to boulder and climb. Easy holds and a variety of sections to climb. I'm not a climber and I could scale the rock (I am tall, though, so I could reach a lot of the holds). EDIT: I must return to actually boulder. I WILL BE BACK. read more

Breathtaking view of the Bay! Check this place out! On a nice day, you are able to see the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance! Come for the sunset! - There was a large crowd camped out at the top of the Rock - Bring a blanket, bring snacks, bring drinks! Enjoy the view and the company that you bring along! read more

Indian Rock Park - Sunset view! - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This place is great if you want to enjoy the scenery of the bay area, hang out with friends, or just to enjoy some fresh air. Parking here is street parking so if it is busy here then be warned you might have to do some walking. Come here when the weather is nice and beautiful. When you climb it and you get to the top it shows a beautiful view of Oakland to Marin! I have found that when you climb this, there are various ways to climb it. If you do not like climbing and you want to just simply get up, there are some steps that lead you to the top of Indian Rock. If you are mediocre I recommend just using some of the steps already made and detour here and there around the rocks. Now if you really love climbing then simply just come up the sides, but wear shoes with grips! This place has two areas, one where you can just sit on the very top and the other is where you can practice your rock climbing skills. Expect to see some people there because it is rarely empty. Sometimes it can get loud because there are a lot of kids, but in the end it is a great place to enjoy nature and your surroundings. read more

This is such a great place to watch a sunset! Lots of fun places to climb and clamber about, don't forget to put a little flashlight in your pocket to make it easier to get home in one piece! Yet another excellent urban park preserved for our enjoyment - I'm so glad that it wasn't dynamited and leveled like so many rocky outcroppings and hills were in San Francisco 100 years ago! read more

This place is perfect for picnics at sunset, or after dark. The view out over the bay is gorgeous, and you can see for miles in clear weather. I especially like bringing a blanket and watching the fog roll in. There are stairs leading to the top, so you don't have to be a climber to enjoy the view. If you are a climber, I've heard that Indian Rock is excellent for bouldering. Don't come here expecting privacy-- there are usually other people around. It's a small park, with just one large rock to climb, but ten or more people can be comfortably seated on top. It's easy to understand why so many people come here-- the park is a gem, definitely one of the best spots in North Berkeley. As long as you don't mind sharing the space with a handful of other people, it should be an amazing experience. read more

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Hello Large Rock, That's a nice view of the city you have. Yet, it's quite far off in the distance. I wish my phone camera captured the view better. Oh well. I like how some people boulder on you. And how others sit here for a hot minute to see the sunset. Some people bring blankets, some people bring food, and some people just come to take a selfie and then peace out. You're in a residential area, so it's mostly street parking that can be limited during peak hours. But mad props because you don't discriminate, and all different types of people come here for enjoyment. You're literally that rock that ties our community together. Thank you for being so solid, Indian Rock. Stay strong, Joanna read more

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Can you imagine having a two/three story boulder next to your backyard? Well for some residence in Berkeley this is their reality. Indian Rock is on a 1.18 acres public park and is free and open for anyone who desires to climb, watch the sunset, or see a beautiful view of the Bay Area. We came early so it was still a bit chilly. Eve climbed up once and then wanted to stand in the sun for the rest of the time. While the rest of our children climbed up and down this massive rock. This is seriously one cool looking rock and the stairs to the rock look pretty amazing as well. You actually can climb up this rock without using the stairs our kids did and loved it. Now the best part is that it's free and if your not a hiker you can park right next to it because it's right next to the street. read more

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This area is awesome. I found it on a list of things to check out in Santa Cruz from tripadvisor and I'm very glad I came here. This is in the middle of a bunch of houses and has amazing views of the Bay Area. I'll be back here every time I'm in Santa Cruz from now on. read more

Indian Rock Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This spot is breathtaking and I highly recommend to go at night and look at the city lights. It's truly beautiful. This picture does no justice of how beautiful it looked that night. read more

Indian Rock Park - View at night - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

A busy small rock climbing park. It's in a residential area so there many people who come during sunset. Unfortunately people dump the trash in the cracks between the rocks which I don't understand. There were some rock climbers as well. read more

Not as great as the big C, but still amazing. It has a great view of the Bay on a clear day. Getting to the top maybe a a little scary/challenging (esp if you're afraid of height) b/c you're climbing up through the rocks. This area is tucked in a residential neighborhood. If you're quasi-fit, you can run from the south side of campus and make it to the top. I enjoyed my run and we walk down to north Berkeley to have lunch. read more

Pretty cool place to climb, sit, look, watch, listen, jump, take photos, eat, breathe...I wouldn't recommend drinking any adult beverages, rocks are hard. read more

Indian Rock Park - Rock - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Dammit, the rock wasn't as big as we thought it was. Oh well, this is definitely a Berkeley institution -- big ole rock to sit on as you soak in the ridiculously breathtaking panoramic view that you didn't have to actually work that hard to get to (the car did all the work for us -- driving up the hill takes care of it). I think you should follow everyone's advice -- get a bottle of wine and cheese and a loaf of bread and contemplate life with a good friend. I have yet to do that. Our first visit was fun because we met some seasoned rock climbers in the back, one who had been climbing the rocks since he was 11 (he looked at least 30). He was like Spiderman. Berkeley Spiderman. ^____^ read more

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This place is cool but I may have had too high of expectations. When I finally got up on this hill, through the circle fountain, past the steep stairs and got up to Indian Rock ... it's literally a huge two rock-set situated in between residential areas. Idk I was imagining more of a mountain. Great spot for a picnic while you wait for the sunset. Bring a jacket because it gets cold!! There are also steps that make it easier to climb up the rock, look out for those if you're an amateur rock climber-mountain hiker person like me :') read more

Indian Rock Park - Woot almost there! - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California