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Pssst, wanna trick your friends by showing a nice bay-overlooking pic that makes it seem like you did a strenuous hike for it but really you walked just some stair-like rock steps in under a few minutes? Here's your spot! Granted, the steps on this rock are a bit steep so they're not suitable for those who have weak knees and/or get easily disoriented when looking down on steps from a high altitude. Also, the rock peak isn't huge so maybe like 10 people can stand there before it becomes overcrowded. Fun fact: this spot has been used for rock climbing practice for decades and environmentalist David Brower incorporated some of his learned techniques here in World War II training manuals that ultimately helped the U.S. disrupt German lines in southern Europe. Parking: street parking in a residential area. On a weekday finding parking wasn't too much of a hassle but I can imagine parking availability being a bit more dicey on weekends.
It's worth it! A small, unexpected park full of 3 story boulders, plopped in a very Berkeley-esque neighborhood. Rocky steps are crudely carved into the side of the largest rock structure making a winding path to the top. And the view of the bay and GG bridge is amazing. It takes about 1 minute to get up there, just stay steady and wear flats! There's also a bunch of little alcoves to hide and explore. Think of this as a nice 30 minute stop to catch a nice view and say you kinda exercised
Like few places in the world, the San Francisco Bay area has amazing exposures of interesting geology. Indian Rock Park is an outcrop of rhyolite right in the middle of residential Berkeley Hills. This brand of rhyolite is officially known as the Northbrae Rhyolite. It erupted, about 11.5 million years ago. This spot is popular for rock climbers, and anyone interested in some quick fun and a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay. Indian Rock Park is one of three Rock parks here in the Berkeley Hills within an easy walking distance. While parked at Indian Rock Park, walk-up Indian Rock Road to see Mortar Rock Park and Grotto Rock Park.
Talk about a unique place, Indian Rock Park is exactly that!!! This 'park' is one huge rock!! I had no idea coming here that I would be climbing up a rock!! Wear some good shoes when coming here. And respect the climb, because it takes a little getting used to at first. But once you got it and climb all the way to the top, there's some places to sit down and enjoy all the great views!! I guess you can call this a hike, but it's super short so I'm not sure about that. You can use the stairs which makes it easier, or you can go your own way for more of a challenge. Located in the Berkeley Hills, I came late on a Sunday so parking was easy. Definitely different!!
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS. Indian Rock is a super easy climb because it's simply like a long and narrow staircase, but it is a little treacherous, precarious, and scary in the darkness of night (use your phone as a flashlight). The social distancing at Indian Rock Park is not good. Many people encroached upon my space when I deliberately selected a spot away from everyone. It gets crazy busy around sunset so that's the most active time. I recommend coming here and spending some time to breathe in the air, look at the views, and relax from all the craziness of this world (in a socially-distanced, responsible way of course)!
I've been going here since high school. What a great view for sunsets! Romantic spot! Bring a bottle of wine and something to smoke. lol Great spot. Has rock climbing also. 5 strong stars! Amazing! Bring your dogs.
What a nice surprise in this Berkeley neighborhood. I hope the neighbors that surrond the rock see it as a pleasure to have this structure here as opposed to being bothered by the foot traffic. A few neighbors could walk out of their front door, take a few steps and touch the structure. It's neighborhood parking, but I found one right away and it was directly across the street. SCORE! So there is a path of stairs that will take you atop the ROCK. But did you know that behind the rock there is a cave-like area where rock climbers actually bring their equipment - harnesses and foam pads (in case of FAIL) and actually attempt to scale it. I actually watched one guy give it a try, but he didn't seem to make it very far. But as with anything worth it, you must have patience. Unfortunately there was to much heat for me to stick around and see if he would make it. On the lowere level, there is a park bench shaded by trees and from that bench, you can see San Francisco. Well, it was an extremely foggy day so at best I saw a shrouded area that I think is San Francisco. This is a cool place to impress out of towners. Here's What I Think...I will come back at Sunset and possible even Sunrise.
My biking/hiking buddy called and asked if I wanted to go on a hike or bike ride--I told her I really wanted to visit Indian Rock. We had ridden by Indian Rock on our bikes many times before and I was impressed with it's beauty and popularity even while surrounded by homes. We ended up hiking from her home in Albany. We hiked through 2 small parks on the way up the hill. John Hinkel Park was a sweet surprise that we walked through--I want to go back there shortly after it rains to see the waterfalls. We also climbed up Mortar Rock on our trek to Indian Rock. I want to recommend parking at the base of the hill and take many of the paths through the neighborhoods to Indian Rick. Parking can be a problem at Indian Rock. Another benefit of parking at the base of the hill and walking up is the aerobic exercise. My friend measured that we had walked 20 flights of stairs on our hike. I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes that don't slip. There are steps carved into Indian Rock which makes it a pretty easy climb. If you plan on sitting on the top of the Rock for a while--I highly recommend bringing water. If it's a sunny day bring a hat, and if it is foggy or windy wear layers. For me, this is an amazing nature experience (but in a neighborhood)! It is very grounding to be there. You can easily go into a meditative state, or enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the Bay Area.
Beautiful hidden gem that not many people that visit the Bay Area go to and FREE. I love that it's a very laid back spot to just enjoy nature and each other's company. Parking is tough as it is surrounded by residential parking. Pro-tip if you are going at night- bring a flashlight and blanket/warm jacket. They do have a section with man made steps to make it easier to get on top of the rock. Enjoy!
This place was fun and cool! I came down one afternoon to for a walk during the shut-down. There were 2 other groups on the rock when we arrived so there was plenty of space to social distance. The view was beautiful and clear - we could see SF and the golden gate bridge. As we were leaving, about 3-4 groups came (this was around 6pm).
You get a sweeping view of the bay , downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, eastern span of the Bay Bridge from top of the boulders. I'm in love with this place. When I moved to Berkeley from Daly City 20 years ago, I was working full time and going to school at nights , never explored the town. I wished I did but that's okay , here I am now. This is one of those few places where I feel like I'm home , in the right place and not out of place. When I sit on the boulders somehow makes me feel so calm, relaxed and my usually high anxious tense nerves chill out. Anyways, this is where the Ohlone tribal people used to hang out and chill out too. ( didn't see any grinding holes).
Finally got to cross Indian Rock Park off my Bay Area bucket list! As many others have stated, social distancing here isn't the greatest. I only stayed for around 30 minutes to explore, but many people come here on weekends. I also have only bouldered a few times in my life, so I didn't come here to do that. It was more just to see the view - breathtaking, by the way! It would have been nice to stay longer, but there were just too many people. Climbing to the top was also a work out. Could have been just my pandemic stamina that made it seem like more of a workout than it really was. But if you find yourself in the Berkeley area, recently moved out there, or are a local who has never been, definitely check it out. I'd likely use the are to work out if I lived closer. Also note that this is in a residential area! Please be mindful of those who live nearby.
We agreed to meet in Berkeley and I promised to find us a place. I wasn't certain exactly what Indian Rock Park offered, I knew only that I was interested in checking it out. "I can't tell if there's hiking but if not we'll just go on a neighborhood hike" was how I put it. I arrived early, parked (ample street parking available), and scoped things out. Indian Rock Park spans both the east and west side of the street in this residential neighborhood but it is a sitting spot (or rock scaling spot), not a hiking spot. What it lacks in hiking opportunities though, it makes up for in ambiance. My friend arrived and I led the way up the rock on the west side of the street. This is the biggest rock and it takes mere minutes, if that, to scale. Reaching the top, we perched ourselves on a comfortable outcropping with a panoramic vista splayed out before us: the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, the Campanile, and a million other things. The sun shone gently upon us, providing warmth on an otherwise cool day. We'd been sitting there chatting for a while when I asked if she wanted to go hike the neighborhood. "Let's sit here a while longer" was the response. A while...an hour...two. Others came and went, pairs and solo visitors, and there we sat until we were both hungry enough to leave in search of lunch. When we returned later the sun was low in the sky. We made our way back up. People come here at all times of the day but even more of them come to watch the sun set. I had only my prescription sunglasses with me and about 5 minutes before it got too dark for me to get down safely I suggested we do just that. As we climbed down from the rock we looked back out at the fading view. "This is our new place" she said. I'll go with that. It's not a hike or even particularly difficult (there are actually stairs carved into the rock) but it's a wonderful place for a view and a little clearing of the head, or even just a long day of chatting with one of your closest friends. I loved it.
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
9 years ago
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
6 years ago
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
10 years ago
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
19 years ago
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
5 years ago
6 years ago
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
18 years ago
3 years ago
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
12 years ago
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
9 years ago
5 years ago
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
3 years ago
17 years ago
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
9 years ago
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
13 years ago
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
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
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
9 years ago
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
19 years ago
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
6 years ago
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
6 years ago
13 years ago
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
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950 Indian Rock Ave
Berkeley, CA 94707
Berkeley Hills
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