A great trail on the west side of Lake Chabot!!!…read more I'm lucky I live a quick drive away from here. This is one of my go to trails when I want to get a quick mid week hike in and I don't have a lot of time. I access this trail through Chabot Park, this trail is to the left. It's all dirt, small rolling hills until you get to the camp grounds. This trail doesn't always run right next to Lake Chabot, lots of curving in and out from the lake and back with small inclines and declines along the way. This trail is mostly used by walkers and bike riders, and it's a good way to just get away from it all, at least for a little while, or as long as you feel like it!!

MY PHOTOGRAPHS. (1) View to the south, of a deep canyon. At the top of my photo, you can see the…read moreBay-O-Vista neighborhood in San Leandro. (2) Later on, you pass a little peninsula of land, where people sometimes go fishing. Here and there by the water's edge there are thick patches of tall reeds. (3) Further along on Bass Cove Trail, there is a transition in the trail, where long branches from thousands of trees cover the entire trail, like a tunnel. (4) Gulch that is covered with arching trees, where the tree are covered with bright green moss. (5) Further along on Bass Cove Trail, you will encounter a second trail sign at a fork in the trail. The sign indicates the direction to Bass Cove, and the direction of Goldenrod Trail. I am posing in this photo. (6) Close up photo of one of the thousands of trees covered with bright green moss. (7) View of a beautiful little bay, located at the western edge of Lake Chabot. As you can see from this photograph, Bass Cove Trail is now about 200 feet above the Lake Chabot. (8) Photograph of several ducks. The ducks are swimming at the northern-most part of Bass Cove. BASS COVE TRAIL. The most direct access to Bass Cove Trail is by starting at the parking lot at the end of Estudillo Ave. The initial part of the hike is uphill and, once beyond the dam, it remains mostly level, where you are taking a clockwise route around Lake Chabot. Early in your hike, you will encounter a chain linked fence at the right side of the trail. Just beyond this fence is a very steep hill (almost a cliff) where a canyon resides at the bottom of the cliff. The view of the trees growing near the bottom of this canyon is beautiful. Dramatic photographs can be taken from the top of the very steep hill. Further along Bass Cove Trail, hikers will encounter a beach that has thick clusters of reeds. On occasion, one or two fishermen practice their fishing hobby near these reeds. A tiny restroom is at the edge of Bass Cove Trail, next to this beach. DISTINCTIVE STYLE OF BASS COVE TRAIL. From the beach with reeds, all the way to the northern-most area of Bass Cove, the trail consists of about 20 loops that loop inland and away from the lake, and about 20 loops that loop towards the lake. The trail loops inland where there is a gulch (the gulch is like a notch in the mountain, and the trail takes you through this notch). The trail loops towards the lake, wherever a narrow hill extends from the mountain to the west. This extending hill is sort of like an arm reaching out from the mountain to the west (here, the trail allows you to skirt this arm, and to walk around the extending arm). When hiking northwards, the gulches to your left provide opportunities for taking photographs of moss-covered trees and bushy clusters of ferns. To the right side of the trail, which is filled with gnarly-looking trees, some of them covered with electric-green moss. Because the brightly-lit waters of Lake Chabot are in back of the gnarly trees, the outlines of the gnarly trees are easier to see. DUCKS. My 300 millimeter telephoto lens enabled me to take several photographs of the ducks that make their home at the northern-most area of Bass Cove. This northern-most area had another cluster of reeds. Once at this northern-most area, hikers have the choice of continuing their clockwise hike around Lake Chabot, or continuing in the northwards direction on a straight trail (not a loop trail) that follows along Grass Valley Creek. HUMOR WHILE HIKING. Near the end of my return hike, I noticed two women walking uphill towards me, and one of them was wearing a long coat with an unusual color. I paused in my walk and said, "Can you tell me the color of your coat? I know that it is not pink or scarlet." Then, the woman with the brightly colored coat answered, "It is fuchsia ! ! !" Within a blink of an eye, I replied, "Oh, I was so CONFUCHED ! ! !" The two ladies responded with a cascade of merry laughs. Then, I continued my walk, and I was glad that their response had made my day.

Beautiful trail that follows the shoreline of Bay Farm Island…read more Fabulous views of San Francisco. Normally great weather if it's hot inland. I believe it's about six miles if you do the complete trail. We normally park in Veterans Ct, just across the Bay Farm Island bridge.

Great wide walking/ bike path with occasional benches. If…read moreyou love airplanes (I do) this is a fantastic spot as the takeoffs from OAK go right overhead!!

Heron Bay Nature Trail is one of my favorite local trails for a morning/sunset walk. There's…read moreconveniently parking at the entrance roundabout of the Heron Bay neighborhood. There's only 3 spaces + 1 handicapped space but I've usually had good luck and have found parking. If not, you can also park in the neighborhood right outside Heron Bay or at the Food Net plaza. You'll just have to walk a bit farther. There's two sides to the trail: one that goes towards the San Leandro Marina and the other that goes towards the Hayward Shoreline. The San Leandro Marina side tends to be the most popular as it ends at the park and you can continue your walk around the water and park. From Heron Bay, it's about 1.5-2 miles to the park. The terrain is all flat and paved. There are a lot of people who use this trail so sometimes you may have to step aside into the gravel for other walkers, runners, bikers, etc. This trail is right along the water which is always really beautiful. But know that it also gets windy sometimes. I recommend wearing a hood, hat, or beanie. There's also no shade so plan to wear sunglasses and sunscreen on a sunny day. A lot of people take their dogs walking here as there's a dog park at the end as well. Most folks have their dogs on leashes but there are some who let their dogs roam. If you have an anxious dog who isn't great around other dogs, I'd recommend either skipping the Marina side of this trail or just being very aware. There's lots of regulars on this trail (me included) so if you walk here enough, you'll start to see the same folks. Everyone's always greeting each other with a hello or good morning - a great start to each day/evening!

I to run and walk this trail. Great views of the peninsula and San Francisco. Always a nice place…read moreto visit.

Located less than 5 minutes from 580 off of the 150th and you're in a world away. Hike, fish, bike,…read morehave a picnic or host a large party/bbq on one of several reservable areas. $5.00 plus 2 for each dog---kind of an honor system but for less than 100 you can get an EBRP year round pass that allows you to visit a lot more parks as many times as you want. Easy decision. M-F seniors get 1/2 off on boat rentals and from there you can finds the fish...if you know what you're doing ;). Anthony Chabot was a man who was instrumental in the California gold rush in the lower Sierras. He helped develop and mastered the hydraulic mining techniques required to reduce mountains to piles of rock to be sifted for gold. After those operations were shut down over environmental concerns, he brought his craft here to help make this reservoir. Amazing really. Nice spot to decompress and get right. Some areas around the lake show clear signs that hydraulic action was used. Birds, frogs, squirrels, butterflies, deer and more.

Chabot Park is not Lake Chabot Regional Park, but it does lead to there with the trails…read more The entrance to this Park is a little dicey to get to, if you're not familiar with this area of the San Leandro/East Oakland border area, it's hard to explain how to get here. And I have a feeling the residents of this area would like to keep it that way, so I'll honor their unwritten code, lol!! The Park itself is very much like your in the woods, lots of trees and fallen trees. They do have restrooms and disc golf here, which seems to be pretty popular, someone always seem to be playing it. Lots of free parking also. But the best thing about this park is the trail that can lead you to Lake Chabot. It starts off all uphill for at least 1/2 mile, then you start downhill and can determine which way around the lake you want to go. If you stay on the paved trail, to the right, you'll cross a bridge which is the Chabot Dam and it's a faster route, although hilly, to Lake Chabot Regional Park. If you choose the dirt trail, to the left, you won't necessarily stay next to the lake the whole way, there's signs to keep you on track. Either way, it's a great walk or run, watch and listen for the bike riders, sometimes they are really speeding coming off those hills. And if you're going to walk all the way around, bring water. Also, there's not a lot of areas where you get phone service. Always enjoy coming here, convenient for me!!

This is a gorgeous trail frequented by walkers, runners and bikers…read more You will see a gorgeous skyline of the SF bay area and wonderful sunsets and sunrises here. It's the perfect ppace to train while enjoying the scenic views here and it's quite the hidden gem!

A Hidden Waterfront Gem for Biking, running and Walking…read more If you are looking for a flat, peaceful, and incredibly scenic escape in the East Bay, this section of the trail where San Lorenzo Creek meets the bay is a must-visit. The trail setup is great because it caters to everyone. There is a beautifully paved main road perfect for walking, running, and easy cycling, but if you like a little more texture, there are wide gravel off-paths that are incredibly fun to ride on. It's a heavily trafficked spot for locals who come out to get their daily steps in or catch a sunset. They have also placed dedicated benches at perfect intervals along the path so you can sit down, take a break, and just soak in the unobstructed shoreline views of the San Francisco Bay. What makes this trail extra special is that you are riding right through a massive, protected nature preserve (the Oro Loma Marsh). The wetland is teeming with wildlife--if you look out into the pickleweed and mudflats, you'll see tons of unique shorebirds, egrets, and ducks. It's amazing to think this peaceful sanctuary used to be an industrial commercial salt flat decades ago before being restored back to nature. Tip for visitors: The trail is completely open and exposed to the elements. There's no shade out here, which means when that bay breeze kicks up, it feels absolutely amazing and refreshing on a hot summer day. But if you come later in the afternoon, definitely bring a light jacket as it can get quite windy. The Stretch: This section acts as a perfect bridge connecting San Leandro to Hayward. Heading north to the San Leandro Marina is about 2.25 miles of smooth pavement, while heading south into the Hayward Shoreline is another 2.25 miles of rugged gravel. You can easily do a flat, 4.5-mile round-trip or push it all the way to a 10-mile ride! Very relaxing, clean, and highly recommended! Cheers!

Warning: Google Maps and AllTrails will lead you astray! The best starting point is Montclair…read moreParking Garage - 6235 La Salle Ave, Oakland. However! Maybe drive to this area and then drive around nearby to find residential parking instead IF you don't want to pay for parking. OR I have a 1-time free parking promo code for ya haha. Paying for parking at this parking garage is a tad annoying because you have to download an app (ParkMobile), register an account, select the right parking zone (6501), provide your license plate number, and pay... it was a lot slower than grabbing a ticket and proceeding to park. The good news is that at the time I went, the parking attendant gave me a promo code: FreeMV. Since this promo code gives you a whole day of free parking, I may recommend doing the trail and then walking around to enjoy Montclair Village! Haha take your sweet time and enjoy that free parking! There are many cute shops, grocery stores, coffee, and restaurants in the village. When you exit the garage by foot, turn left and you'll see a sign for Montclair Railroad Trail. This is definitely the "start" of the trail because the trail markers increase from 1/4 mile .. to 1 mile at the end of the trail, and then 2 miles total when you return (it is an out and back trail). It is a pretty easy walking path. There will be a few others but lots of space to keep distanced. The history of the spot is cool - it used to be railroad tracks (lol yuppp hence the name!). There is a sign speaking to this history along the trail. Get some fresh air, check out a new trail, enjoy the village, and take advantage of free parking!

Very nice walk , good for people with walkers. Fairly flat and level. Lots of dogs on and off leash…read more, although leashes are required.

Alameda bay farm island bay trail walking path…read more Very near OAK airport perfect for watching jets - its fun but not sure if breathing in lots of jet exhaust is doctor recommended. The walk is more pleasant and easier on the eyes than some stuffy gym on a treadmill. A bit of nature and water is welcomed. The way seemingly every square inch of land is being built on makes the open space of the bat more appreciated.

Also known as the Bay Farm Island Loop Trail or Shoreline Park…read more.. Quality/Quantity - Today we did the "Fairy Door Hunt", see pictures. I have to be honest, one of the BIGGEST things I miss about Alameda! Hidden beautiful trails, well not going to be hidden for long if I keep Yelping, lol. My stress reliever (not that I have stress...). I really enjoy the bay and lagoon walks; they are so beautiful, relaxing, people friendly, etc. Families all around, people fishing on the bay, etc. Pedestrian and bike friendly! Paved and unpaved (for mountain bikes). Bathrooms every half mile or so - Nothing to rave about, but at least it is clean. Picnic tables, BBQ grills, benches, etc. Some reservations may be needed/required; see ARPD website ($55/hour, 3 hour minimum). Special ferry to SF on weekdays. Nearby lagoons, parks, play structures, etc. Atmosphere - Beautiful views of The Bay, lagoons, and SF. Service - Self-service. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Thank you for this beautiful park and trail since 1978.

This was a nice Sunday hike around the Mills College at Northeastern campus in Oakland, CA. We had…read morea beautiful day and also visited the Mills College Art museum. You enter at the front gate 5000 MacArthur blvd. You'll Need to show ID. Dogs need a special permit- so most likely do not bring them. Parking and museum are free and everyone seemed welcoming. Now for the hike- I was confused where to go...but once I scanned the QR code on one of the trail posts, I could see the trail map. We parked at the museum and walked in a counter clockwise direction. Basically you are hiking along the perimeter of the campus - past sports fields, pool, chapel, farm, small cemetery, main quad area (called the oval). Part of the trail near Pinetop Hill was closed to us, but that was okay since we were ready to check out the free museum (featuring well known artists as part of the collection). If I wanted a peaceful getaway, with a new art exhibit , I would go back. It's a special gem in the area that I never had visited until today. Here's a link to the map: https://footpathapp.com/routes/efbdfeac-7ca1-48d4-8592-ac5535ebdbbd

"Peaceful, Hike, but Watch out for Beehives!"…read more Pinetop Fitness Trail is a scenic trail around the outskirts of Mills College in Oakland. The total distance is about two and a half miles, and it's an easy hike. Along the way, you hike through parts of the campus and see a cemetery, a community garden, and beehives. You can access the trail in multiple places throughout the campus. The security booth at the entrance to the college also has maps of the campus. However, the maps do not show the beehives. The day that I visited, the trail was unexpectedly blocked part way through. I had to figure out how to get back to the main road. This is a great place to visit if you're interested in a peaceful syroll through a beautiful campus. At the far end of the trail, near Pinetop road, there's a crest that you that has beehives. I'm pretty sure the bees don't like it if you get very close.