One of those backyard discoveries that makes me question why it's taken me so long to actually get…read morehere. Welp... I finally made it here. And it is truly sensational. I've pretty much been all up, down, and around Tilden Park. But even with that, I always seem to discover trails that I've never hiked before. It's a huge park, so that makes total sense. Wildcat Peak was one of those recent discovery trails and vista points for me. I've always seen it on the park map, but you know when you get used to hiking on your favorite trails and you neglect all of the rest? That was me. I mean, that IS me. A creature of habit I guess. So on this very day, I decided to explore a different part of Tilden. Entered the park through the nature area and started near Jewel Lake on the Wildcat Creek Trail. This trail is super easy, flat, and partially paved. You'll pass by Jewel Lake along this trail. Turned right onto Sylvan and then left onto the Wildcat Peak Trail. This part of the Wildcat Peak Trail features switchbacks that incline up to the peak. It's a nice workout in general, but the views of the Bay is what makes this jaunt super enjoyable. Once you reach the peak, you'll have the most incredible views of the Bay Bridge, Briones Reservoir, San Pablo Bay, and Berkeley city views. There's a little brick barrier wall at the summit where you can sit and admire the views. It's 360 degrees of pure scenic bliss up there. From here, you can go back the same way you came up, or you can connect to another trail. I connected to the Laurel Canyon trail which looped me back around to the Tilden Nature area. There are so many vibrant wildflowers and plants nestled along this trail loop. The trail has a nice mix of covered and exposed paths. You'll pass through beautiful groves and notice the rampant wildlife on the trails. In the late winter and early spring, it's so incredibly green here. Wildcat Peak is such a gorgeous vista point within Tilden Park. I'd highly recommend the Wildcat Creek/Wildcat Peak/ Sylvan/Laurel Canyon trail loops. It's simply marvelous.

It's hard to imagine that the bucolic fire roads in Wildcat Canyon and Tilden Park once connected…read morethe US military with missile radar stations and launch sites during the depths of the Cold War. Or maybe not given the escalating tensions we have with Russia. But back in 1962 during a moment of atypical calm, a stone circle was built by the Berkeley Rotary Club to allow people agitated by the Commies a meditative spot to take in panoramic, 360-degree views of the SF Bay Area to the west and San Pablo Reservoir to the east. Years later it's still a nice respite if it isn't crowded up here as it sometimes does on warm weekends. Most people walk on Nimitz Way, the mostly paved path from Inspiration Point, to get here. However, my favorite route starts on the Wildcat Creek Trail where I take the gradual climb on the Conlon Trail where you get the same bay views you get from the peak. Except maybe for a herd of unimpressed cows in your way. I then descend on the zig-zaggy Wildcat Peak Trail back to Wildcat Creek. Gee, I sound like an actual hiker, don't I? RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

What a beautiful park. Are the play structures a little outdated? Yep, but they're there. They have…read moreone for the tots with a cute little train perfect for pretend, and they have a separate one for older kids with a long slide. Then, go down the hill to a big beautiful baseball field with 5 star views of SF. The trees, the cliffs, the flowers, the views. Swoon. Lovely Berkeley park that is so Berkeley.

Glendale La Loma Park is a place I visited a number of times when living in the Berkeley and Albany…read morevicinity from 2015 to 2019. The park had a few different areas, including space to walk, a small parking lot, play area(s), and a place to sit on some bleachers looking out over areas for higher energy activity. Grounds were consistently tidy and vegetation well kept. Each of my times here it was relatively calm and quiet. Other park visitors tended to be both friendly and mindful. Depending on the weather for the day, views looking towards the San Francisco Bay may have caught my attention.

Nice quiet little neighborhood park, with a small play structure, a picnic table, grassy area and a…read morehuge pinnacle rock, donated by Countess Lillian Remillard Dandini, in memory of her parents and siblings in 1963. The huge rock is steep and ideal for amateur mountain climbers. One of many Berkeley parks with rock features.

While the small playground is great for neighborhood kids, it's likely I won't here for other…read morereasons than to reach higher ground. There are two main welded tuff crags ranging from 5.7 to 5.11 though the bulk of the climbs are in the intermediate range. The bolts are easily accessible, though you should take along some 4' long slings. Be sure to come prepared with water as there's no spigot (or restroom for that matter.) The open spaces aren't big enough for frisbee or the like, but the trails are pleasant though short. It's a solid spot to stay for a picnic as the grass is verdant and cool, shaded by magnificent trees, eucalyptus permeating the air. Breathe deeply, you're out of the city.

Beautiful views of the Bay!…read more The trails are steep, with plenty of gravel and poison oak beside the path. Be careful to stay on the trail and wear pants. There are no bathrooms. They have benches along the paths so you can sit and enjoy the scenery. Parking is easy, with plenty of street parking. Saturday can be a little hectic because the recycling center is open and there is limited parking. My go-to hike for a peaceful, fast hike with beautiful views! Cuatro catorce dos mil viente cinco

Great place with awesome views. Steep if you go west to east, can be muddy. But! Dogs on leash only…read moreand bicycles/ebikes/motorized vehicles NOT allowed. Only open sunrise to sunset.

Amazing Park on the edge of the Oakland / Berkeley hills. I guess you could call this an urban…read morepark, although after a short walk on the trail, you feel like your deep in the forest. This is another one of the hidden gems in the San Francisco Bay region. Probably not worth a special drive for a hike here, because it's relatively short. But I recommend a little exploratory walk from the Claremont.

I know some people say that people here are soft because they complain about the elevation. It is…read moreno joke! A friend and I met up for a walk and we decided to meet at Garber Park. Based on the reviews here, we designated a meeting spot (Evergreen Lane) which is crucial since there are multiple entrances to the "park". Also, it's not much of a "park" - it's a few different fairly vertical trails. That would be okay if that's what we were looking for....but we were looking more for a casual amble. It's also tough to chat because the trials are narrow and you typically have to walk single file. That being said, it's a nice, vigorous hike that's fairly accessible and easy to get to.

Come over here to read relax while daughter is at work…read more Doesn't make any sense driving back to East Oakland. So, I just chill relax, reinvent myself. Next week I will bring our pup to enjoy the other dogs. I'm going to go walk get some fresh air. I had my Bible time! Feeling Great!

The Ohlone Greenway is listed in El Cerrito, but it actually stretches from Berkeley to Richmond!!…read more It says that the Ohlone Greenway starts at Ohlone Park in Berkeley, but I first discovered it walking from Strawberry Creek Park to Cedar Rose Park in Berkeley. You don't get the walking under the Bart track experience in Berkeley until you get past Gilman Street. The path is 4.5 miles long, and yes, you have to stop at every block to cross the streets. I've seen people biking, running, and walking on this path, or trail if you want to call it that! Walking under the Bart track is a pretty cool experience, and is no doubt the highlight of this path!!

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more I'm familiar with the Albany Bulb from previous walks off Buchanan Street. Most of the challenge came with scaling the craggy surfaces amid the makeshift, 'Burning Man'-style art pieces. I did take glances toward the left and wondered if there was anything beyond the tiny beach. Apparently not until this past July when the East Bay Reguonal Park District built out the shoreline trail that hugs Golden Gate Fields. They didn't skimp as the restoration project cost over $18 million, but the result is worth it as the new mile-long section offers uninterrupted views, intermittent benches, and defined paths that separate the cyclists from the walkers. The beach area looks a lot more inviting with picnic tables, restrooms, extra parking, and a staging area. Now if you combine this with a walk around the Bulb, you've got your 10,000 steps. Just sayin'. RELATED - Exploring Albany? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3ebRKbk

Beautiful trail next to Golden Gate Fields with lots of different paths you can take to explore…read more Love the views of the city and the bay bridge! Parking can be a bit tricky, as the lot is pretty small, but we were lucky enough to see someone pulling away as we got there. There's some street parking too. Some areas could be a bit muddy or pebbly so wear comfortable walking shoes. Would not recommend flip flops or sandals on this path. It connects to the Albany Bulb so you can check out all the cool artwork while you're there. I love that the art always changes and I see new and different pieces every time I go.

Beautiful day at Point Emery! I came here with my husband for a quick late lunch picnic to avoid…read morethe crowd. We were thankful to found a last parking spot when we arrived. Got to come down and sat on a bench for a quick picnic lunch. Love the view on a beautiful sunny day on a Saturday afternoon!

Close access to the beach and trail for running/biking!…read more You can still see the freeway, but overall it's a relaxing route to run/bike and to see the coastline.