A pretty awesome workout at this trail. We did about six miles in a little bit over two hours (1300 elevation). There were mixed shades and sun. There were some rocky paths here and there. Overall it's a moderate and enjoyable hike with some great views along the way. read more

Seaview Trail At Inspiration Point - Hiking Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I am smitten. Been hiking all up, down, and around Tilden Park lately, and I have to admit that this is definitely one of Tilden's most gorgeous trails! Probably like top 3 in my book. It's also one of the most crowded hiking trails, but it makes sense. That still shouldn't stop you from visiting (even during the pandemic). I've hiked this trail from the entrance of Inspiration point and from the entrance of the Steam Trains, and both ways are absolutely stunning. But, I would definitely recommend the entrance from Inspiration Point if it's your first time. You'll get the best views this way. You can do an out and back on this trail or you can turn it into a loop by connect to the Big Springs Trail. I did the loops and it was about 6 miles round trip. The trail itself isn't difficult but it's filled with lots of gradual inclines. The main pathway is wide and paved. Many families with strollers use this trail. The Sea View Trail meanders through tall Redwood groves and lush meadows. It's also filled with so many amazingly colorful wildflowers! Probably the most that I've seen on a trail that wasn't centered around flowers. Lots of wildlife is present. The surrounding views of the Briones and San Pablo Reservoir are truly breathtaking! Couple that with the stunning views of San Francisco and its' iconic landmarks, and you'll be in for a real treat. This trail exposes the true beauty of the Bay Area. What I love about this trail is that it stays lush and green all year around. But you just can't beat the bright blue skies and charming spring and summer sunsets. This trail is also very dog friendly for those with furry friends. It's so easy to connect to several other trails within Tilden Park from Sea View, but you may not want to venture off from this trail at first because it's just that beautiful. read more

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Spectacular views especially on a beautiful clear day! My favorite trail is the one that is about 2 1/2 miles and straight to the top where you can see San Francisco, all of the Bridges, Mount Diablo, and San Pablo Dam! 360°! Enjoy! read more

This was a nice hour and a half hike. Parking was easy and right by the steam trains. You have views of the bay and contra costa. The weather was great today and I was surprised at how empty the trails were. There are some steep spots but it wasn't a difficult hike. There were families and people of all ages. It's mostly a pavement trail so your shoes won't get too dirty. Just watch for some bikers who go through the trails as well. It's dog friendly and you can also go on the train with dogs who are socialized! read more

Seaview Trail At Inspiration Point - dog friendly and my doodle enjoyed his time! - Hiking Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I'm not a real hiker. I just play one on TV. OK, I'm not on TV but I do have a Netflix subscription. That's neither here nor there, but this rustic trail is definitely over there. If you find the Nimitz Trail too crowded and coddled, you will likely find this one more appealing even if loose gravel will likely make you lose your footing. Like I said, I'm not a real hiker, so I shriek like a little girl when I find myself tumbling to the ground. Not that I did that. Much. If you start at the trailhead off Wildcat Canyon Road, the path starts on a gradual climb (photo: http://bit.ly/2uLENQx). This section is next to open meadows with views of the surrounding conifer-covered hills (photo: http://bit.ly/2JPrUtH). It gets rockier as you approach the crest of the hill, and you're actually in a grove of trees and bushes until finally you reach the top where you can see the bay to the west and the rolling East Bay hills on the other side (photo: http://bit.ly/2JNyL6Q). There are benches to take it in and even a meditation circle (photo: http://bit.ly/2OcYclJ). The trail beyond is mostly bucolic with lots of pines amid the rolling elevation of the trail. I rarely passed by either hikers or bikers, which made it feel a whole lot more exclusive. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here are the places around the Bay Area where I have trodded: http://bit.ly/2OsCCsK read more

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The environment was very pleasant. The food (salmon) was one of the best I ever tasted. The owner came by during the meal to check on everything and chatted with us. This is a family- run business with delicious food. I highly recommend! Eileen read more

It never disappoints: beautiful views of the bay and Eastern Contra Costa County hills, a lengthy walk, a peaceful excursion. I would give it a 10 if I could. read more

Typing in "Seaview Trailhead" into my GPS got me to a small parking lot with a single porta-potty near the trail entrance. I didn't see any signs about parking fees, so I'm pretty sure it was free. I came during the summer, so the hike was overall very sunny, hot, and dry. There are trees in the area, but they don't do a good job of providing shade, so bringing a hat and plenty of water is a good idea. The trail isn't insanely steep, but there's still some incline and you'll definitely get a good sweat out of it. I like how this trail is only a short drive away from major city life, so it has good cell reception, and once you're done with the hike, you can grab food at one of the many amazing eateries in Berkeley. read more

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Awesome 3.5 mile hike with incredible views all around. Went on a clear day and saw everything from SF, the Bay, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland to the San Pablo Reservoir. Parked at the Quarry Picnic lot. Seaview Trail - Upper Big Springs Trail -Lower Big Springs Trail - Quarry Trail read more

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If I would have rated this trail during the fall or winter, I would have given it a 5 star. Seaview trail could be accessed thru many routes but all are off of Wildcat Canyon Rd or S. Park Rd. You can take Arroyo, Lower Spring Trail or Quarry Ln. Not sure why you would park at Inspiration point to cross a 2 lane road but it would be your choice. Pros: Less busier than Inspiration point (which is paved) Better cardio (elevation from Quarry Ln to the top of Seaview is around 990 Ft. Gorgeous views of Bay Bridge, SF, GG bridge and Richmond Bridge Since you are walking on top of the hill, you also get a great view of rolling hills, San Pablo and Briones reservoir Cons: This only applies to sunny and warm days because most of the hike you are exposed to the sun and once in a while you get a shady spot that is probably around 10-20 degrees cooler than sunny part! DON'T FORGET a good cap (if you have something that also covers the back of your neck it would be even better), water, sunscreen. Camera is optional but you won't regret it! read more

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Excellent hike. Highly recommend it if you want gorgeous vistas but don't want the crowds of the paved Inspiration Point trail. Great views of the Bay on one side and San Pablo Reservoir and Briones Reservoir on the other side. After a nice climb, you get to walk in alternating sun and shade along the ridge atop Tilden and descend into the shaded arroyos. Utilize the parking lot at Inspiration Point (where you can find trail maps). Restrooms can be found at the Nimitz Way pillars. I did a slightly different and shorter loop than John H., whom I'd like to thank for recommending Seaview Trail as the "First to Review." Route: Curran Trail to Seaview Trail to Upper Big Springs Trail (halfway point). Down Upper Big Springs Traill to Lower Big Springs Trail which reconnects you with Seaview Trail, take a left on Seaview Trail to head back to your car after you connect with Curran Trail. Trailhead: just inside of the Nimitz Way pillars, head to the left where Curran Trail starts downhill. It's a very brief walk to Seaview Trail on your left. Seaview Trail goes up and across Wildcat Canyon Road where it becomes a fire road. There's room for three or four cars to on the road where Seaview Trail crosses if you want to avoid the big lot and save a quarter mile. There's an alternative parking lot and starting point at the other end of this loop at the Big Springs parking lot. If you'd like to see the trail map in advance, Inspiration Point is on the top edge, pretty much in the middle: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden#trailmap read more

Seaview Trail is just one of many hiking/biking/horse trails that can be found at Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park. The trail reviewed here links with several other trails to create a six-mile loop that can be hiked in two hours, not including stops. With all the scenery to be enjoyed here, you might want to add an extra hour or more for your hike. We chose Seaview because we wanted to explore the area north of Claremont Canyon. On this warm fall day, we also decided to avoid the wide, paved (and sun-exposed) Nimitz Way that's more traveled and used by families with strollers and the like. We left our car at the Inspiration Point parking lot. The posted trail maps show both mileage markers and topo, so you can choose the type of hike best suited for you. Seaview trail is a combination of fire road, fire trail and footpaths winding along the ridges and arroyos of Tilden Park. Scenic views from the ridge include much of the bay area, north bay and over the hill to Briones and San Pablo reservoirs. We liked it! Our six mile hike was as follows: Trailhead is to the left of the Nimitz Way pillars. The trail starts downhill, then up and across Wildcat Canyon Road where it becomes a fire road, climbing through meadows, stands of eucalyptus, pine and oak with views along the way. We walked mostly along the ridge for nearly two miles before descending Arroyo Trail to head back. Route: Seaview Trail to East Bay National Trail, to Bay Area Ridge Trail, to the intersection of Arroyo Trail (halfway point). Down Arroyo Trail to South Park Drive (paved road). Continue west on Quarry Trail and find your way back to Seaview Trail, then back to your car. Some of the dozens of other trails will be reviewed here at some point! Enjoy a well-earned meal in nearby Berkeley when you're done. We caught the Sunday Streets event along Shattuck, and stopped in at Sliver Pizzeria for a delectable slice, chased down with pints of Lagunitas Hop Stoopid and Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. What. Are you waiting for. The roundup: Distance: 6 mile loop Time: 2 hours plus view-ogling time (allow 3-4 hours total) Difficulty: You can do this holding a martini, but there are some steep spots. Highlights: Eucalyptus groves, views of SF, bridges, the entire north bay. Sucks: Really, nothing. It's great, don't get poison oak! Water: 1 liter per person. Dogs: Allowed! read more

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I planned to take my hybrid bike on the seaview trail. Well, I did, and I completed the ride, but it would be MUCH better as a hike, or on a mountain bike. There are lots of semi-steep, rough places, and lots of mud. Not so good for a hybrid bike, which doesn't have very low gears, and doesn't have wide tires. Other than that, my bike was ideal! Anyway, during the steep sections, I had to push my bike up the hill sometimes. That was okay, and I tried to push quickly, so no one would notice. One time, however, whilst I was stopped, resting, a young lady came by on her mountain bike. It was like she didn't even notice that the trail was steep and muddy. She was kind enough to not smirk, but it did hurt my pride a little. read more

This trail is a part of Tilden Regional Park . You can use Yelp GPS to pin the location for the parking area . There is plenty of parking on a Saturday Morning . It starts off uphill and the first view at the top is of the stunning hills and EBRP reservoir. The path splits in to two . You can trek up to the left less that half a mile to a cellphone tower . There you will see the bay bridge and the cityscape . It feels slightly odd to be that close to so much electricity . I think that as long as you're not an idiot , it's safe . You can take the split to the right and continue downward . That path starts off with wild blackberry and oak bushes . It's a wide path and sort of a bird and rabbit crossing . It opens up into a large tree lined walkway with plenty of shade . You can go on for a couple more miles and loop back but try to remember that your return will be on an easy to moderate incline . This hike is perfect for a hiking enthusiast that wants a weekend work out , far from the weekend crowd. read more

Good moderate hike with beautiful and rewarding views. For a 3.6 mile loop, park/start at Quarry trail and go counterclockwise- quarry to lower spring, to upper spring, to sea view and back. read more

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I love the Seaview trail! It is pretty much full sun! Awesome views of the San Francisco and Oakland. Never disappoints.

Beautiful hike, but be prepared with plenty of water and a hat if it's warm out, it's a heck of a climb and only partly shaded. Lots of loose rock on the trail too so good sturdy shoes or boots are a must. We parked at the large Inspiration Point parking lot (nice bathrooms) and headed down the Curran trail, which takes you across the road onto the Seaview trail. From there, up (up, up!) Seaview, then down to Upper Big Springs trail, through the Big Springs staging area and onto Lower Big Springs trail, which takes you back to Seaview, where you complete the loop. Dogs allowed off leash except in parking areas or near the road. A little over 4 miles in two hours (including a few stops to water the dogs and cool them down). read more

This was a great trial, very accessible, moderate hike. Only made it to mile 4 and it kept going. There is some elevation, it wasn't challenging but it was very long. Stay hydrated! read more