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The Big C

4.4 (76 reviews)

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mong linh n.

want another IG worthy spot? yeeeep, you can find that here. I read through the reviews for most simplest tip on how to get to the hike. In the review by Alex N below, they had really good instructions, so it got us there no prob. We used the addy from yelp, followed through with everything. Per the instructions I followed below, when it asks you to turn RIGHT on centennial dr, do not turn, but keep following straight. Right on Gayley. Right on Hearst Ave. There will be a sign indicating "FOOTHILL PARKING" to your right. Pull into the lot and go all the way to the end of the lot. Remember to pay for parking at the parking box. its $1/hr. The hike starts at the end of the lot. As you start, walking up the baby slope at the end of the lot, the road will split two ways. It will split LEFT and RIGHT. both ways will take you to the top. We took the right path, and it seemed quicker as it went directly up. Once you see the fence you go through it and continue up and you will be there. Took us less than 15 mins to get up taking this way. the first set of swing was really hard for me to get up as i was really sore, so i actually couldnt get on. we continued up to see the BIG C and there was another swing at the top which had a great view as well, and a better seat that can fit 2.

The view from the C right before it got dark
Isabella F.

I may be biased (maybe extremely so) because Cal is my alma matter but I really think this hike deserves a five star rating, if only for the view alone. From the C, you can see the legendary Campanile, the entirety of Berkeley's campus, the bay bridge, San Francisco, and on a good day, the golden gate bridge. You can also HEAR concerts at the Greek theater too! You can reach this hike through the Foothill parking lot (right above the Greek Theater and the Foothill dorms). You can park there by paying a small fee. The hike is a bit strenuous because it is all uphill, but it is short and has beautiful views along the way, even if you are unable to make it to the top. I suggest wearing running shoes because the hike is an unpaved dirt path. I also suggest wearing pants because there were a lot of mosquitos last time I went, although it was at sundown. Make sure your phone is charged for photos and to use as a flashlight during sundown. Lastly, if you at any point during the hike feel like giving up, remember that students during the early 1900's constructed that path and built the C out of rocks. Yes, someone once had to carry rocks up the unpaved hill. Enjoy the views along the way and you'll be at the top before you know it. Go bears!

Hurjane V.

Allen and I had to take a break from the eating (damage) that we've done in the past 2 hours, so we decided to go on a nice stroll. The map started leading us towards the residential halls (which I dearly remember) during my first visit at Cal in November 2011. Anyhow....HUGE SLOPE. Not really a specific pathway towards the "entrance" of the trails. You'll just have to do your best to avoid any cars (luckily this place is too steep for much traffic). Overall, fun hike! We could have definitely gone further, but we came here to check out the iconic swings! I definitely did not take glam shots since the sun was blaring in my face, but I do love the ambiance up here! Families come and push their kids on the swings (dangerous...), while college kids come with friends and picnic around. If I had brought some extra food up, then I would have definitely stayed around to soak in the sun and view! Check it out if you come semi-prepared! I saw people hiking up in just normal attire.

08/18/2018
Sivilay T.

Review #253 - 2018 I actually came out looking for this spot twice before and was unsuccessful until today, August 18th. We showed up around 4:30 PM and were able to park at the Berkeley Lawrence Laboratory. We found a small opening across the street that led up to the hike. Be forewarned that this entrance is pretty tiny and steep so I wouldn't recommend taking this route, but we did survive the hike even though I was carrying my daughter in my arms. When you get to the start of the hike, you should take the straight path all the way up to the swing. Don't take the steep path immediately to the left when you see the semi-broken swing because we made a big mistake fighting it all the way up. We got smarter by taking the easier path back down. The view up here is great, but it's best to come right before the sun sets if you want a better photo of the background otherwise the sun will be too bright and your pictures won't come out as nicely. The reason for the 4-star review is because there's so much trash along the path. There was a big pile of beer bottles in one particular spot, which definitely shows that these college kids need to learn how to pick up after themselves. So sad!

Annie S.

BIG C AT SUNSET IS SO PRETTY. Everyone at Berkeley needs to hike up to this place a little bit before sunset on a clear day. I've come up to the Big C during the day and during the night, but those views are whatever to me... It's all about the view during sunset!! Wow I was so blown away. The sky turns into such pretty colors, and the city lights look amazing under the pink/blue/orange colored sky. CHECK OUT THE PHOTO THAT COMES WITH THIS REVIEW. LEGITTTTT. It's my Facebook profile pic now heh. I get too lazy to hike up sometimes, but thinking about how the view looks during sunset truly motivates me and helps me forget about my lungs going crazy and the pain in my legs. On your way up, there's going to be a swing to your left at one point (up a small hill, tied to a tree). GO ON IT!!!

Anthony C.

Hike is not very long. Less than a mile, but very steep incline. Wear some nice running shoes and be ready to climb the steep incline. As of December 2014, the swing is broken. The view is great... You get a view from Berkeley out to the Bay (both bridges), Alameda, and campus. There are wild turkey and deer running around on the peak sometimes. Gobble Gobble!

Kithumini J.

"On our rugged Eastern foothills Stands our symbol clear and bold Big 'C' means to fight and strive And win for blue and Gold [...]" This C means so much to the UC Berkeley campus that there's a fight song to commemorate its making!! Such a nice, short hike with AMAAAZING views!! It's not super difficult to find, either! It's behind the Foothill residence hall area, and there's a parking lot that leads up to the start of the trail. It can probably be done in about 15 minutes. You hear people say that it's easy, but the beginning is REALLY steep (but still manageable). Hang in there and keep with it because before you know it, you'll be at the very top THE SWING IS BACK!! Go ahead. Take a picture. You know you want to. Not too far from the swing is the top of the hike, and at the top, you'll find a HUMUNGOUS yellow C (hence the name, Big C hahaha). You can see this from far off in the distance and from many places on campus. During Big Game week, you might see the C colored red, as Stanford comes and tries to defile campus...but soon enough, you'll see it painted yellow again by students! If you're lucky, you'll see some deer friends and even turkeys gobbling and trotting up the stairs at the top. I think I've also seen bunnies, as well as a skunk up here... Bottom line: I love hiking, and I especially love how such a nice, short trail is located so close to campus!! I love coming up here every so often, especially during sunset, and taking in those gorgeous panoramic views. Coming up here reminds me of all that there is to love about Bezerkeley. GO BEARS!

Tanmoy M.

After staying in home for 3 months due to COVID-19; i went for a hike and this place was extremely beautiful and refreshing the wing and the view was breathtaking i must go back there again.

View over UC Berkeley
Christopher L.

We walked here from UC Berkeley! From the center of campus it was probably a 30 - 45 minute hike up. We followed Google Maps which brings you up Hearst Ave which then enters the Foothill parking lot and then you walk an unpaved path that becomes a pretty steep incline at the last little bit. Once you get to the big C, you see the giant C in the ground and a really beautiful view over Berkley, all the way to SF and even the Golden Gate bridge on a clear day. Unfortunately, there is no swing anymore, but at least you can appreciate a nice beautiful view up here! It's pretty difficult to get down because it's quite steep and since it's just a dirt path it's easy to slip. We also saw a turkey up here, which was super random!

I feel the fusion when I am with you :D And I am only human, what can I do. Chemicals, Tiesto
Jenny N.

Amazing feels with the wind blowing you on top of the Big C! Thankful to other Yelpers that show us the short cut to The Big C. DONT turn right on Centennial Dr, keep going STRAIGHT. Turn right on Gayle Ave, turn right on Hearst Ave, and then look for FOOTHILL PARKING LOT. Go ahead and park all the way at the end of the slot; get on the right and begin the steep incline. That is the fastest and hardest route, but hey, I prefer going up that way. Woalah! Enjoy the San Francisco Bay Area View! It makes you feel great and achieved.

J'Wel V.

Spur of the moment hike this past Saturday 8/12 with my boyfriend and dog Ace. We arrived to The Big C around 1pm. I forgot it was move in day for UC Berkeley, causing the parking lot to be more full than normal, I kept driving pass the cars towards the south end of foothill parking lot it bought me directly to the entrance of the trail. Park and get started on your way. Fellow yelpers weren't joking about the incline It is very steep but the hikes only a good 15 mins. The view is so worth the burn you feel 15 steps in. (haha) It was such a beautiful day out, perfect temperatures; 80s with a breeze. Such a beautiful view the whole hike was very serene and once at the top you can overlook and see cal stadium along with SF skyline it's beautiful. I really enjoyed the swing it was a few people in line so I didn't want to hog the thing. But seriously I could come here every day and swing all night long. It's no words to describe how beautiful the view is while being on a swing. Just go and experience it for yourself. This may be an every week thing for me.

Shannon L.

OK SO I HATE HIKING... and in general exercising. But sometimes I get dragged out by my friends and the Big C is one of those places that I wouldn't mind coming back to often. I went once before I even started college in the middle of the night so I was always too lazy to figure out how to get there again until I went yesterday. FYI: just start at the upper part of the Foothill Parking Lot. The Big C is a great mini hike for people like me who just aren't very fit. Yes, there are some pretty steep areas that are slippery (might want to wear shoes with good traction), but the short distance makes up for it. The firetrails are much more difficult. Also, I was really happy to see the swing on the way to the Big C. Instagrammers rejoice! The view is amazing. It's just pretty nostalgic to be up there and reflect within sight of the Campanile/campus.

Miriam S.

Just got back from here, it does have an amazing view of The Bay! The hike is STEEP but if I survived anyone can lol. There is a swing that has a view of trees which is nice, unfortunately for us the swing that has the view of the bay was broken :( there's only a rope to swing on, but we still had a good time!

On the way up! Many photo opps don't you worry:)

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Ask the Community - The Big C

Is the swing still there as of 2/1/20?

No, I was unable to find either of the swings

Is the swing still there?

Yes, it was there when I visited a few weeks ago. :)

View All 4 Questions

Review Highlights - The Big C

You can reach this hike through the Foothill parking lot (right above the Greek Theater and the Foothill dorms).

Mentioned in 9 reviews

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Lake Anza - Lake Anza at Tilden Regional Park - Berkeley, CA

Lake Anza

(103 reviews)

This is an idyllic place to hike and picnic in Tilden. There is a lake (pond?) that has a swimming…read morearea, but I personally don't think it is especially clean for that. But there are lots of turtles and birds to watch. For picnics, there are tables and a large grassy expanse for laying down a spread and also playing frisbee. For a hike, the loop around the lake (pond?) is perfect for kids and adults who are able to climb rocks and scramble comfortably along a few narrow strips of the trail. There is a bridge and an area where kids like to explore the creek. There are other paths off the lake, but those do tend to have more mountain bikes. This is an especially nice park when we have our late summer weather in September and October. Plenty of parking.

Lake Care…read more Recreational swimming reservoir located in Tilden Regional Park that was named after Spanish "explorer" Juan Bautista de Anza. The Good: *Free *Swimmable *There's a beach area** with actual sand *Fishing allowed (w/ CA fishing license [$62]) *±3/4-mile loop trail around the lake that has some gorgeous almost Hoh Rainforest-like vibes (IYKYK). *Restrooms** *Large paved lot The Meh: *Area has signs about a dangerous algae bloom in the water, so if you do go swimming, make sure not to intake too much water--and keep your pets away from it! *There's also signs telling you how to prepare any fish you catch here. The Ugly: *As the signs state "Rough Trail," and boy howdy is it rough. Especially when it's wet, as some of the trails around the backside were ultra thick, slippery mud which had us fighting for our lives! Bring a hiking pole(s) or a hiking stick to help with steadying yourself. Conclusion: Cool spot with a trepidatious hike that's for a good payoff. Gird your loins and just do it! **area was under construction when we visited in Dec '24, but we're assuming it'll be done by summer?

East Bay Regional Park District - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

East Bay Regional Park District

(594 reviews)

This park is fantastic. The first time we visited was back in 2018 and honestly we can't remember…read morewhere we parked or which trails we hiked. But I know we enjoyed ourselves. Fast forward to yesterday. We had a restaurant in Albany that we wanted to check out so of course we had to hike first to get our appetites whet. I found a loop I wanted us to try on AllTrails. It's called the Dunn Trail--Monteiro Trail Loop. We parked at the Richard C. Trudeau Conference Center on Skyline Blvd. It was the perfect spot to start. Free parking. Public restrooms (even flush toilets!). If you have a dog, most of this trail is off-leash which I have never seen before. Every dog we saw were well behaved and having a great time. We don't have dogs of our own but I am a big dog person. This particular loop was exactly what I was looking for. It had several different biomes. Despite what AllTrails said, it is not all shaded but it was a beautiful, sunny, windy day. We saw lots of wildflowers blooming. We found there to be a difference between AllTrails and our measurements. AllTrails said it was roughly 500+ ft elevation gain but ours said 1000. That's a huge difference! But I would believe ours over theirs. There were a lot of inclines. Also, their's said it was 3.5 miles but ours said a mile longer. The trails were all very well maintained. We saw gorgeous views, small waterfalls/creeks, redwoods, butterflies--just lovely. It was less busy than I anticipated but we arrived before 9 a.m. We finished by 11. This is a big park and lots to explore. Highly recommend!

Peak My Interest…read more ***PLEASE NOTE THIS IS THE YELP PAGE FOR REINHARDT REDWOODS REGIONAL PARK*** I was attempting to change the name to the proper moniker that included "Reinhardt," but Yelp mods, being the highly regarded sort, somehow decided in their infinite wisdom that they should change it to "East Bay Regional Park District"?! What the what?? 0_o So, that's on me, kids. My bad. Onto the review... A giant ±1,833-acre redwood forest nestled in the Oakland Hills, this park was a former logging site back in the 1800s. Fortunately, there has been a nice resurgence of redwoods to replace those that were cut down. It ain't old-growth, but we'll take what we can these days. The Good: * Free at certain times of year and at certain entrances (more below) * Mountain biking on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Horseback riding on certain trails (check map and trail signage) * Camping available (check website for info and reservations) * Reservable and non-reservable picnic tables (check map & website) * Restrooms available in parking lots, as well as at some campsites * Nearly forty miles of trails with something for everyone * If you're looking for a moderate ±4.5-mile loop, go to the Skyline entrance and take the Serpentine Prairie Trail to Dunn Trail to Golden Spike Trail, then back to Dunn Trail The Meh: * $5/vehicle entrance fee on weekends and major holidays between April and October, only at the Redwood Gate entrance * Most of the trails are pretty decent, but some are in rough shape due to water damage The Ugly: * One of the few parks I've seen with "off-leash" sections for dogs--which is fine, except you know there's a good majority of dog owners who think they can control their dogs but really can't. We saw a panicked guy chasing his dog down a trail at one point, and who knows when--if ever--he caught up to it. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Conclusion: Great park with tons of trails and lots to see and do.

The Big C - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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