Ridgetop Rolling

Bicycle Ride the Nimitz Way Trail in Berkeley's Tilden Regional Park

Bicycle Nimitz Way Trail Tilden Berkeley

Tilden Regional Park is the flagship of the East Bay Regional Parks system. And its best views? Find them along Nimitz Way, a paved, multi-use ridgetop trail. We recommend biking this trail for about 4 miles (one-way) because, well, it’s fun!

You’re high up on a ridgetop without having to worry about cars, so you get to focus on the views, which are plentiful, and pretty damn great! The trail starts at Inspiration Point on Wildcat Canyon Road, and it’s popular with walkers, baby strollers, and runners. After about a mile, the people thin out and you’re left with wide-open views of the bay, San Pablo Reservoir, the surrounding hills, and ta-da: Diablo, sparkling views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific. Stop at one of the many benches en route to take in the scenery from east to west.

Bicycle Nimitz Way Trail Tilden Park Berkeley

Early in the ride, or on your return, detour to the Rotary Peace Grove, honoring people who have contributed to world peace. We recommend riding about 4 miles to where the pavement ends. You’ll pass through a couple of cattle gates and likely say hi to a few cows relaxing in the hills. The route is mostly gentle with just a few ups. If you have a mountain bike, you can continue on the dirt road where the ups and downs get a bit more dramatic, and so do the views.

TIP: Summer mornings can be foggy and breezy here, so if you have some patience, wait it out until later morning for the best chance of the marine layer dissipating. Parking fills up fast.

From Berkeley, take Grizzly Peak Blvd. to Wildcat Canyon Rd. and follow it all the way to the parking lot at Inspiration Point (map). Ride the Nimitz Way Trail north 4 miles to pavement’s end. Continue half a mile or more if you have a mountain bike and want more views! Dog-friendly.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. The Occidental Tourist

    The Grove of Old Trees in Occidental is 33 hidden acres of towering redwoods and the only privately owned preserve in Sonoma County that's free to the public. Hike one of two flat loop trails shaped like an upside-down peace sign.

    View
  2. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

    View
  3. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View
  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Merry in Moreno Valley

    At 2.6 miles round trip, a quick escape to the out-and-back Cold Creek Trail in Moreno Valley is a great way to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

    View
  2. Boardwalking Bliss

    The Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk Trail traverses 1.6 miles of beautiful Big Bear Lake, giving you a chance to get up close to the lake without needing a boat. You’ll also enjoy some peaceful wildlife watching.

    View
  3. Get Into The Grove

    The 1.8-mile Oak Grove Park Loop trail in La Cañada is short, easy, and close to the city; meaning it’s a perfect destination for a quick holiday hike.

    View
  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    View