Berkeley's Bounty

Fall Hike at Tilden Regional Park in the East Bay

Berkeley hike Tilden Wildcat Gorge Trail

Berkeley’s best ingredients for fall hiking: forest for some color, ridges for some huge views, plus redwoods and a tranquil lake. Ta-dah! It’s all within this 3.3-mile hike in Tilden Regional Park.

Start at Lake Anza’s north end, crossing the bridge over the lake’s spillway. Descend left on Wildcat Gorge Trail into a forested path that will start turning into a vibrant mix of golden, red, and dark green leaves as autumn deepens.

The Curran Trail takes you up and out of the forest onto a grassy ridgetop overlooking Wildcat Canyon, aptly named for its potential to spot bobcats. Head left on Meadows Canyon Trail, which continues along the grass- and shrub-covered ridge side before descending to Wildcat Creek.

Follow Wildcat Gorge Trail through redwoods and underneath mossy branches that span the width of the creek. A final short climb takes you back to Lake Anza, where you can follow a footpath around the oasis for an added loop of nature’s luxuries. Important if you have a dog: Do not let your dog enter Lake Anza or drink any of the water from the lake … the water currently is unsafe with blue-green algae. No swimming is allowed for people, currently either.

Parking is available at Lake Anza’s main parking lot. Parking can be limited, so it is recommended that this hike be done in the morning before peak hours. Rattlesnakes have been reported on this hike, so be on the lookout in sunny areas. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  3. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
  4. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View