Wildcat Peak Hike Tilden Park

Peak Pondering

Hiking Wildcat Peak Tilden Regional Park

Some of the most magical hikes begin like a magic trick: The start is filled with lots of people, cute farm animals, and some hustle-bustle frenzy. Then, within minutes, it vanishes! All you have to do is find the entrance to Narnia—or, in this case, Laurel Canyon Trailhead in the East Bay’s Tilden Regional Park.

It’s kind of hidden, but when you do find it, it heralds the start of a 3.5-mile (round-trip) journey featuring a eucalyptus forest, giant sequoias, a lush peace grove, and spectacular views of the bay. The trail winds gently uphill through the woods before leveling briefly at a fire road where you’ll take a hard right to a slinking trail that leads to Wildcat Peak.

On the way, you’ll pass by the Rotary Peace Grove. Established in 1955, the grove commemorates individuals for their contributions to world peace; every year someone is selected to receive the honor. Take a short stroll through the grove’s stocky giant sequoias and view the various plaques naming honorees, including the Dalai Lama.

From here it’s a short hike up to Wildcat Peak and its far-reaching panoramic bay views. A beautiful circular stone structure and bench area lead you around the panoramic scenery: The Golden Gate Bridge, San Pablo Reservoir, Mount Diablo, the giant cranes of the Port of Oakland, and the San Francisco skyline all sparkle. You’re just slightly past the halfway point now. From here it’s downhill through the quiet forest before the finale: a peaceful stroll beside Jewel Lake and back to the parking area.

From the Tilden Park visitor center, walk through the back door, across the grass and find the Laurel Canyon Trail. Stay on this all the way to Laurel Canyon Rd. and turn left. From the fire road you’ll make a right turn onto Peak Trail, which is easy to miss (look for the signpost and sharp right singletrack trail going uphill). From here follow Peak Trail to the Rotary Peace Grove and Wildcat Peak. The actual peak is up a short spur trail. Then descend Peak Trail to Sylvan Trail. Turn right on Sylvan Trail, and take Lower Pack Rat Trail along Jewel Lake and back to the visitor center. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View
  2. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  3. Easiest Best Hike in the World

    Choose the easiest and most view-rewarding hike in Yosemite. Okay, we’ll go first: the combination of hiking to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Both of these lookouts are within a couple miles of each other on Glacier Point Road

    View
  4. Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

    San Francisco's Middle Earth

    No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Locals' Feature: Jim Litchfield, Owner of Reno Fly Shop

    If there's a river, you're likely to find Jim Litchfield there. As the owner of Reno Fly Shop, Nevada's premier fly fishing outfitter and shop, Jim's passion for rivers knows no bounds: he's fished in places near and far, including Alaska, Bolivia and Christmas Island. But home is beautiful Reno, where he has been running Reno Fly Shop and leading tailored river float and fly fishing adventures (including beginner-friendly options) for over a decade.

    View
  2. Volcanic Activity

    Northern California is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the country: Lassen Volcanic National Park. The region features geothermal areas, including the largest dome volcano in the world, Lassen Peak. Hike to the top of this active volcano on a 5-mile out-and-back.  

    View
  3. Great Is an Understatement!

    Tucked against the Utah border in eastern Nevada, Great Basin is a hiking wonderland of 13,000-foot peaks, ancient forests, sub-alpine lakes, and marbled limestone caves.

    View
  4. 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