101 Hikes in Northern California. Matt Heid
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of a railroad trestle, and then bears right to pass underneath it (1.3/10'). You now enter a delightful example of valley oak savannah. Distinct from the moisture-rich river corridor, this ecosystem is populated by large and solitary oaks, their branches a dramatic canopy of twisting limbs and unique architecture.
You next reach a four-way junction (1.6/10'). Your return route heads left, but turning right takes you on a worthwhile 0.4-mile side loop through the preserve’s nicest section of riparian woodlands and past several scenic views of the adjacent river. Returning toward the trailhead, your route runs along the edge of beautiful oak savannah, crosses an access road, and continues on a grassy mowed path. You curve left near a magnificent oak tree, travel along the meadow’s perimeter, and then bear right to pass under the tracks again and return to the access road, where you turn right (2.3/10').
A majestic valley oak stands sentinel at Cosumnes River Preserve.
The trail now runs parallel to the tracks past marshes and wetlands and then turns left as the tracks rise to attain an elevated trestle. You return to paved Wetlands Trail (2.8/10'), which quickly returns you to the visitor center (3.0/10').
Nearest Visitor Center Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor Center, 916-684-2816, a short walk from the main parking area, is open weekends 9 a.m.–5 p.m. September–June, and 8 a.m.–noon July and August; weekday hours vary depending on volunteer staffing availability.
Additional Information cosumnes.org
HIKE 17 Wildcat Peak
Highlight East Bay escape with outstanding views of the Bay Area
Distance 7.0 miles
Total Elevation Gain/Loss 1,000'/1,000'
Hiking Time 3–5 hours
Recommended Map USGS 7.5-min. Richmond
Best Times Year-round
Agency Tilden Regional Park
Difficulty
A SURPRISING WORLD hides behind the East Bay Hills. Rolling hills, soaring raptors, and superlative views of the Bay Area highlight a peaceful oasis of nature.
The Hike runs through Tilden and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks, passing along Wildcat Creek before returning via San Pablo Ridge and Wildcat Peak (1,280'). The excellent views from the open ridgetop are best in the morning and after storms. While the hike can be done year-round, the trails become thick with mud during the winter rainy season. As they have since European settlement of the region, cows graze on the open hillsides. People are common, especially along popular San Pablo Ridge, but quiet glades can usually be found. Water is available at the trailhead.
To Reach the Trailhead Take the Buchanan St. off-ramp from I-80 in Berkeley, and proceed east on Marin Ave. for 2 miles. Climb Marin above Marin Circle on the East Bay’s steepest road, and turn left at the first stop sign onto Spruce St. Follow it to Grizzly Peak Blvd. Cross the intersection and take Canon Dr. steeply downhill to the visitor center and parking lot in Tilden Nature Center.
It is also possible to reach the trailhead by public transportation. AC Transit Bus 67 runs Monday through Friday every 40 minutes from the Berkeley BART station to the intersection of Spruce St. and Grizzly Peak Blvd. From the intersection, walk down Canon Dr. to the trailhead as described above. On weekends and holidays, Bus 67 runs every 45 minutes from the Berkeley BART station and will drop you directly at the trailhead. Call 510-817-1717 for current schedule and fare information or visit actransit.org.
Description From the trailhead (0.0/530'), strike north from a small patch of redwood trees on wide Wildcat Creek Trail. Willow, California bay, coast live oak, coyote brush, California buckeye, poison oak, and introduced French broom line the trail as it parallels Wildcat Creek. Passing diminutive Jewel Lake, the trail soon crosses into Wildcat Regional Park. A wire fence lines the path below increasingly open hillsides. After nearly 2 miles of easy walking, you reach a gated junction for the Havey Canyon and Conlon Trails (2.3/490')—on your right immediately before reaching Rifle Range Road. Go through the gate and continue straight toward Havey Canyon. The trail climbs a lush, riparian valley flush with ferns, snowberry, and some unusually massive California bay before breaking out onto open slopes dotted with coyote brush. While cows are a common sight, more exciting are the raptors often seen overhead; red-tailed hawks, easily identified by their namesake tail feathers; and northern harriers, spotted by the distinctive white patch of feathers on their rump. As the trail curves north, distant Mount Tamalpais (Hike 31) becomes visible to the west. Soon, you go through another gate to reach paved Nimitz Way atop San Pablo Ridge (3.8/950')—bear right (south).
Views along the ridge are far-reaching, stretching from Vallejo in the north to Mount Diablo (Hike 14) in the east. The East Bay Hills’ highest peaks rise from the ridge to the south, and San Pablo Reservoir lies below you. You reach another junction near Wildcat Peak (4.8/1,140')—leave the pavement and go straight up the rocky trail. After passing a few Monterey pine and Monterey cypress, you swing right along the wide path to descend the Conlon Trail. At this point, leave the trail to find a bench with incredible views of the Golden Gate (Hike 27) and central Bay Area. From the bench, bear left on a faint, barbed-wire-lined path, and cross through the fence at a small gap to continue up to Wildcat Peak’s summit (5.4/1,280'). A stone platform crowns the summit and explains the purpose of the nearby Rotary Peace Grove. Savor the amazing views before dropping down to explore the grove of bushy giant sequoia, seemingly healthy despite being far removed from their native Sierra Nevada habitat.
Escape to empty grasslands in Tilden Regional Park.
To return to the trailhead, follow Peak Trail as it descends east from the summit, and take the singletrack trail branching right to quickly reach Laurel Canyon Rd. below. Alternatively, you can continue on Peak Trail to rejoin Nimitz Way—bear right and then right again upon reaching Laurel Canyon Rd.
Laurel Canyon is within the Tilden Nature Study Area, a designated area for protection of Tilden’s unique flora and fauna. A maze of trails winds through it, each marked with a symbol. Laurel Canyon Rd. is the widest and easiest route, but any number of trail combinations will return you to the trailhead (7.0/530')—just keep bearing downhill.
Nearest Visitor Center The Environmental Education Center and Visitor Center, 510-544-2233, at the trailhead, is open Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Nearest Campgrounds There are 2 group campgrounds in the Tilden Nature Study Area. Reservations are required at least 1 week in advance and can be made by calling 888-327-2757, option 2.
Additional Information ebparks.org/parks/tilden
HIKE 18 Little Butano Creek Canyon
Highlights Canyon views, redwood forest, and knobcone pines
Distance 8.8 miles
Total Elevation Gain/Loss 2,100'/2,100'
Hiking Time 5–6 hours