I’m always in the mood for a good hike-based Day Trip. This one, to the top of Wildcat Peak in Tilden Park, has most of the key ingredients for a great day. A steep trail that’ll get your heart pumping, a fantastic view when you get to the top, and a whole lot of ways to reward yourself with some tasty grub when you get back down. Today, we’re starting (and ending) in Berkeley.
How to get there: You will start your hike from the “Little Farm” at Tilden Park in Berkeley. Set your nav system for 600 Canon Dr, Berkeley, which will get you to an easily accessible parking lot. Plenty of families use this as a staging area for local fun, but there’s usually plenty of parking. It’s only about a 3.5 mile hike, about 2 miles up and 1.5 miles down (no, you can’t just do the downhill part). Start your hike up Laurel Canyon Trail through the forested canyon, turning left onto Wildcat Peak Trail and out into the open mountain top. Check out the map at the AllTrails website.
The terrain changes from shady gullies to open hillsides and has enough elevation gain to get your heart working nicely. Near the top, you can stop by the Rotary Peace Grove.
Once you are at the top, you get a fantastic 360-degree view of the Bay Area, so go on a clear day! I like going in the mornings, so the sun is behind and shining West to clearly see San Francisco. Of course, late day hikes will get you a sundown through the Golden Gate. You can’t lose either way. Coming back down, head down Wildcat Peak Trail through the eucalyptus along a winding trail and onto Jewel Lake Trail past the lake (more of a small pond, actually) and back to Little Farm.
Driving down to Berkeley: if you’ve never gone this route, it’s a great way to see the Berkeley Hills in a new way. Fantastic views through charming neighborhoods, winding, tight roads. Go slowly! Head out on Canon Drive and make your way down Spruce Street or Euclid into Berkeley. IN just 3 miles, you’ll be out of the wilderness and into the heart of town.
What to eat: well, here’s where it gets tough. I mean, Berkeley has SO many great places to eat. Discover whatever pleases you, but if you’re looking for a place with a broad menu, a casual atmosphere, and some cool people, try out an old favorite of mine: The Triple Rock Brewery and Alehouse on Shattuck Ave, just north of University Ave. I’m a fan of their Blue Rock Burger and the Cheesy Bacon Fries, but there are so many great things on their menu, you’ll just have to choose for yourself. And for those who like a cold beer, they’re got amazing house-brewed stuff and plenty of rotating taps.
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