I’m of the opinion that any trip to Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park is going to be a great time! In a past post I blogged about the Quarry Trailhead to the Seaview Trail and in that post you can find more details on the park itself.

Why we love it: Nimitz Way is a 4.1 mile (8.2 miles roundtrip) paved trail with views of Meadows Canyon and across the hills to the bay. There are benches along the way, and clear mile markers and trail markers along the way. It’s an easy hike for those new to hiking, and can be as short as you’d like, or much longer (it continues on as a part of the Skyline trail, and is unpaved after the 4.1 miles).

For the Young Ones (0-10): This trail is stroller-friendly for any type of stroller, with tons of lady bugs, beetles, and rolly pollies to observe right on the trail! Just off the trail we observed a rabbit hopping along, and a gofer digging himself a hole! Note that this trail is popular with joggers and cyclists of all ages, so make sure you’re teaching all hikers how to share the trail. We found that pretty much all of the cyclist were extremely courteous at calling their approach and expressing appreciation for our keeping right.

 

 

For the Big Kids (10+): Big kids can easily handle the full hike or take the bikes for a faster ride. There are great views all along the trail, and with clear cell reception, your teenagers could get a bit ahead with water and a phone to keep in touch.

Keep in Mind:

• Park at Inspiration Point on Wildcat Canyon Road and you’ll easily find the trailhead. The parking lot is often full, but appeared (and I’ve read it) to have a relatively quick turnover.
• There is intermittent shade, but this is a trail with sun exposure, so I recommend hats and sunscreen for all.
• With the popularity of the trail for hikers, joggers, and cyclists, it’s best for those kids you know will be able to get out of the way if/when necessary.
• There are no toilets in the parking lot, but just past the trailhead you’ll see some on your right.

Around the Area: There is SO much to do right in the park! Check out the botanical garden or rest your feet and take a ride on the steam train.

Difficulty Level: Beginner.