CITY OF OAKLAND - OFFICE OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Montclair Recreation Center, 6300 Moraga Ave., Oakland CA 94611 (510) 482-7812
Hiking is encouraged and supported by the City of Oakland and Montclair Recreation Center. All participation is free. If you intend to hike regularly, register with the Montclair Recreation Center by providing your name, address and phone number to Mignon, the office manager. Hikes include a variety of terrains, elevations and locations and are usually within a travel range of 30 miles of the Montclair Recreation Center. All hikes are led by experienced participant/volunteers who are knowledgeable about the hikes they are leading. Leaders, however, are not certified by anyone, nor do they carry emergency supplies or provide first aid. The following schedule represents the best available locations for the season. At times an alternate may be offered by a participant if the scheduled hike is too strenuous..
Hiking schedules are published three times a year: January, May and September and are posted at our website. Go to www.geocities.com/montclairhikers/. Updates and flyers will be sent electronically or by mail if needed.
Hikes are open to everyone. Meet at Montclair Recreation Center on Tuesday before 9:00 AM. At that time questions about the offered hike will be answered by the leader and car pools will be formed. Each rider pays 15 cents/mile to the driver. Departure from the center is at 9:00. unless otherwise noted. Plan to return to the center by 3:00 P.M.
Participants are responsible for determining if the scheduled hike is matched to their ability. If you have questions about a particular hike, call the leader whose name appears after each hike description below. Hikes may include steep hills. Carry fluids, snacks, sunscreen and your own first aid supplies. Recommended gear includes: windbreakers, sun hats, hiking sticks, day packs and hiking boots for uneven terrain.
The Location of a hike may be changed. The scheduled hike is send through Yahoo Groups each Friday before the hike. Any last-minute changes or alternate hikes may be posted just before the hike. If you are unsure if the scheduled hike will take place because of weather or if you plan to go directly to the staging area, you may call the leader for confirmation.
While on the trail, generally stay in a group. Some hikers are faster than others. If you are passing the leader, let them know, however, you are solely responsible for making sure you remain in site of the group. The leader will pause at major trail junctions. If you are leaving the group or need assistance, notify the leader.
Leaders should scout the trail before the actual hike.
Volunteers maintain an email list for information exchange and schedule updates.
To subscribe, send a message which includes your name to: [email protected]
To post a message, send it to: [email protected]
When replying to a message, please double-check the return address. A reply intended for an individual should be addressed to the individual, not the group. The list should be used only for hiking-related issues. Please, no off-topic postings.
INTERNET HIKING SITES - NEWS, MAPS, HOURS, PICTURES, RESERVATIONS, PHONES, LINKS:
www.geocities.com/montclairhikers/ (Montclair Hiking Club website). Find schedules, flyers and registration forms.
www.geocities.com/evbuck/. maintained by Vern Buck. (Includes links to other Hiking Clubs)
May 4,
2009. LEONA CANYON, ARTEMISIA TRAILS (with
EBRP naturalist). Leader: Leona Narita 510.530-4626, cell
510.701-5592. From MRC take Hwys.13 South to 580 East. Exit Keller
Avenue. Turn LEFT onto Keller, drive over 580 freeway and continue
uphill about one mile, past the Sequoyah Community Church. Turn LEFT
onto Campus Drive right next to Pizza Place on right. Make an
immediate RIGHT turn into Ridgemont Apartment Complex onto Oaks
Canyon Drive. This hike includes a beautiful trails and views a creek
and from the Artemisia Trail. The naturalist will inform us about the
history of the area and Indian native plants. Bathroom and lunch at
Merritt College Student Center. Easy 4 1/2 - 5 miles with slight
uphill to Skyline Blvd. on Artemisia Trial and Merritt campus on
LeonaTrail. Note: Dogs O.K.
May 12, 2009. UC OPEN SPACE - CLAREMONT CAYNON PRESERVE. Leaders: Margaret Phillips 510.655-3348 and Dorothy Shipp 510.531.9522. From MRC take Hwy 13 onto Tunnel Road. Turn RIGHT on Claremont Ave. and then VEER LEFT onto Claremont Blvd., which becomes Belrose. Turn LEFT on Derby and RIGHT on Warring. Turn RIGHT on Dwight Way and go 1-1/2 blocks. Turn LEFT at Prospect. Turn RIGHT on Panoramic Way for a very quick JOG to the LEFT onto Rim Road. Turn RIGHT on Centennial Dr. Continue up to the Botanical Gardens entrance on the right. Make a sharp LEFT into the parking lot. Pay at kiosk using dollars and quarters only. Rates are posted. Recommendation is to pay $5.50 for 5 hours. Convene just outside Garden entrance. Walk the rims of Hamilton Gulch, Strawberry Canyon and Claremont Canyon. Hike through quiet woodlands and a magnificent panorama of SF Bay. About 7 miles. Walking Sticks recommended.
Westridge Trail. Leader: Jim Park 510-339-0498. From MRC turn LEFT on Snake Rd. and STRAIGHT onto Shepherd Canyon Rd to Skyline Blvd. Turn RIGHT on Skyline Blvd. In about ¼ mile LEFT at SKYLINE GATE. Hike West Ridge trail to Canyon Meadows for picnic. Return via Stream Trail. 7 miles moderate.
Canyon Meadows. Leader: Vivian Golden 510.482-4426. From MRC drive south on Hwy. 13 (toward Oakland). Exit at Redwood Rd. Turn LEFT onto Redwood Rd. At 2.4 miles Redwood Rd. crosses Skyline Blvd. Stay in the left lane. Continue on Redwood Rd. to the park entrance. Go 0.5 mile to the Canyon Meadow Staging Area (the parking lot all the way at the end). Hike Bridle Trail as far as you wish and return by Stream Trail to picnic area. Easy, 3-4 miles
May 26, 2009. MORGAN TERRITORY REGIONAL PRESERVE. Leaders: John and Lucille Serwa 510.832.3559. Leave MRC at 8:30 a.m. Drive hwy. 580 for 30+ miles to Livermore. Exit North Livermore Ave (exit 52b). After a sharp left North Livermore Ave. becomes Manning. Shortly after turn right onto Morgan Territory Rd. At this point you’ll have driven about 4 miles from 580. Drive about 5.5 miles on narrow, winding, one-lane road to the Volvan staging area. Hike on Bob Walker Ridge. Windy. Walking sticks recommended. 6 easy to moderate miles.
June 9, 2009. TILDEN REGIONAL PARK. Leaders: Sandy Venning 510.530.5799 and Sally Shaver 510.893-7293. From Hwy. 24 just east of the Caldecott Tunnel, take the Fish Ranch Rd. exit and go 1 mile uphill to a junction with Grizzly Peak Blvd. Turn RIGHT and go 5.4 miles to the intersection with Wildcat Canyon Rd. and Spruce St. Turn RIGHT onto Wildcat Canyon Rd., then immediately LEFT onto Canon Dr. Go downhill 0.3 mil to a junction with Central Park Dr., then turn LEFT and park in the big parking lot near the Little Farm and Environmental Education Center. Take Upper and lower Packrat Trails to Wildcat Peak Trail and Rotary Peace Grove. After lunch return along Nimitz Way to Inspiration Point. Go down the Curran Trail then right on Wildcat Gorge Trail and take the Loop Road back to the parking lot. About 6 miles, 1000 Ft. elevation gain.
June 16, 2009. MT. TAMALPAIS/MARIN Municipal Water District-Lakes Lagunatis and Bon Tempe. Leader: John Eastman 510. 841.9104. From MRC take Hwys.13/24/580. Cross the Richmond Bridge and EXIT 101 SOUTH. CONTINUE on Sir Francis Drake Blvd. through Kentfield, Ross & San Anselmo until you come to the city of Fairfax (there is a wooden sign by the town center, don't use the city limits sign). Turn LEFT at the first stop sign and an immediate RIGHT to get on the street that parallels Sir Francis Drake. Go another block or two to Bolinas Road (becomes Fairfax/Bolinass Rd.) and turn onto to Sky Oak which is about the 700 block of Bolinas. Then follow the signs to Lake Lagunitas. There will be a parking fee kiosk after you turn onto Sky Oak Rd. Fee about $7 (coins, $1, $5 and $10 bills and Visa or Master Card. $20 bills not accepted.). Hike begins at Lagunitas Lake, continues up Rock Springs Fire Road, turning right onto Rocky Ridge, left on Stocking, down the Kent Trail, along Alpine and Bon Tempe Lakes, and return to Lagunitas Lake. Moderate 6 to 6 ½ miles. Walking sticks recommended. For a less strenuous hike, walk shores of lakes and turn back at your convenience.
June 23, 2009. LAFAYETTE RESERVOIR. Leaders: Judy Casey 510.482.6323 and Karen Halliday 510.483.1706. From Hwy 24 in Lafayette exit Acalanes Rd/Mt. Diablo Blvd. Hike around lake shore. Lunch at boat house. Easy. Parking Options:
No-fee parking: Pass the entrance to Lafayette Reservoir, make a U-turn and then turn right into a parking area on El Nido Ranch Rd. and walk up to trail head.
No fee parking: Drive past reservoir entrance, turn right at next opportunity and park on the street and walk up to trail head.
Fee Parking: Enter: Lafayette Reservoir Recreation Area. Turn right and go 0.2 mile uphill on the one-way entrance road, then turn left for the main entrance, or right for the annual-pass entrance. Parking is on top of the dam. There are meters for up to 2 hours or you can buy an all-day pass at the entrance station, $5 for cars and motorcycles, $12 for vans.
June 30, 2009. POINT PINOLE. Leaders: Diane Taylor 510.843.1953 and Pete and Char Schneider 510.339.9484. From Interstate 80 in Contra Costa County, exit Richmond Parkway (exit 20). Drive west about 2 miles, then exit at Giant. At the foot of the exit ramp, turn right. Follow the brown parks signs the rest of the way to the park entrance on the left side of Giant, about 1 mile from Richmond Parkway. Parking fee of $5.00 charged when entrance kiosk is staffed. $2.00 dog fee. This is a 4-mile loop on bluffs overlooking San Pablo Bay. Easy. Lunch at end.
July 7, 2009. HUCKLEBERRY BOTANIC REGIONAL & SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVES. Leaders: Kathryn Brooks 510.526.3859 and Lisa Parker 510.923.1346. From MRC drive South on Moraga Rd. Turn LEFT onto Snake Rd. Veer RIGHT onto Shepherd Canyon Rd. Turn LEFT into Skyline Blvd. for about 1 mile. On right enter at gate/visitors’ center to Huckleberry Staging Area. Hike South on Huckleberry Path and North on East Bay Skyline Recreational Trail and Bay Area Ridge trail to Sibley Circle Round Top on the Loop Trail and lunch at Sibley entrance. Return on shorter loop to Staging Area. 6 miles and 900 ft. climb. Hiking sticks recommended.
July 14, 2009. CROCKETT HILLS REGIONAL PARK (Part of Bay Brea Ridge Trail). Leaders: Joan Warner 510 547.1602 and Lucille Serwa 510. 832-3559. From MRC take Hwys.13/24/580/80 toward Crockett. Exit at Cummings Skyway and drive south-east to Crockett Blvd. Turn SHARP LEFT onto Crockett Blvd. and drive to the Crockett Ranch staging area on the left. Park in lower lot. Toilets at staging area only. Lunch on trail. Bring something to sit on. 6.5 miles moderate.
Alternate scenic route to trail head.
From MRC drive hwys. 13/24. Exit Orinda/Morage (exit 9). Turn LEFT onto Camino Pablo (becomes San Pablo Dam Rd. in El Sobrante). At mile 14.7 turn right on Apian Way, veer LEFT toward Hwy. 80. (Pinole). Take Hwy. 80 East toward Sacramento. At 22.7 miles exit Crocket/Pt. Costa (exit #27). At mile 23.3 turn left on Pomona. At 24.1 miles turn right on Crockett Blvd. Turn Right into Crocket Regional Park.
July 21, 2009. MT. TAM - OLD RR GRADE TO WEST POINT INN. Leader: Bonnie Herman 510.653.5409. From MRC take hwys. 13/24/580 West. Cross the Richmond Bridge and EXIT 101 SOUTH. CONTINUE on Sir Francis Drake 1.5 miles, then onto 101 South to Hwy.1/Stinson Beach EXIT. Follow Hwy.1 and signs toward Stinson Beach about 2 miles. Turn RIGHT at Panoramic Hwy and continue for 2.5 miles. Meet at parking lot across from Mountain Home Inn. Hike Hogback Fire Road for a steep uphill of about 1/2-mile to Old Railroad Grade, then on to Fern Creek trail to West Point Inn. Back by way of Nora Trail and Matt Davis trail to Hoo-Koo-E-Koo trail. About 5.3 miles, 60% shaded. It is a moderate to mildly difficult hike. Hiking sticks recommended
July 28, 2009. WILDCAT CANYON - SAN PABLO RIDGE LOOP. Leader: Vince Mok 510.339.0122. From MRC drive hwys. 13/24/80 EAST to Contra Costa County. EXIT Solano (EXIT 17). At the base of the ramp, TURN onto Amador. Drive 0.4 mile. Turn RIGHT onto McBryde. Move into the center lane, and after about 0.3 mile, at the stop sign, CONTINUE STRAIGHT onto Park Ave. Drive 0.1 mile. TURN into the park, and CONTINUE a short distance to the Alvarado Staging Area at the end of the road. Hike the lower Wildcat Creek trail to Havey Canyon trail. Climb Havey Canyon to Nimitz Way then move up to the Nike pad for lunch. Return via San Pablo Ridge with ups and downs and one steep descent. Continue down Belgium Trail by exotic growths and sanitarium ruins. Great views of Bay and 2 reservoirs. Moderate/easy at 7.5 miles. Hiking sticks recommended.
August 4, 2009. S.F. COSTAL TRAIL - PT. LOBOS. Leaders: Gerry Miller 510.339.0618 and Sally Frederick 510. 482.9978. From MRC take hwys. 13/24/580 to Bay Bridge. Take 9th St./Civic Center exit. Turn RIGHT onto 9th St. Continue down 9th St. cross Market St. and continue onto Larkin. Turn LEFT on Geary. VEER RIGHT to Pt. Lobos. Turn RIGHT at the light onto El Camino Del Mar. Park at end. Hike California Coastal Trail North through Seacliff. Turn left at 25th Ave. (no through street). Pass Baker Beach, and continue on to Golden Gate Bridge. (Option: new Bluffs-to Beach-trail some steep stairs, sticks recommended). Coastline and Golden Gate bridge views. Moderate 7 miles.
3 return home options:
Geary. JOG RIGHT onto O’Farrell, LEFT on Market; RIGHT on 2nd ; LEFT on Folsom; RIGHT on Essex which leads onto Hwy 80 toward Oakland (could change when construction is done)
Geary. RIGHT on Van Ness. Cross Market, stay in right 2 lanes to 80 Oakland signs.
Oak St., Octavia, and freeway to the bridge.
August 11, 2009. RODEO BEACH – GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATIONAL AREA/MARIN HEADLANDS Leader: Jim Flaherty 510.530.4205. From MRC take hwys. 13/24/580 across the Bay Bridge and proceed to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit at Alexander (the first exit past the view point turnoff). After about 0.3 mile, LEFT onto Bunker Road. There is a one-way tunnel, which cuts under 101. Exit the tunnel, drive about 3 miles on Bunker Rd. Bunker Rd. becomes Mitchell Rd. Drive to the trailhead at the end of the road. Hike a loop on breezy slopes above Rodeo Lagoon in Marin Headlands on Miwok, Wolf Ridge and the southeast Coastal Trails and return to the lagoon for lunch. This is a 6-mile loop with an 800 foot elevation.
August 18, 2009. MUIR WOODS. Leader: Wilma Austern 510.521.7358. From MRC take hwys. 13/24/580 West. Cross the Richmond Bridge and EXIT 101 SOUTH. CONTINUE on Sir Francis Drake 1.5 miles, then onto 101 South to Hwy.1/Stinson Beach EXIT. Follow Hwy.1 and signs toward Stinson Beach about 2 miles. Turn RIGHT at Panoramic Hwy. At the Four Corners intersection go onto Muir Woods Rd. CONTINUE 1/6 mile downhill to Muir Woods parking lot at bottom. Turn sharp RIGHT into lot just outside Ranger Station. Meet outside Ranger Station. Walk on boardwalk. Hike Redwood and Boot Jack trails to Van Wyck Meadow; then Alpine to Pan Toll Ranger Station for lunch. Return via Staplevelt (off to the left) and Dipsea/Ben Johnson trails. 7 1/2 miles mostly moderate with some steep sections. Note: It takes about 1 hour to get to the site. Use your National Park Pass (1 per car) or $10.00 to purchase one.
August 25, 2009. DIMOND-JOAQUIN MILLER PARK. Leaders: Arlene Black and Ed Ord 510.530.6236. From MRC drive east on Mountain Blvd. Turn RIGHT on Park Blvd. Turn LEFT on El Centro (before the filling station.) Turn RIGHT on Hanly Rd. into the upper parking lot of Dimond Rec. Center. Hike Dimond Canyon trail along Sausal Creek, then along Palos Colorados trail in Joaquin Miller Park to the Meadow for lunch and return. 6 miles moderate.
TITLE VI COMPLIANCE AGAINST DISCRIMINATION43CFR 17.6(B) Federal and City of Oakland regulations strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation or AIDS or ARC. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by the City of Oakland, Office of Parks and Recreation should write to: Director of Parks and Recreation at 1520 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA 94612-4598 or call (510) 238-3092.
INCLUSION STATEMENT It is the intent of the City of Oakland to fully comply with the Americans with Disability Act. The Office of Parks & Recreation (OPR) is fully committed to compliance with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please direct all inquiries concerning program & disability accommodations to the OPR inclusive Recreation Coordinator at ((510)) 615-5755 or [email protected]. TDD callers please dial ((510)) 615-5883.