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01.8.09

Peak Show

Wondering what's up for this weekend? Look no further than these three Bay Area peaks—ripe for climbing right now. Start the new year in high style!

Hill 88 Hike Marin Headlands

Hill Yeah!

Explore the upper reaches of the wild yet accessible Marin Headlands on a 5.5-mile (round-trip) hike just 10 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Though it stands at only 960 feet, Hill 88 features some of Marin's best views from a peak not named Mt. Tam. Starting at Fort Cronkhite, the Coastal Trail curves and climbs, with each step offering ever wider views. Keep trucking—the vista soon sweeps from the Pacific horizon to the Peninsula's Montara Mountain and on to Mount Diablo; even the tips of the Golden Gate Bridge peek over the Headlands. Hill 88 was once a military site, and though the remaining buildings have unfortunately become canvasses for graffiti, there are some nice spots to spread out a blanket for a picnic. Afterward, loop back down via the Wolf Ridge and Miwok Trail. Resolution: Hike to great heights—check!

From Hwy 101 in Marin, exit Alexander Ave. and stay to the right on the exit ramp. Turn left on Bunker Rd., go through the tunnel, and continue 3 miles to Rodeo Beach/Fort Cronkhite. Print a map of the area before you hike. Start on the Coastal Trail at the parking lot. You'll follow this all the way up to Hill 88. Near the summit, you'll pass the intersection for the Wolf Ridge Trail; continue up to the peak, but take the Wolf Ridge Trail when you descend. Follow Wolf Ridge Trail .75 mile to Miwok Trail and go right; continue on this for 1.5 miles (go straight at the intersection with Bobcat Trail). Cross Bunker Rd. and take the Lagoon Trail (on the southern side of Rodeo Lagoon) back to Rodeo Beach and your starting point. Dog-friendly!

Activity
Hike, Dog-friendly
Region
North Bay
Hike Black Mountain Monte Bello Open Space

Black Beauty

Rising 2,800 feet over the Peninsula's Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Black Mountain—the inspiration behind Mountain View's name—quietly stands watch over the South Bay. The 2-mile (one-way) exposed trail that climbs gradually to Black Mountain's summit is a feast for the eyes: dense yellow grass blankets rolling hills and blows in the wind like a lion's mane. At the top, scattered boulders (pictured) provide the best place for your first picnic of 2009. This lofty route rewards hikers with 360-degree views across the South Bay, from the Santa Clara Valley all the way to the Mount Hamilton range and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

TIP: If you want to add an extra 2 miles to the hike, descend Indian Creek Trail and loop back up Canyon and Stevens Creek Nature Trail; this loop includes a long and relatively steep descent into a canopy of trees, with a few bridge crossings along the way.

From I-280 in Palo Alto, exit Page Mill Rd. going west and climb 7 curvy miles up to Monte Bello Open Space. Pick up a map at the kiosk. Take the main trail from the parking lot, Stevens Creek Nature Trail. Take the left fork heading toward the Canyon Trail. Follow the Canyon Trail .25 mile, then take Bella Vista Trail up. Stay on this for a mile before turning right onto Old Ranch Trail. Go past the Backpack Camp and continue another .25 mile to summit of Black Mountain. Continue a couple of hundred feet on the wide road past the radio towers to find the large rocks. Return the way you came or follow the TIP above to make it a loop hike. No dogs.

Activity
Hike
Region
Peninsula & South Bay
Hike Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve

Sobrante Stroll

It's little wonder that Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve isn't as well known as its East Bay neighbors, Mount Diablo and Tilden Park. That's because Sobrante Ridge is, quite literally, a little wonder: a short and simple out-and-back walk offering sweet views of San Pablo Bay. This island of preserved open space is hidden back in the residential neighborhoods near Pinole, with just a few miles of trails. The Sobrante Ridge Trail is an easy way to get in a quick stroll just over two miles (round-trip). The park's prized manzanita trees start blooming after the first big rain, so blossoms might scatter the trail in places like New Year's confetti. Where's the peak? At the intersection of Sobrante Ridge and Manzanita Trails, there's a path leading up about 100 feet to an unnamed summit. From this 832-foot peak, you have great views of Mt. Tam and the rolling green hills of the East Bay. Little wonder, big picture!

From I-80 in Richmond, take the San Pablo Dam Rd. exit. Go 3.75 miles southeast on San Pablo Dam Rd. Turn left on Castro Ranch Rd. and go 1 mile. Turn left on Conestoga Way, left on Carriage Dr., and right on Coach Dr. The entrance is at the end of Coach Dr. Pick up a map at the kiosk. Make an out-and-back hike on Sobrante Ridge Trail, with a detour on the Manzanita Trail. Dog-friendly!

Activity
Hike, Dog-friendly
Region
East Bay

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