Sibley Surprise

Here's a nice Thanksgiving walk that could easily become a new tradition. Way up in the Oakland Hills, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve offers one of the East Bay's most rewarding hikes, the Round Top Loop Trail. This wide and exposed 1.5-mile trail (roundtrip) encircles an old volcano, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills. Bring family, bring friends, bring Sparky; this gentle hike is made for easy walking, talking, and snapping group photos in front of awesome this-is-why-we-live-here views. Designate someone to keep a keen eye out, though, because golden eagles are seen in these parts. On the east side, check out the circular labyrinth from the overlook, and if you're feeling adventurous, scurry down to get dizzy wandering its path. (Be forewarned—you may start to feel like a dog chasing its tail.) Finish the Round Top loop, then head back home for that second (or third) helping of turkey. Yeah, you've earned that pumpkin pie too.

BONUS: Want to take on another short jaunt? Just .25-mile down Skyline Boulevard is Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve. Make a 2-mile loop on the shaded Huckleberry Nature Path, famed for its abundant native plants.

Check out the Sibley Regional Park Preserve website for directions. The Round Top Loop trailhead is just left of the restrooms (take the dirt trail rather than the road). Pick up a map at the trailhead. Hike the Round Top Trail in a clockwise direction. Go .25 mile until you reach the water tank and go left, continuing on the Round Top Trail. When the trail intersects with the Volcanic Trail, go right to stay on the Round Top Trail. Follow the trail signs all the way back to the parking lot. Dog-friendly!