Ridgetop Rolling

Tilden Regional Park is the flagship of the East Bay Regional Parks system. And its best views? Find them along Nimitz Way, a paved, multi-use ridgetop trail. We recommend biking this trail for about 4 miles (one-way) because, well, it’s fun!

You’re high up on a ridgetop without having to worry about cars, so you get to focus on the views, which are plentiful, and pretty damn great! The trail starts at Inspiration Point on Wildcat Canyon Road, and it’s popular with walkers, baby strollers, and runners. After about a mile, the people thin out and you’re left with wide-open views of the bay, San Pablo Reservoir, the surrounding hills, and ta-da: Diablo, sparkling views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific. Stop at one of the many benches en route to take in the scenery from east to west.

Early in the ride, or on your return, detour to the Rotary Peace Grove, honoring people who have contributed to world peace. We recommend riding about 4 miles to where the pavement ends. You’ll pass through a couple of cattle gates and likely say hi to a few cows relaxing in the hills. The route is mostly gentle with just a few ups. If you have a mountain bike, you can continue on the dirt road where the ups and downs get a bit more dramatic, and so do the views.

TIP: Summer mornings can be foggy and breezy here, so if you have some patience, wait it out until later morning for the best chance of the marine layer dissipating. Parking fills up fast.

From Berkeley, take Grizzly Peak Blvd. to Wildcat Canyon Rd. and follow it all the way to the parking lot at Inspiration Point (map). Ride the Nimitz Way Trail north 4 miles to pavement’s end. Continue half a mile or more if you have a mountain bike and want more views! Dog-friendly.