Short Hike, Sweet View!

Hike to Big Views at Claremont Canyon in the East Bay

Woman and her dog looking out to view of the Bay at Claremont Canyon Preserve in the East Bay

Steady as you go ... all the way up to a sweeping Bay vista at Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. This 208-acre haven has a 4.3-mile loop hike to one of the best views in the East Bay. Begin your hike on the aptly named Stonewall Panoramic Trail, which rises quickly out of the eucalyptus forest to ridgeline chaparral.

Hike Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

As you approach Panoramic Way, soak in the birds-eye view of the bay and UC Berkeley’s campus below. At Panoramic Way, take a right and link up with the East-West Trail, which takes you deeper into the canyon. After a slight descent through a wooded section, take a left onto the connector trail that drops quickly to the Upper Jordan Fire Trail.

Woman walking her dog through a forest at Claremont Canyon in the East Bay

This section of the trail offers a glimpse of the back side of Claremont Canyon. After about 1.5 miles take a left onto Panoramic Way and follow the quiet street through woodlands. At the T-intersection, take a right and then a left to access the Clark Kerr Trail (marked by a few dog water dishes). The hillside should soon be blooming with California poppies.

Woman sitting on a bench with her dog overlooking a view of the San Francisco Bay

At the peak, you're rewarded with uninterrupted vistas of the Bay and San Francisco's skyline. Take it all in at the bench, then take a left and continue into the woods and over a small footbridge; this trail leads back to your final descent on Stonewall Panoramic Trail.

Limited parking can be found on Stonewall Rd. off Claremont Ave. Because much of the climbing section is exposed, this hike is best for cooler days. No water or restrooms are available. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  4. Devilishly Hairy

    Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View