Short Hike, Sweet View!

Hike to Big Views at Claremont Canyon in the East Bay

02.24.2021
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!

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