Panorama Bonanza

Bring the dog, bag a peak, and get an impressive two-bridge view on a lollipop loop hike that includes the San Francisco skyline. Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve—high in the hills above Berkeley—has 208 acres of peaks and valleys, including the 3.4-mile (round-trip) Stonewall-Panoramic Ridge Trail, starting steps away from downtown Berkeley.

It’s a steep climb through a eucalyptus grove and open hills before you hit the paved Panoramic Way. Turn right and follow Panoramic Way for about 25o feet until it meets back with the Stonewall-Panoramic Way Trail and plateaus at the highlight. Panoramic Ridge delivers what its name suggests: huge views of Oakland, San Francisco, and Marin County. The white spires of the Bay Bridge are backed by the orange arches of the Golden Gate Bridge, which itself is backed by the rugged Marin Headlands.

From the ridge, dip into a pine grove and find a rope swing with a wooden seat. Brave types can swing and sway over Strawberry Canyon. The trail continues to the other side of the ridge, marked by extravagant hillside homes. Follow the ridge back to Panoramic Way and return the way you came to complete the lollipop loop.

Bonus: Stop by Star Meats (3068 Claremont Ave.) in Berkeley and grab sandwiches to enjoy at the top of Panoramic Ridge

Enter the trail at Stonewall Rd. in Berkeley. Street parking only. This recommended route has the stopping point at Panoramic Ridge; you’ll know you’ve gone too far if the trail turns into a steep hill with loose ground—that trail leads to Chaparral Peak. Dog-friendly!