Panorama Bonanza

Hike to Panoramic Ridge above Berkeley for iconic views of the Bay Area

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!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  3. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View
  4. woman kneeling and signing peak book at Mount Olympia in Mount Diablo State Park

    Double Up on Diablo

    Set the tone for 2024 with this twofer summit hike at Mount Diablo State Park. Embark on a 7-mile out-and-back up Mount Olympia and Diablo’s lesser-known summit, North Peak.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  2. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View