From C to Sea

Sunset Above UC Berkeley

11.30.2015

If a sign is high enough on a hill and large enough to be seen by lots of people, there's probably a pretty great view from the top. Take the Big C, a giant yellow letter built in 1905 into the hillside overlooking the UC Berkeley campus. Originally constructed as a truce between freshman and sophomore classes after being banned from rolling each other down the hill to protect dueling class numerals, the locally known concrete symbol now celebrates over 100 years of athletics and academia—in addition to excellent views. A short hike to the top unveils both the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges, gleaming on the horizon behind the sprawling Cal campus and its beautifully lit campanile. Memorial Stadium and the Greek Theatre lie prominently on either side below. (For added ambience, hike up for sunset on concert days at the Greek. You'll feel like you've scored free tickets to a private show.) Don't forget to pick up some burritos from La Burrita (2530 Durant) before you hike up. A picnic table at the top makes an excellent spot to snack and bask in the setting sun's golden glow … you know, kinda like a UC Berkeley golden bear.

To reach the Big C, drive up Hearst (which turns right to become Cyclotron) and veer right into the Foothill parking lot behind the Greek Theatre. Parking fees and hours. Climb the wooden stairs and cross the street before turning right and continuing past Lawrence Hall of Science to an unmarked dirt trail. Follow the trail for about 0.5 mile until you reach a fork. Veer left for a short climb to the Big C. Path not lit—bring a headlamp. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  2. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View
  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

    View