TILDEN REGIONAL PARK

TILDEN REGIONAL PARK

Hike Date:  Saturday, August 3, 2024

Leader:  Sam Kaufman

Leader Email:  geogrman@yahoo.com

Leader Phone:  510.599.4056

Hike Rating:  Level-2

Hike Mileage:  5.9 miles (with DIY options for additional post-lunch hiking).

Elevation Gain:  800'

Description:  Tilden Park is one of the original East Bay Parks from the 30's and offers experiences for old and young (e.g. steam train, petting zoo, botanic garden) but sorry we won't see seeing any of those places. Instead we'll do a shortish but sweet hike starting at Lone Oak picnic area, then taking the Meadows Canyon and Curran trails to the ridge at the eastern age of the park, covering most of the uphill and providing views east and west.  After 1.7 miles or so walking Nimitz Way, we depart the ridge and pass the Rotary Grove, a place where 100 sequoia seedlings were planted in 1955 and every year since one has been named for a person or organization pursuing international peace.  Then we hike up a short distance to the top of Wildcat Peak for more picture opportunities.  Then down the mountain on a single track trail, and use the Sylvan Trl and Loop Road to return to our cars. There should be an opportunity for lunch at picnic tables at the end of the hike. For anyone wishing to hike after lunch, there are park maps at the trailhead. More than half of the hike will be exposed so apply lots of sunscreen.

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, hiking boots, hat and sunscreen, and lunch.

Rain Policy:  Hike will be cancelled in the unlikely event of rain.

Dogs:  NO as the Wildcat Peak Trail is closed to dogs!  

Are you up for the hike?  If so, here are the meeting options...

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street or below the building.

SF Meeting Time:  8:40 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  9:00 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

NOTE:  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have a ride arranged ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).

• TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION:  We will meet at the End of Loop Road,  1/4 mile past the Lone Oak picnic area on the dirt/gravel road. Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:30 AM (hike begins at 9:45 AM).

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  34 miles (SF), 14 miles (Rockridge BART).

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $6* (SF) or $2 (Rockridge BART).
*Includes bridge toll.

NOTE:  I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers.  If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.