ANGELS, ASTAROTH, and ARISTOCRATS (A Ghoulish Post-Halloween Hike)

ANGELS, ASTAROTH, and ARISTOCRATS (A Ghoulish Post-Halloween Hike)

Hike Date:  Saturday, November 1, 2025

Leader:  Chuin Phang

Leader's Email:  chuinphang@yahoo.com

Leader's Phone:  510.759.5664 (Chuin)

Hike Rating:  Level-2

Hike Mileage:  6 miles.

Elevation Gain:  1,000'

Description:   

We’re heading out on a haunted-ish hike through Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery.  226 acres of winding paths, monumental mausoleums, and enough local lore to summon both angels and the Astaroth.  Founded in 1863 under the California Rural Cemetery Act, this historic resting place has seen more than a few aristocrats laid to rest—and it’s still run by the original association. 

Important: You will need to sign in at the cemetery entrance—ghouls just wanna follow the rules.

We’ll start from Rockridge BART, walking a little over a mile past the quaint shops and restaurants on College Avenue, and pass through the gorgeous, Julia Morgan–designed Chapel of the Chimes (still no confirmed ghost sightings, but we’re open to possibilities). From there, we’ll meander uphill through the cemetery for a panoramic view of the Bay and beyond.  We are delighted to welcome Michael Colbruno, Mountain View Cemetery docent and local historian who will join us for part of today's hike to channel distant memories from those departed as well as other cultural revelations. 

Then it’s back downhill to Piedmont Avenue, where your final earthly choice awaits: ice cream at Fentons Creamery or vegan donuts at Timeless Café. Choose wisely—your afterlife may depend on it.  No group lunch is planned, but we will have a short chocolate break (bring your favs), and feel free to gather with fellow hikers for post-hike bites. Or, if you’re feeling more phantom than foodie, you can float back to BART with the hike leader (Note: The return walk to Rockridge BART is almost a mile and a half back). Multiple exit points are available along the way—just let the hike leader know before you vanish.

Out of respect for the cemetery’s other visitors (both the living and the dearly departed), please keep voices low near any services and be mindful throughout. We're here for a "grave" time after all! 

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, comfortable walking shoes (poles if needed), hat and sunscreen.

Rain Policy:  Hike will be cancelled if rain.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!  

TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION: 

For this hike, we will meet and begin our hike at the Rockridge BART station (map).  Gather at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:30 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

Note:  If you are not a member you can:  1) Become a member by clicking on [Join] above and then register for the hike or 2) Contact me so that I know that you would like to be part of the hike.

Interested in carpooling from SF?  If so, here are the details...

• SF Carpooling 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:  9:10 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

Note:  Please only show up at Whole Foods if you have arranged a ride ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).

Total Driving Distance (round trip): 

  25 miles (SF)

Carpool Fees (per passenger): 

  $5* (SF)

*Includes bridge toll.

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