Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way
Berkeley, California
Details
Distance
4.16 miles
Elevation Gain
459 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Emily Kent
Wildcat Peak via the Nimitz Way Trail will take you through Tilden Regional Park along the northern outskirts of Berkeley where it makes up a beautiful hike just under five miles, beginning at Inspiration Point. You'll head through eucalyptus groves, pines, young coast live oaks, and up to Wildcat Peak for a gorgeous view of the Bay.
Tilden Park is a beautiful recreational area with scenic hiking trails, a swimming lake, small animal farm, a steam train and botanical gardens. The versatility of this park makes it very family and kid friendly, and those who are looking for a moderate hike within the park have almost forty miles of trails to check out. Because of the popularity of the park, try to head out along the trails during early morning hours or during the week to avoid crowds.
To hike along Nimitz Way and Wildcat Canyon trails, park at the Inspiration Point lot off of Wildcat Canyon Road. No permit necessary. Begin your hike through Nimitz Gate along Nimitz Way. You'll be northbound along the trail for 1.7 miles where you'll pick up the trail to Wildcat Peak on your left. Ascend to Wildcat Peak where you'll have yourself a 360 degree vista. Either continue along the Nimitz trail until it meets the Conlon Trail, where you'll have a sweet view of Mt. Diablo, or head back and retrace your steps to the trailhead.
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Reviews
Wildcat Peak provides great views of the Bay Area and downtown San Francisco. The trail is a paved path for about 3/4 of the way up. Keep in mind that if it has rained recently, the final part can be pretty muddy. Parking was easy in a big lot and there are restrooms at the trailhead.
5.0
Pretty easy hike for some nice views! The elevation gain is more like only 300 feet if you just do an out-and-back to Wildcat peak from Inspiration point. You can also make this a much longer loop by following the Wildcat peak trail down into the Nature area and take the Meadows Canyon Trail back to your car, but this is where all the crowds are on the weekend, so I'd stay away from that area if you want some solitude.
4.0
My best friend and I hiked this trail in the pouring rain last winter and it was one of the most magical hike I've ever done. The entire trail was covered in California Newts so you have to be hellla careful not to step on them. We also went exploring off trail a little bit and found a ton of bones!! I found an entire deer Skull in a creek bed. Dope views, dope mushroom diversity, 10/10 would hike again!!
5.0
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Nearby
Wildcat Peak Loop
Seaview and Big Springs Loop
Swim at Lake Anza in Tilden Park
Tilden Little Farm
Berkeley Rose Garden
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