Below is a list of the top and leading Hiking Trails in Oakland. To help you find the best Hiking Trails located near you in Oakland, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Oakland’s Best Hiking Trails:
The top rated Hiking Trails in Oakland, CA are:
- Shepherd Canyon Park – playing fields of the park are located on top
- Montclair Railroad Trail – offers a stunning natural setting for biking, walking, running
- Roberts Regional Recreation Area – a well-liked spot for picnics with families and large groups
- Sibley Staging Area – once known as Round Top Park
- Redwood Glen Trailhead – most popular trails possibly seeing up to 3-4 groups per minute
Shepherd Canyon Park
Shepherd Canyon Park, The Shepherd Canyon Corridor Plan, which was implemented in 1975 and abandoned a plan to route Highway 77 through the region, designated the 34 acres of Shepherd Canyon Park as being preserved. The Shepherd Family, early Oaklanders who resided on the property in the late 1800s, is honored by the park’s and neighborhood’s names.
The playing fields of the park are located on top of what used to be Shepherd Creek’s natural middle section. Shepherd Creek joins Palo Seco Creek to become Sausal Creek, which then falls into Dimond Canyon below.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trails, Bathrooms, Picnic Tables, Playground
LOCATION:
Address: 6000 Shepherd Canyon Rd, Oakland, CA 94611
Phone: (510) 238-7275
Website: www.oaklandparks.org/shepherd-canyon-park
REVIEWS:
“Beautiful park with lots of good walking/hiking trails. Good for all levels of experience.” – Brogan S.
Montclair Railroad Trail
Montclair Railroad Trail, Built on the former rail line of the Sacramento Northern Railway, the Montclair Railroad Trail offers a stunning natural setting for biking, walking, running, and hiking. Leashed dogs are allowed as well. 1.5 miles of paved, level trail are available. A community-based organization called Friends of Montclair RR Trail was founded by trail users, nearby residents, and supporters who cherish the historic path and want to leave a lasting environmental legacy for future generations to enjoy.
The Oakland, Antioch, and Eastern Railway introduced passenger train service through this canyon in 1913. This route joined the Sacramento Northern Railway, which offered both passenger and freight service, in 1928. The Sacramento Northern operated on the lower deck of the Bay Bridge when it was constructed in 1939.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trails
LOCATION:
Address: 1901-1903 Asilomar Dr, Oakland, CA 94611
Website: www.montclairrrtrail.org
REVIEWS:
“Great mostly level paved trail through the woods behind Montclair Village and through Shepherd Canyon. The round trip makes for a lovely one-hour walk. Or longer if you stop to read the fascinating history boards.” – Ron C.
Roberts Regional Recreation Area
Roberts Regional Recreation Area, The 87-acre space is a well-liked spot for picnics with families and large groups. Off Skyline Boulevard in Oakland, it is renowned for its verdant setting in a grove of aromatic second-growth redwood trees. In order to meet the demands of a burgeoning Bay Area populace, the original grove was cut down between 1840 and 1860.
Roberts became the first park in the two-county Regional Park District to be “adopted” by nearby industry at the beginning of 1979. In order to ensure the ongoing operation of this well-liked urban parkland, an ongoing relationship was established with Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation. This cooperation drew on the financial and people resources of the global, Oakland-based company.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail, Biking, Picnicking, & More
LOCATION:
Address:10570 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611
Phone: (888) 327-2757
Website: www.ebparks.org/roberts
REVIEWS:
“Had a wonderful time here. There is safe parking in the park and access to a wonderful playground, swimming pool, and the best trails in Oakland. You can get turned around easily, so watch yourself. Finally, you can count on clean bathrooms with running water and water fountains that actually work too.” – Jeff B.
Sibley Staging Area
Sibley Staging Area, At Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, East Bay residents enjoy a volcano in their backyard. Sibley, Temescal, and Tilden are the three initial parks of the East Bay Regional Park District. Sibley was once known as Round Top Park. Robert Sibley helped organize the District and served on its board of directors for ten years, and the preserve was later dedicated in his honor.
The entirety of Round Top Road is paved. There is also a 600-foot paved wheelchair trail north of the tourist center that leads to an observation platform (keep an eye out for occasionally utilizing automobiles). Another paved section of Quarry Road starts near Old Tunnel Road.
Products/Services:
Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, & More
LOCATION:
Address: 6800 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611
Website: www.ebparks.org/sibley-volcanic
REVIEWS:
“Wonderful place, great parking lot. The trail is kind of steep at the beginning, but dogs and kids will love it. Great place to get some exercise and see some nature. The trees are awesome.” – Samuel S.
Redwood Glen Trailhead
Redwood Glen Trailhead, is extremely well-liked by hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. On almost every route, you’ll see at least 1-2 groups each minute during peak hours, with the most popular trails possibly seeing up to 3-4 groups per minute. The numerous free parking spaces on Skyline Boulevard and Redwood Road should be avoided due to the high frequency of noon automobile break-ins.
Since they typically have a manned entrance kiosk, the pay areas—Canyon Meadow or Roberts—seem a little safer. The Canyon Meadow Staging Area at the end of the entrance road is a good place to start. The walk begins as a paved road that travels past lush grassy areas and picnic tables.
Products/Services:
Hiking Trail, & More
LOCATION:
Address: Big Trees Trail, Oakland, CA 94611
Website: www.redwoodhikes.com/RedwoodRP
REVIEWS:
“Really beautiful and easy to access. I will note that there are a lot of people riding mountain bikes, which can get a little tiresome.” – Russell E.
Ermily has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications online. As a business expert, Ermily reviews local and national businesses.