Great Berkeley Hikes
Good Spots for a Hike, Walk, or Run in Berkeley
Walks, hikes, and runs are a great way to pass the time. They give you time to reflect and think, serve as an awesome way to exercise, and allow you the opportunity to explore.
Berkeley is great for this. From its scenic hills to bayside tracks, you’re guaranteed to discover something on this list worth checking out.
Grizzly Peak
Grizzly Peak is one of the most scenic and easiest hikes to do in Berkeley. You simply need to exit campus on the North side (on Euclid) and keep walking. From there you’re free to meander around the Berkeley hills or take Euclid all the way to Grizzly Peak. Along the way, you’ll be treated to some awesome views of the Bay Area (even better if you are coming or going around sunset), some fascinating architecture, and a good mix of challenging and easy hills to conquer. It’s a relatively safe and quiet adventure that’s perfect for getting a good workout, clearing your head after midterms, or even a walking date.
Tilden Regional Park
If you’re a nature lover or you just love a challenge, Tilden Regional Park offers a ton of safe and beautiful hiking (and running) trails. While Tilden is a bit out of the way, you can get there by bus (as well as biking and walking if you want a real challenge).
Berkeley Fire Trails
Between the campus and Grizzly Peak boulevard in South East Berkeley. The Fire Trails are a favorite hiking option for many students and locals in town. Their easy accessibility and the great views make their popularity obvious. A lot of folks like to bring their dogs here so if you’re a dog person it’s an added bonus. If you’re looking for a bit more privacy, Tilden is a better choice. However, if you like (or want) to be around people then the Fire Trails are for you.
The Big C
This is a short and easy hike with a big payoff. You can easily follow the path behind Bowles Hall to the base of the trail. It only takes about ten to fifteen minutes but when you reach the top you’ll be treated to a great view of the campus and the bay. There are some nearby trails and grassy areas to explore from there if you want to keep going. For the most part, it’s an easy hike with a few big inclines for those looking to reach the top a little faster.
Cesar Chavez Park
The Cesar Chavez Park (Berkeley Marina) is a great spot if you’re in search of a place to take a relaxing walk or trying to find a location for running and jogging. It’s right next to the bay so you benefit from the fresh and cool air, and the paved paths are even and flat so they’re easy on your feet. You can also meander around the grassy hills between the paths if you want more of a challenge and a better view of both Berkeley and San Francisco. It can be a bit cold in the early mornings and late evenings, but it’s a beautiful spot away from the noise and chaos of the city.
Downtown Berkeley to the Gourmet Ghetto
If you have friends in town and want to show them the city, or you’re looking for an easy walk then ends in a good lunch location, this easy trek from Center and Shattuck in downtown Berkeley to Vine street will showcase the many interesting shops and restaurants that make Berkeley special and ultimately end in the city’s famed Gourmet Ghetto where you can try all sorts of great food like the Cheese Board, Gregoire, or Barney’s.
Get Those Walking Shoes Ready
You’re now ready to explore some of the most beautiful parts of Berkeley. The next time you need to take a break from studying for midterms or need to shake up your exercise regiment start with this guide.
You can also find this list on the Gojurn app (available for iOS and Android). If you think you know of some great spots not on this list you can let us know here.