Founders Rock, Bay Area Travel Guide

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Visit the birthplace of UC Berkeley, where California's academic legacy began on this historic rock.

Founders' Rock marks the spot where the College of California trustees dedicated the land that would become the University of California, Berkeley. This historical landmark offers a glimpse into the origins of one of the world's leading universities.

A brief summary to Founders Rock

Berkeley, California, 94709, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Founders Rock.

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the rock can be uneven.
Combine your visit with a stroll through the UC Berkeley campus and nearby attractions.

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Explore Founders Rock on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Founders Rock, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus, walk north on Telegraph Avenue. Turn right onto Bancroft Way and continue until you reach the entrance to the UC Botanical Garden. Founders' Rock is located near the garden entrance, with signs directing you. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport

From Downtown Berkeley BART station, take AC Transit bus 7 or 18. Get off at the 'Lawrence Hall of Science' stop. Walk up the path towards the entrance of the Hall of Science; Founders' Rock is nearby. AC Transit bus fare is approximately $2.50.
Driving

From I-80 E, take exit 23 for University Ave toward Berkeley. Turn left onto Shattuck Ave, then right onto Hearst Ave. Continue onto Centennial Drive into the Berkeley campus area. Park near Lawrence Hall of Science and hike a short distance to Founders' Rock. Weekday parking at the Lower Hearst Structure costs approximately $3 per hour.

Discover more about Founders Rock

Founders' Rock, located at the corner of Hearst Avenue and Gayley Road in Berkeley, California, is a historical landmark that marks the spot where the University of California, Berkeley began. On April 16, 1860, the trustees of the College of California gathered to dedicate the newly acquired 30-acre property as the future site for their college. This moment laid the groundwork for what would later become the University of California in 1868.The rock also holds cultural significance as the place where Frederick H. Billings, inspired by Bishop George Berkeley's verse, suggested naming the surrounding area 'Berkeley' in 1866. The graduating class of 1896 commemorated this historic site by placing a plaque on Founders' Rock during Charter Day celebrations.Today, Founders' Rock is a designated Berkeley Landmark, a California Historical Landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a tangible reminder of the University of California's early history and the visionary efforts that shaped it.