Background

Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve: A Hillside Escape

Hike through Oakland & Berkeley hills for panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, nature, and history at Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve.

4.8

Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, nestled in the East Bay hills, offers a quick escape into nature with stunning panoramic views. This 208-acre preserve features steep hiking trails, diverse plant life, and a rich history as a transportation route and a haven for wildlife.

A brief summary to Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

  • Monday 5 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-10 pm
  • Friday 5 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes for the steep trails, especially on the Stonewall-Panoramic Trail.
  • Bring water, as the climb can be strenuous, particularly during warmer months.
  • Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so consider public transportation.
  • Check the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly in the hills.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Berkeley, take AC Transit bus line 7 or 18 towards the Claremont Hotel. Get off at the Claremont Ave & Ashby Ave stop. Walk northeast on Claremont Ave for about 0.5 miles to Stonewall Road. Turn left onto Stonewall Rd; the trailhead is a short walk up the street. AC Transit fares are approximately $2.50.

  • Walking

    From the Claremont Hotel, walk north on Claremont Avenue. Turn left onto Stonewall Road. The main entrance to the preserve is a short walk up Stonewall Road. Note that the walk up Stonewall Road is uphill.

  • Driving

    From Highway 24, take the Fish Ranch Road exit east of the Caldecott Tunnel. Go up Fish Ranch Road for about one mile to the four-way stop. Continue through the stop, where Fish Ranch Road becomes Claremont Ave. Continue for about 3 miles, then turn right onto Stonewall Road. The trailhead is approximately.25 miles up Stonewall Road. Parking is limited and street parking is restricted to two hours on weekdays. Consider alternative parking options in Berkeley and walking or taking public transport to the trailhead.

Unlock the Best of Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is a scenic 208-acre park located in the Oakland and Berkeley hills. Managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, the preserve offers visitors a chance to experience nature close to the urban environment. The park's history is rich, serving as a vital transportation route in the 19th century. It once hosted a transcontinental telegraph line and was a route for Pony Express riders. Community activism in the 1970s led to the preservation of the Claremont Canyon watershed, with the East Bay Regional Park District acquiring land to create the preserve. Today, Claremont Canyon is known for its hiking trails and panoramic views. The Stonewall-Panoramic Trail is a popular, steep climb that rewards hikers with vistas of Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Gwin Canyon Trail offers a more secluded hike through native vegetation. The park's diverse plant communities, including grasslands, coastal scrub, oak/bay woodland, and eucalyptus plantations, support a variety of animal species. Keep an eye out for black-tailed deer, coyotes, and red-tailed hawks.

Popular Experiences near Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

Popular Hotels near Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

Select Currency