Tilden Nature Area: A Tranquil Escape
Discover a peaceful natural escape in the Berkeley Hills with hiking, wildlife, and educational programs at Tilden Nature Area.
Tilden Nature Area, a 740-acre preserve nestled north of Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills, offers a serene escape with over 10 miles of trails winding through diverse habitats. Explore oak woodlands, grasslands, eucalyptus forests, and Jewel Lake, a historic reservoir, perfect for wildlife viewing and peaceful hikes.
A brief summary to Tilden Nature Area
- 600 Canon Dr, Berkeley, California, 94708, US
- +1510-544-2233
- Visit website
- 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
- Visit the Little Farm early to avoid crowds and bring lettuce or celery to feed the animals.
- Explore the Jewel Lake Nature Trail for an easy hike with a boardwalk and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Check the Environmental Education Center's schedule for naturalist-led programs and guided walks.
- Be aware that dogs are not allowed in the Tilden Nature Area to protect the wildlife.
- Bring comfortable shoes for hiking, as the trails can be uneven and hilly.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Downtown Berkeley BART station, take AC Transit bus #67 on weekends and holidays. The bus runs approximately every 45 minutes and stops at Canon Drive, providing access to the Environmental Education Center and Little Farm. A single ride costs around $3, and a Clipper Card may be required.
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Ride-Sharing Services
Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft from nearby locations such as Berkeley or Oakland. Enter 'Tilden Nature Area, 1500 Central Park Dr, Berkeley, CA 94708' as your destination. Expect to pay between $20-$40 from central locations in San Francisco. Note that cell reception can be unreliable in parts of the park.
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Driving
From Interstate 80, take the University Avenue exit and continue until Oxford Street. Turn left on Oxford, right on Cedar Street, and left on Spruce Street. Wind up to the top of the hill, proceed through the intersection at Grizzly Peak Boulevard, and immediately turn left into Canon Drive. Follow Canon Drive to the Tilden Nature Area parking lot. Parking is free.
Discover more about Tilden Nature Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tilden Little Farm
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Old Nike Missile Launch Site
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Hillside Club
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Christ Church East Bay
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Berkeley Hills
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Hearst Memorial Mining Building
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Gilman Hall
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Doe Library
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Sather Tower
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Unmissable attractions to see
Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center
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Tilden Regional Park
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The Fountain at The Circle
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Regional Parks Botanic Garden
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Berkeley Rose Garden
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The Lawrence Hall of Science
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Via del Corso
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Berkeley Social Club
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Fern's Garden
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Tenzing Collections
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Unique Thread Boutique
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