Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
208-acre preserve with challenging hikes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, cooler temps
Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
208-acre preserve with challenging hikes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.
"Challenging hikes with fantastic views, but parking and steepness can be a headache."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 8 AM for better parking chances at popular trailheads.
👟 Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially for descents, as trails can be steep and uneven.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Bay Views
Stonewall-Panoramic Trail
Breathtaking vistas of Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge await after a challenging climb.
+1
Steep Hill Sprints
Various trails
For the fitness enthusiasts, these trails offer incredibly steep sections perfect for challenging runs and intense workouts.
Wildflower Displays
Throughout the preserve
In spring, the preserve bursts with colorful wildflowers, adding an extra layer of beauty to the already stunning landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Trail Toughness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 8 AM for better parking chances at popular trailheads.
👟 Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially for descents, as trails can be steep and uneven.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, making it a great spot for furry companions.
📱 No Cell Service
Be prepared for limited or no cell service in many areas of the preserve.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive before 8 AM for better parking chances at popular trailheads.
👟 Footwear is Key
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially for descents, as trails can be steep and uneven.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, making it a great spot for furry companions.
📱 No Cell Service
Be prepared for limited or no cell service in many areas of the preserve.
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially on strenuous hikes. There are no water fountains on the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve for its challenging hikes and stunning panoramic views of the Bay Area. The wildlife sightings and spring wildflowers are also frequently mentioned positives. However, the extremely limited and difficult parking, coupled with the intense steepness of many trails, are common drawbacks that can detract from the experience.
"Typical East Bay regional park, complete with classic EBRPD trail layout which go directly up the steepest parts of a hill. I don't know who or if anyone plans these trails, but it sure seems like their motto is "The shortest way from Point A to Point B". We started at the Stonewall-Panoramic trailhead off of Claremont Ave, which has almost no parking, you're fighting with residents and other hikers to find a spot. We got there around 8AM and still had trouble parking. Narrow winding road, parallel parking on steep inclines, cars park 2 inches from your bumper, fun stuff!
The trails we took were nice, again the start was extraordinarily steep, right off the jump you go from resting HR to max effort. The trail network is bracketed by Claremont Ave and Grizzly Peak Blvd. There are nice spots for panoramic vistas of the Bay, and some flatter trails as well. The views are the best reason to visit this park, it's just a bit of a headache to park and the steepness of the trails is annoying. Good wildflower displays in spring."
Allan Ruyters
"No parking? Two lane winding road. Beautiful drive. Overlooking the San Francisco Bay Area. Court tower and the bay and Golden Gate Bridge’s can be seen. No cell service in areas. Hiking trails"
Tammy Davidson
"Beautiful, and humbling walk and experience
Plenty of beautiful wildlife and full of western fence lizards
10/10"
Ali Al-husseini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is accessible by car, with popular trailheads located off Claremont Avenue and Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Parking can be very limited, especially on weekends. Consider arriving early or exploring alternative access points.
While direct public transport to trailheads is limited, you can reach the vicinity via AC Transit buses and then potentially walk or bike to the preserve. Check AC Transit schedules for routes serving the Claremont Avenue or Grizzly Peak Boulevard areas.
The Stonewall-Panoramic Trailhead is often accessed from Claremont Avenue. Be aware that parking here is extremely scarce and the road is narrow and winding.
Generally, there are no parking fees for the regional parks in the East Bay. However, the challenge is finding available parking spots.
Yes, biking is a great way to access the preserve, especially if you live nearby. Some users mention it's a short bike ride from the base of the trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is free. It's a public park managed by the East Bay Regional Park District.
The preserve is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check the official East Bay Regional Park District website for any specific alerts or changes.
There is no fee for bringing dogs into the preserve, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
For commercial photography or filming, permits may be required. For personal use, it's generally allowed, but always check the EBRPD website for the most current regulations.
Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is generally open from sunrise to sunset. Overnight access is not permitted.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Stonewall-Panoramic Trail is highly recommended for its rewarding views, though it's very steep. Other trails offer varied terrain and connect to a larger network. +1
Many trails, particularly the initial sections of Stonewall-Panoramic, are extremely steep and may not be suitable for very young children or beginners. Some flatter sections exist, but the steepness is a common characteristic.
Visitors often report seeing a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, deer, rabbits, lizards, and various birds. Keep a safe distance and enjoy the natural habitat.
Restroom facilities are generally limited within the preserve itself. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or at nearby parks if available.
No, cell service can be spotty or non-existent in many parts of Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. Download offline maps and inform someone of your hiking plans.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic viewpoints offering vistas of the Bay Area, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge are prime photography locations. The wildflowers in spring also provide beautiful subjects.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views.
The summit of the Stonewall-Panoramic Trail provides expansive views. Keep an eye out for unique perspectives among the eucalyptus trees and rolling hills.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive Bay views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Drone usage is typically restricted in most regional parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by EBRPD.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parking is also a significant challenge, which can add stress to family outings. It's best to arrive very early on a weekday if possible. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, as amenities are scarce. The wildlife sightings can be a highlight for kids, but always supervise them closely and maintain a safe distance from animals.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider incorporating interval training or hill sprints into your routine here. The varied terrain and significant elevation gains provide an excellent cardiovascular and leg workout. Remember to bring ample water and be mindful of other trail users, including equestrians.
🐶 Dog Owners
The preserve offers a good amount of space to explore, with trails winding through hills and offering beautiful views. Be aware that many of the trails are quite steep, so ensure your dog is physically capable of handling such terrain. Always carry water for both yourself and your dog, especially on warmer days. Remember to clean up after your pet and keep them under control to ensure a positive experience for all visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
For those seeking less intense hikes, exploring the flatter sections or connecting to other trails within the larger East Bay park system might be more suitable. However, even these can involve significant elevation changes. It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, as descending steep, uneven trails in regular sneakers can be precarious.
Equestrian trails are also present, so be mindful of sharing the path with horses. The preserve is a haven for wildlife, so keep an eye out for local fauna while respecting their habitat.
Capturing the Views
+1 These vistas are particularly stunning during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, offering photographers dramatic lighting and atmospheric conditions. Beyond the grand landscapes, the preserve also offers opportunities for close-up nature photography. During the spring, the hillsides come alive with vibrant wildflowers, providing colorful subjects for macro and landscape shots.
Wildlife sightings, such as lizards and birds, also present unique photographic moments. While the views are a major highlight, the challenging terrain means that reaching the best vantage points requires effort. Plan your visit to allow ample time to hike, enjoy the scenery, and capture memorable photographs without feeling rushed.
Wildlife Encounters
While less common, more elusive animals like coyotes have also been spotted within the preserve.
During certain times of the year, particularly in the spring, the preserve is also known for its wildflower displays, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding another layer of biodiversity to observe.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking, as snakes, including rattlesnakes, can also be present. 
Social
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