Best of 19 Hiking Trails in Oakland
Delve into the great outdoors and explore the beautiful hiking trails in Oakland. This vibrant city offers a variety of scenic paths, from the challenging slopes of Redwood Regional Park to the serene Lake Merritt, providing unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Come and discover the hidden gems of Hiking Trails in Oakland.
- 1. Sequoia Bayview Trail Trailhead
- 2. Moon Gate
- 3. Bridgeview Trailhead
- 4. Redwood Glen Trailhead
- 5. Leona Canyon Trail Head
- 6. San Francisco Bay Trail
- 7. Montclair Railroad Trail
- 8. Skyline Gate Staging Area
- 9. Leona Heights Park
- 10. Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
- 11. Fire Trails
- 12. Bridgeview Trail at Monterey Blvd
- 13. Clyde Woolridge Staging
- 14. The San Leandro Trails
- 15. Dunn Trail
- 16. MacDonald Trail Parkridge Trailhead
- 17. Woodminster Cascade, Joaquin Miller Park
- 18. Fern Ravine
- 19. Huckleberry upper trail
1. Sequoia Bayview Trail Trailhead
Access to the Bay Area Ridge Trail

Hiking or biking the loop trail offers striking views, but the enjoyment is marred by the constant intrusion of vehicle traffic noise from nearby roads. The trail is a popular destination for hikers and bikers, resulting in heavy foot traffic.
The trail can become extremely hot, even in shaded areas, and is plagued by bugs. The trail markings are insufficient, making it challenging to discern the correct path, and I found myself straying far from the designated route.
2. Moon Gate
Cultural symbol of Asian communities

For individuals who do not frequently go hiking, the hike may provide a challenging experience. However, the beautiful views make the effort worthwhile. The hiking location has amenities such as easy parking and dog-friendliness, which adds to its appeal.
The hiking trail has excellent conditions, making it a great place for a workout. Additionally, most of the trail is shaded, providing a comfortable hiking experience. Overall, the hike is a wonderful place to enjoy nature, get some exercise, and spend time with furry friends.
3. Bridgeview Trailhead
Dog-friendly trail

The Dimond Canyon Bridgeview Trail is a great spot for a hike, catering to both adults and children. The trail is mostly shaded, providing a comfortable walking experience. Our group started at the Upper Bridgeview Trailhead, located off Monterey Blvd, with the intention of walking to Bridgeview Dr. However, we discovered that a significant portion of the trail was closed.
The trail begins with a series of stairs, but once these are conquered, the walk becomes quite enjoyable. The initial section with stairs is found at the beginning of the trail, making it an easy challenge to overcome early on. Afterward, the trail offers a delightful and relaxing hike for visitors to enjoy.
4. Redwood Glen Trailhead
Historic site of ancient redwoods

Parking at the location is easy and not crowded, making it a convenient destination. The area is in great condition, with well-maintained trails for visitors to explore. However, it is advised to wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking shoes, due to the dusty terrain.
In addition to the easy parking and great conditions, the location also offers bathroom facilities and is dog-friendly. The trails provide stunning views that are worth the trip. However, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings, as some bicyclists do not use bells or make their presence known, which can create unsafe situations.
5. Leona Canyon Trail Head
Dog-friendly trail

Leona Canyon is a 290-acre sanctuary, offering a quick and easy escape into nature, especially for dog owners and walkers who adore its accessible location. The park boasts lush groves of trees along trails and creekside terraces, providing a perfect opportunity to breathe fresh air and take a break from hectic day-to-day routines.
This 4.3-mile out-and-back trail, located near Oakland, California, is generally considered a moderately challenging route. It takes an average of 2 hours and 5 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a half-day outdoor adventure. Popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, this trail still offers quieter moments during less busy hours, allowing for a more serene experience.
6. San Francisco Bay Trail

00:39 3.92 miles 6.0 mph 25 feet 25 feet Intermediate 2 Intermediate run. Good physical fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all levels. Save Customize View map data © OpenStreetMap Contributors 5 5
7. Montclair Railroad Trail
Historic railroad route with nature trails

The Montclair Railroad Trail is a paved, tree-lined path that is maintained and enhanced by volunteers. The trail is generally considered an easy route, taking an average of 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete. It is a popular spot for activities such as birding, road biking, and running. Despite its popularity, it is still possible to find solitude during quieter times of the day.
This trail is suitable for various activities such as walking and biking. Its maintenance and enhancement are credited to the hard work of volunteers. It is a favorite trail for birdwatching, road biking, and running, but it also offers a chance to be alone in nature during less busy hours. The trail's ease of navigation and the beauty of its natural surroundings make it an attractive destination for people of all ages and abilities.
8. Skyline Gate Staging Area
Scenic views of Bay Area

The trail is mostly dry, but there are still damp areas, particularly at the bottom of the stream trail. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear to navigate the trail easily. The trail is surrounded by the natural beauty of Redwoods and Eucalyptus trees, providing ample shade for hikers.
Hikers are advised to bring enough water, as the shade may be misleading in terms of hydration needs. The trail features large roots and rocks, so hikers should watch their step to avoid tripping or slipping. Despite these minor challenges, the trail is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the towering trees.
9. Leona Heights Park
Historic site with Bay Area history

Leona Heights Park is a scenic park with a steep, wooded canyon and views of the Bay Area. The York Trail, running the length of the park, connects the serene canyon floor to the open summit views of Oakland. This trail offers a moderately-challenging hike, providing hikers with a range of experiences depending on the time of day.
For a peaceful morning hike, the York Trail provides well-shaded solitude amidst the redwoods. Alternatively, starting an hour before sunset offers hikers the chance to witness stunning twilight views of the Bay Area. The park's trail thus presents a versatile experience suitable for those seeking both serene nature walks and breathtaking vista points.
10. Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
Dog-friendly trails

Leona Canyon is a 290-acre sanctuary that features lush groves of trees and a creekside trail. It's a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, running, biking, and dog walking. The park has a rating of 3.5 stars based on 6 reviews, with visitors praising its beautiful wooded canyon and the variety of trails available for hiking.
Visitors to Leona Canyon can enjoy the beautiful scenery of hanging trees over the trails and creekside terraces. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, with hiking, running, biking, and dog walking being some of the popular activities to do in the park. The park has received positive feedback from visitors, who have praised its beautiful wooded canyon and the variety of trails available for hiking.
11. Fire Trails
Historic firehouse ruin

The first version of the Berkeley Fire Trails is a 1.5-mile trail located in the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. This particular trail offers a well-maintained fire road, making it an excellent option for runners seeking a more straightforward path. The trail is near Berkeley, California, and provides hikers with a scenic and moderately challenging hike.
The second version of the Berkeley Fire Trails is a more strenuous 6.8-mile trail that takes hikers up to Grizzly Peak. This longer trail provides a more intense workout and a greater challenge than the 1.5-mile trail. Despite its intensity, the 6.8-mile trail offers stunning views and a sense of accomplishment for those who complete it. Both trails serve as reminders of the importance of fire prevention and preparedness in the area.
12. Bridgeview Trail at Monterey Blvd
Historic landmark, Connects Oakland to Bay Bridge

Diamond Canyon Bridgeview Trail is a great place for a hike, despite the muddy conditions after it rains. The first part of the trail features numerous stairs, but once you get past them, the path becomes wide and pleasant.
The trail is an excellent spot for hiking, although it can be a bit slippery and muddy after rain. The beginning of the trail includes many stairs, but after that, it transforms into a spacious and delightful walking path.
13. Clyde Woolridge Staging
Historic Fox Theater

Redwoods and eucalyptus trees can be easily accessed in a hiking area near Oakland, California. The 5.4-mile loop trail features a mixture of moderate challenges and easy terrain, making it a popular choice for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. The trail's moderate difficulty level means it typically takes around 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete. Despite its popularity, the trail is not often crowded, providing a peaceful experience for visitors.
The trail is moderately challenging with some steep slopes, but also has plenty of accessible areas suitable for hiking and trail running. It is a great place to explore, with a loop trail that allows visitors to see a variety of scenery. In addition to hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, other activities such as bird watching and nature photography can also be enjoyed on the trail. It is recommended to allow plenty of time to complete the trail and take in the surroundings, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
14. The San Leandro Trails

15. Dunn Trail

16. MacDonald Trail Parkridge Trailhead

17. Woodminster Cascade, Joaquin Miller Park
Joaquin Miller's historic cabin

Joaquin Miller Park is a peaceful oasis located in Oakland, offering a respite from urban life. The park's main feature is a grassy bowl surrounding the Woodminster Cascade, which is a beautiful sight to behold. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, taking in stunning views of downtown Oakland and enjoying the serenity of redwood groves.
One of the most popular trails in the park is the Sequoia Bayview trail, which is wide, well-maintained, and attracts many joggers, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. The trail's popularity is due to its ease of access and scenic beauty, making it a great option for those looking to get some exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.
18. Fern Ravine

19. Huckleberry upper trail
