Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve – A Top Bay Area California Hike

Looking for a great and easy hike in the San Francisco East Bay Hike Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve?

As you know, I’m a big fan of the “grab a friend and go on a hike” early on a weekend morning. Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve is just 17 miles from San Francisco, in the East Bay.

If you’re in the search for a Bay Area Hike, find your way to the East Bay’s gem and hike Huckleberry Preserve.

Is hiking the Huckleberry Preserve worth it?

Absoulutley!

The Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve is a gorgeous 241 acre park in the Oakland Hills. As part of the East Bay Regional Parks District, the Huckleberry Preserve is open all year round.

There’s a 1.7 mile loop that brings you through a beautiful forest. The upper trail descends for a while and then brings you up again. If you’re looking for a less strenuous walk, then stay on the upper trail and follow the self-guided tour stops.

One of the coolest things about this park is that it features native plants that are not found anywhere else in the East Bay. Different things are blooming all year long, so any time of year is a good time to go!

The soil and climate conditions are a perfect combination for the type of vegetation which thrives here. Look for the Live Oaks, Bay Laurels, Manzanitas, and Chamise.

When is the best time to go to Huckleberry Preserve?

This is a great year round Bay Area hike.

I prefer the foggy early morning for this spot because the mist among the green is magical.

There’s plenty of shade, so if you are there mid day, you shouldn’t be too hot.

The park is open from 5am -10pm year round and it is always beautiful!

How to get to Huckleberry Preserve

1. From Highway 24 in Oakland, take the Fish Ranch Road exit immediately east of the Caldecott Tunnel.

2. Continue 0.8 miles to Grizzly Peak Blvd.

3. Turn left and go 2.4 miles on Grizzly Peak to Skyline Boulevard.

4. Turn left and drive approximately one-half mile to the park entrance on the left, passed the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.

Is there parking at Huckleberry Preserve?

There’s a small parking lot at the entrance of the trail. Early birds will get a spot. If not, you can find parking along the road.

Huckleberry Botanical Regional Preserve Tips

• There are portable toilets by the parking lot.
• It is an easy hike, but do wear appropriate sneakers or hiking shoes.
• Always bring layers because the Bay Area’s microclimates can catch you by surprise!
• Take a photo of the map posted before you start the trail.
• Dogs, bicycles and horses are NOT allowed at Huckleberry because of the fragile nature of the environment. 

Some of my other favorite Bay Area Hikes that you might enjoy:

~ Hike the famous Dipsea Trail in Marin

~ Check out the epic Alamere Falls in Bolinas

~ Explore St. Hillary Church in Tiburon

~ Climb to Mission Peak in Fremont

Now you are ready to hike the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve

In a nutshell…

The Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve trail is a simple and delightful Bay Area hike. Its a shory hike through a beautiful forest. Its is rarely busy and there is easy, accessible parking.

I especially enjoy this in the foggy morning or the damp winter days. It’s kind of magical!

xx,
Carrie