Top Bay Area Hikes: Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
Hike Huckleberry Preserve! As you know, I am a big fan of the “grab a friend and go on a hike” early on a weekend morning. If you are in the search for more Bay Area hikes, find your way to the East Bay’s gem and Hike Huckleberry Preserve.
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Know before you go
When To Go
I prefer the foggy early morning for this spot because the mist among the green is magical. There is 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 There
From Highway 24 in Oakland, take the Fish Ranch Road exit immediately east of the Caldecott Tunnel. Continue 0.8 miles to Grizzly Peak Blvd. Turn left and go 2.4 miles on Grizzly Peak to Skyline Boulevard. Turn left and drive approximately one-half mile to the park entrance on the left, past Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.
Parking
There is a small parking lot, so early birds will get a spot. If not, you can find parking along the road.
Tips
Yes, there are portable toilets by the parking lot, so not to worry.
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. So, if you want your dog or horse to join you, then check out the Skyline Trail.
The Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve is a 241 acre park in the Oakland Hills. As part of the East Bay Regional Parks District, the Huckleberry Preserve is open year round.
There is 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, but If you are looking for a less strenuous walk, then stay on the upper trail and follow the self-guided tour stops.
The very cool thing 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.
Go take a hike people and let me know what you find.
Are you in search of more Top Bay Area California Hikes?
Check out Alamere Falls
Check out St. Hillary Church
Find places to stay in the Bay Area
Looking for flights to San Francisco?
xx,
Carrie
