Wildcat Peak Hike Tilden Park

Peak Pondering

Hiking Wildcat Peak Tilden Regional Park

Some of the most magical hikes begin like a magic trick: The start is filled with lots of people, cute farm animals, and some hustle-bustle frenzy. Then, within minutes, it vanishes! All you have to do is find the entrance to Narnia—or, in this case, Laurel Canyon Trailhead in the East Bay’s Tilden Regional Park.

It’s kind of hidden, but when you do find it, it heralds the start of a 3.5-mile (round-trip) journey featuring a eucalyptus forest, giant sequoias, a lush peace grove, and spectacular views of the bay. The trail winds gently uphill through the woods before leveling briefly at a fire road where you’ll take a hard right to a slinking trail that leads to Wildcat Peak.

On the way, you’ll pass by the Rotary Peace Grove. Established in 1955, the grove commemorates individuals for their contributions to world peace; every year someone is selected to receive the honor. Take a short stroll through the grove’s stocky giant sequoias and view the various plaques naming honorees, including the Dalai Lama.

From here it’s a short hike up to Wildcat Peak and its far-reaching panoramic bay views. A beautiful circular stone structure and bench area lead you around the panoramic scenery: The Golden Gate Bridge, San Pablo Reservoir, Mount Diablo, the giant cranes of the Port of Oakland, and the San Francisco skyline all sparkle. You’re just slightly past the halfway point now. From here it’s downhill through the quiet forest before the finale: a peaceful stroll beside Jewel Lake and back to the parking area.

From the Tilden Park visitor center, walk through the back door, across the grass and find the Laurel Canyon Trail. Stay on this all the way to Laurel Canyon Rd. and turn left. From the fire road you’ll make a right turn onto Peak Trail, which is easy to miss (look for the signpost and sharp right singletrack trail going uphill). From here follow Peak Trail to the Rotary Peace Grove and Wildcat Peak. The actual peak is up a short spur trail. Then descend Peak Trail to Sylvan Trail. Turn right on Sylvan Trail, and take Lower Pack Rat Trail along Jewel Lake and back to the visitor center. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

    Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike (and Manly Lake Vista!) at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. On clear days you get views of both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous U.S. 

    View
  3. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  4. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lava Lava

    Once a land of volcanic activity, Mojave National Preserve shares plenty about its past via a quick yet adventurous hike to the Lava Tube in the Cima Dome Volcanic Field.

    View
  2. Kelso Dunes

    The hike to the top of Kelso Dunes in the Mojave National Preserve is only 3 miles (out and back), but you’ll feel like you’ve hiked much farther by the time you’re done.

    View
  3. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View
  4. Beaudry Bountiful

    There are no cars allowed on Beaudry Loop, but this 6-mile hike takes you on a wild ride. You’ll be climbing 1,500 feet up the southern Verdugos along a chaparral-lined trail with gorgeous mountain and urban vistas every step of the way.

    View