Distance (round-trip)
1.3 mi
Time
1 hrs
Elevation Gain
519 ft
Season
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Weather
–
1.3 mi
1 hrs
519 ft
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
–
Short but sweet, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve’s Stonewall-Panoramic Trail is a great bang-for-your-buck hike, in terms of both views and exercise. Distance to the first viewpoint (where many turn around) may be short, but the trail starts off steep and doesn’t quit. The higher you go, the more the view of the bay opens up dramatically – on a clear day you can see San Francisco and several Bay Area bridges, including the Golden Gate. From the first viewpoint (with bench), you can turn around, or extend the hike and continue on uphill, eventually meeting up with other East Bay trails.
The trail begins at a bend in Stonewall Road. Though there are several side trails that feed in as you go, the main trail is obvious –it’s the one that keeps going up. Like many trails in the East Bay Regional Parks system, Claremont Canyon is dog-friendly, and dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control (please read trailhead signs for details, and note that ticks are common here).
There are numerous unmarked spots along the way to take in the views and give your legs a break. Keep an eye out for Sather Tower on the UC Berkeley campus, and note increasingly gorgeous views of Oakland and San Francisco the higher you climb.
After about .7 miles of uphill work, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous viewpoint (which you can take in from your seat on a well-placed bench, if it’s not already occupied). From there, head back down the way you came, or continue up the trail to the top of the ridge. And congratulations — you’ve just done the Stonewall-Panoramic Trail!
Well-traveled dirt track with steep (but not technical) sections - shoes with good tread advised.
Trailhead is located off Stonewall Road in Berkeley. From Oakland, head northeast on Claremont Ave, passing by the Claremont Hotel on your right, then look for Stonewall on your left. Street parking is available (no dedicated lot) - be advised that car break-ins are common; leave nothing in your vehicle. AC Transit also runs buses along Ashby Ave - closest stop is about 3/4 of a mile away; Russell St/Claremont Blvd (consult schedule, as stops and times may change).
With recent wildfire damage and ongoing waves of COVID-19 infections and restrictions, National Forest, National Park, and other public land closures, restrictions, or social distancing guidelines may be in-effect.
If infection rates are on the rise, please do your best to remain local for your hikes. If you do travel, please be mindful of small gateway communities and avoid as much interaction as you can. Also remember to be extra prepared with supplies so you don't have to stop somewhere outside your local community for gas, food, or anything else.
Please be sure to contact the local land management agency BEFORE you head out, as these conditions are likely to change without enough notice for us to fully stay on top of them. Thanks, and stay safe!
Click here to read the current CDC guidelines for traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.