01
Best easy stroll
Ye Olde School Trail
Kensington Hills • Shady Neighborhood Hillside Path • Best For A Quick Stretch Of The Legs
A short, gently graded trail that threads above Kensington with big canyon views and a surprise playground finish.
Starting from the upper streets of Kensington, this out-and-back path contours the hillside with just enough incline to feel like a walk, not a workout. Views open toward Wildcat Canyon, but the trail always feels close to home and safe for kids or casual walkers. If you follow it all the way down to Kensington Park, the playground and open lawn make an easy reward before you head back up.
02
Best summit-style payoff
Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way, Tilden Regional Park
Tilden High Ridgeline Above Kensington • Paved-To-Dirt Ridge Walk With Wide-Open Views • Top Pick For Classic Bay Panoramas
An accessible ridge trail that finishes with a short climb to a 360-degree viewpoint over the Bay, San Pablo Reservoir, and Mount Diablo.
From Inspiration Point, Nimitz Way starts as a smooth, mostly flat paved path that works for a wide range of abilities. After a few miles of rolling terrain and big sky, a side trail climbs to Wildcat Peak, where a rocky summit offers one of the best viewpoints close to Kensington. Go on a clear morning or at golden hour for especially dramatic light and easier parking.
03
Best lakeside loop
Lake Anza Loop, Tilden Regional Park
Tilden Lake District Above Berkeley • Wooded Loop Trail Around A Small Reservoir • Great For Relaxed Weekend Circuits
A mellow loop that circles a tree-framed lake, mixing shady singletrack, short hills, and glimpses of water the whole way around.
The Lake Anza loop feels surprisingly tucked away given how close it is to the main roads in Tilden. The trail undulates just enough to get your heart rate up without scaring off newer hikers or kids, and it stays relatively cool thanks to the dense trees. Combine the loop with nearby picnic areas or other short Tilden paths for an easy half-day outdoors.
04
Best half-day workout
Seaview and Big Springs Loop
Tilden–Wildcat Ridgeline • Rolling Singletrack And Fire Road Circuit • Ideal For Longer Training Hikes
A rewarding loop that strings together ridge and valley terrain, with long Bay views up high and quiet stretches tucked into the folds of the hills.
Leaving from the upper Tilden area, this route uses the Seaview Trail to gain the ridgeline before dropping toward Big Springs on quieter paths. Expect a mix of sun-exposed sections and breezier, shaded segments, plus a few steeper pitches that make it feel like a proper outing. It is a good choice when you want more miles and a sense of escape without driving far from Kensington.
05
Best wide-open escape
San Pablo Ridge in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
Wildcat Canyon Above Richmond And El Cerrito • Grassy Ridge And Canyon Network Of Fire Roads • Go-To For Spacious, Less Crowded Rambles
A broad web of trails that quickly lifts you into big, rolling terrain with expansive views and plenty of room to roam.
Accessed from trailheads just a short drive down the hill, Wildcat Canyon feels wilder and less manicured than nearby Tilden. Climbing to San Pablo Ridge rewards you with sweeping views over the East Bay, the Bay itself, and inland toward the delta on clear days. The wide fire roads make it easy to hike side by side, and there are enough junctions to customize shorter or longer loops depending on your energy and weather.