Wildcat Canyon

Near: Richmond
Trip Type: Trail Run
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation: 300 - 1100 ft
Vegetation: Mostly pasture land
Last Visit: March 2018

Wildcat Canyon is pretty typical East Bay parkland: mostly open pastureland with occasional shaded sections.  The park consists a one creek watershed and the large ridge to the north east of it.  The trails up the creek eventually connect up to the Lake Anza area at Tilden, but run through a no-dog area to get there.  The high trails on the ridge connect up with the paved Nimitz Way bike path in Tilden, though.  So if suitably motivated you could run/walk your dog from here all the way to Volmer Peak and beyond.  The route suggested here climbs steeply to the north end of the ridge and over some minor peaks.  This route won't quite make any of my favorite lists because I'm unexcited about the flora generally, the views on the ridge are actually quite good.  On a clear day you can get a panoramic view including downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate, Mt Tamalpais, the north bay, Briones Regional Park, and Mt Diablo... albeit along with some views of the refineries around Richmond.  This park is best visited in the late winter and early spring when the grass is green and the breeze is cool. 

Links:

Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

Trailhead:

Park Avenue trailhead in Richmond Heights

The Route:

Head directly up the ridge from the picnic table/bathroom area partway up the parking area.  There are some use trails here not on all maps, but you should easily find your way up to the wider Bonitas Gate trail on a low ridge overlooking the parking area.  Follow this ridge north then gently climb along the park's northern boundary until you make a right angle around some bordering property.  From here you start climbing in earnest again taking steep ascents then giving back some height each time.  A great natural interval work-out, or steep hike to train up those legs for the Sierras.  You work your way up San Pablo Ridge to the paved end of Nimitz Way.  From there take the Harvey Canyon Trail for a smooth descent through a shady gulch back to the Wildcat Creek trail.  Only 800 feet of net climb on this route, but Caltopo thinks there was over 2000 feet of climbing in the end.  7.5 miles, but if felt longer.

Caltopo: http://caltopo.com/m/EJED