Volmer Peak Loop

Near: Berkeley
Trip Type: Trail Run
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation: 700 - 1,800 ft
Vegetation: Mostly forested with a mix of deciduous, pine and grassy meadows
Surface: Hardpack dirt

Living right next to Tilden Regional Park, I often overlook it.  Redwood Regional has better woods.  Briones has more sweeping views.  Mission Peak has more prominence.  Yet Tilden provides perhaps the best mix of shady trails, satisfying climbs and well-placed views from Mt Diablo to the Golden Gate.  I usually just run up to Lake Anza or Grizzly Peak ridge from Berkeley, but for a full day hike or satisfying run entirely on trails, start from lake Anza and take a loop around the upper section of Wildcat Caynon

Trailhead

The Lake Anza parking/picnic area at the end of Lake Anza road (off Central Park Drive).  Note that a leash is required in the immediate area around Lake Anza, though voice control is OK through the rest of the park.  Keep the leash ready for road crossings too (4 on this route).  The lake may look enticing, but lately toxic algae has been a problem.  Don't jump in or let your dog into the water unless you've confirmed it's OK.

Route

http://caltopo.com/m/T2TM




The connections around Volmer Peak can be a bit confusing and you'll be tired by that point, so I recommend taking a map if you're unfamiliar with the park.

Start by heading for the earthen dam the at forms the north shore of the lake.  Descend a narrow trail into the thickly wooded valley bottom.  The trail follows the creek, descending briefly, but at the first intersection turn right on the curran trail and begin climbing.  Just below Inspiration Point, turn right again on the Sea View Trail, cross the road and continue climbing up the highest ridge overlooking Berkeley and Oakland.  Very fine views alternate between east to Mt. Diablo and west across the San Francisco Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge.  Just below Volmer Peak the trail hits a short paved section.  Turning right here will take you to the top of Volmer Peak, but it's just some disappointing cell towers.  Turn left on the pavement to loop around the peak to the parking area for the Steam Trains.  A water fountain and bathroom at the entrance to the trains may be welcome at this point.



Just before you get to the trains, you'll pass a gate, hang a sharp right and head to the end of the parking area to find the Volmer Peak Trail.  Take the left fork to descend to South Park Drive.  Take a left at the intersection just in sight of the road to parallel the road briefly, then cross it at the entrance to the Gillespie Youth Camp.  Head down the road to the camp and take the first trail to the left. This is the Grizzly Peak Trail which will climb again briefly, to an intersection with the Tower Trail.  At this intersection you are just east of Grizzly Peak Road and one last big view of the Bay, but usually at this point I'm too tired for that and just keep moving down to Golf Course drive.  Here you can pick up the Selby trail which will take you back down to Lake Anza.

Looking south east towards Volmer Peak from the Sea View trail.

Looking west towards the bay from the Sea View trail.