Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is part of the East Bay Regional Park District, one of the most dog-friendly park districts in California. Note that dogs must be on a leash where posted and under full verbal control elsewhere.
Downloadable trail maps, brochures and mileage charts are available for each regional park and regional trail.
Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is nestled in the Berkeley and Oakland hills behind the historic Claremont Hotel.
This scenic, 208-acre preserve protects two parcels of land located on both sides of upper Claremont Avenue. Panoramic Ridge rises steeply to the north, and Gwin Canyon extends south.
In addition to East Bay Regional Park District land holdings in Claremont Canyon, other undeveloped portions in the upper canyon are managed by the University of California and the East Bay Municipal Utility District.
The City of Oakland owns Garber Park, a 13-acre oak/bay woodland south of Claremont Avenue.
Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve is used primarily for its picturesque hiking trails.
The Stonewall-Panoramic Trail is the primary access through the preserve.
The .75-mile climb from Stonewall Road to the ridgetop is steep, but hikers are rewarded with a panoramic view of Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The trail continues east along the ridge, straddling the boundary with University of California property, and connecting with the University’s Ecological Study Area trail system.
Gwin Canyon Trail is a scenic, single-track hiking trail located south of Claremont Avenue. It descends from the north end of Norfolk Road and ends 0.6 miles from from the trailhead, just above Claremont Creek.
In Gwin Canyon an array of native vegetation provides excellent habitat for wildlife, especially after previous fires swept through the area.
• Parking: Parking on street is limited.
• Fee: None
• Water: Bring your own
• Best time of year for this hike: Early spring
• Distance: 1.4-5 miles, depending on trail.
• Degree of difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Hours of operation: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Leash rule: Dogs must be under voice control at all times.
