Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve sits right behind the historic Claremont Hotel in the Berkeley and Oakland hills, offering quick access to some solid hiking without feeling like you’re driving forever. The preserve spans 208 acres across both sides of upper Claremont Avenue, with additional parcels managed by UC Berkeley, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, and the City of Oakland’s Garber Park—so there’s plenty of terrain to explore.

The main draw here is the Stonewall-Panoramic Trail, a steep 0.75-mile climb from Stonewall Road that gets you up to the ridgetop where you can see Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge spread out below you. It’s a short hike but a real workout, and your dog will appreciate the challenge. The trail continues east along the ridge, eventually connecting with UC Berkeley’s Ecological Study Area trail system if you want to keep going.

If you prefer something a bit easier, Gwin Canyon Trail is a single-track option that starts at the north end of Norfolk Road and drops 0.6 miles down through native vegetation. This area has recovered well since fires came through, so you’ll see native plants coming back strong and good wildlife habitat. Gwin Canyon Creek runs through here, which adds to the scenery.

Dogs need to be leashed where posted and under voice control elsewhere throughout the preserve. The entire place opens at 5 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., so you’ve got good window for morning or late afternoon hikes. There’s no fee to visit, which is nice, though street parking in the area is limited—you might need to circle a bit to find a spot. Bring your own water since there’s none available on the trails. Early spring is the best time to come, when everything’s green and the views are clearest before summer heat and haze settle in. The hikes range from 1.4 to 5 miles depending on which trails you combine and how far you want to push it.