Great view and easy to climb. There are steps too that make it easier to get down. It's never too…read morecrowded the times I've come. People also respect the rock and it's usually clean in the surrounding area. Parking can be challenging because it's in a residential area, but sometimes people make their own parking if they're not staying too long. It's a great place that is close enough to get to without long windy roads and still have an amazing, clear view.

Was introduced to bouldering here. Very accessible location. Super hectic on weekends and at…read moresunset. Great for families and solo projects as well. The rock (volcanic rhyolite) offers good grip but hard on the hands. Remember to bring a crash pad!

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more It's actually not that hard to imagine the motorcycle hill climb races that took place here nearly a century ago. The surprise is how this steep escarpment remained untouched by real estate developers given how suburban this part of El Cerrito feels. I keep picturing that scene in "The Great Escape" where Steve McQueen jumped the POW camp fence as a testosterone-driven act of Nazi defiance. He would've ended up on somebody's backyard deck or in a hopefully filled swimming pool if he tried it now. You can get there from the bottom of the hill on the sorta corner of Navallier and Blake where you see a little staircase and a flyer posted on the fence about the hill's history. Or alternatively, you can take the hidden hillside stairs of El Cerrito and enter at the top through the nondescript path from Potrero Avenue. From the entrance, the first segment affords you a wide foot trail and a panoramic view of the bay (photo: https://bit.ly/2PI6CXp). The hillside trail itself is rustic in either direction with a lot of tall grass and dead trees that look like they were cut and left there for years. And yet, the constant views of El Cerrito make it a more pleasurable experience than you would expect despite the unexpected appearance of immobile wild turkeys (photo: https://bit.ly/3kO4wAM). RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

A hiking trail that's perfect for both uphill and downhill hiking, Motorcycle Hill just proves…read moretrails can not only exist just about anywhere there is public land but it also proves that trails can be created at anytime thanks to the fortitude and creative energy of a group of community nature lovers. In this case Motorcycle Hill was founded by El Cerrito Trail Trekkers, which was formed in order to build, maintain, publicize and use the little known urban trails of El Cerrito, California and they not only lead local trail hikes for community members to participate in and explore but their main goal is to create new safe trails in safe open spaces so all can enjoy and make sure that paths continue to be cleared of excess brush so the fire danger remains low, which in this day and time is remarkable we've been so lucky in our hillside neighborhood. I've have been to Motorcycle Hill about six times and every time I venture downhill (notice not uphill because I'm no fool as I still have to walk all the way home!) and I get to experience something interesting and new every time I venture along Potrero Avenue high in the hills of El Cerrito to begin my trek each and every time. If you're not careful you will miss the start of the trail from the top of the hill each and every times as it literally is a slim dirt pathway in between two single-level homes. Once you keep walking along the dirt path and see a huge swath of small cactuses growing like bushes to your left, you know you are on the right path. From there you keeping walking straight along a dirt path which I believe was created much longer than the rest of the trail as it hugs the hillside until you hit what is basically a naturally-made observation area that looks over the entire cities of El Cerrito and Richmond and you would see it all if it weren't for the numerous eucalyptus trees blocking your view line. From there you will notice a nice wooden handrail that serves as your starting point and barrier for where you are supposed to walk next, down Motorcycle Hill. which is a series of small switchback dirt trails down the steep incline (hence the name Motorcycle Hill and dirt bikes tend to do this as they head downhill as well). And I do mean steep as you can tell this remains a fairly new trail that hasn't been traveling along by a vast number of trekkers as there remains a long of brush and dirt which can get in the way for a smooth trip down the hill. And just be careful because it can be a trip down this hill, as many a time I found myself slipping to the point where I had to grab on to a tree or even the dirt below to make sure I wasn't rolling down the steep hill. And beware of your shoes as they're going to get really dirty as even on a warm day after walking back and forth down the incline, my shoes were filthy of dry brown dirt. But that's just one of the sacrifices one makes when walking down one of El Cerrito's newest trails. Once you're done you'll find yourself among a number of eucalyptus trees that has been cut down to their stumps on the back side of some residences and then you'll once again find yourself in between a narrow pathway in between two homes, this time on Blake Street. Then you're back in the suburban community from where you once came with passing cars whizzing by. But for a little while, you will be as grateful as I was for this tiny and tranquil oasis among all of the chaotic suburban city life. At Motorcycle Hill, one can enjoy a healthy hike with scenic views of San Francisco Bay and beyond, and we have the El Cerrito Trail Trekkers to thank for all of this.

Wish I knew about this garden when I was a student at CAL. This park is part of the landscaping…read moreprogram at CAL. Even the door was inconspicuous and at first glance, we were not sure if the entry was the secret staff entry or an actual entryway. It was my first time here and it was hidden in a quiet Kensington neighborhood. I accidentally found this park on Yelp and didn't think much about it but my hubby and I were surprised how charming this park is. It was like a little fairyland full of ethereal cottage flowers such as wispy cosmos moving with the breeze and happy bees everywhere. There were volunteers planting Benary zinnias and other flowers. There was a clean bathroom inside their office and plants offered for a donation. I saw mothers with their babies talking as if they come here all the time. There was a group of elderly women chatting and enjoying the peaceful garden. I was there for 30 minutes before lunch and only saw about 35 percent of the garden and I look forward to another trip to this secret garden in Kensington.

This garden is a bit off the beaten path, it's part of UC Berkeley but 3.5 miles north in the hills…read moreof Kensington. I was surprised because it was much bigger than I had imagined. At 10 acres it's a pretty decent size with a maze of little trails to explore and over 1,500 plant species. I wish they had more signage of what everything was, there were a few placards but for people that are really into botany it would have been more interesting. My favorite parts were the views of the bay and the redwood forest nestled near a creek. It's very calm here, probably because it's only open on the weekdays so it doesn't get too crowded. It's is ideal for a romantic stroll, or to take a meditative walk and it has many benches around to sit.

Cesar Chavez Park is one of my favorite parks to go to in the entire Bay Area during the summer…read more It sits on the water, so we can get very windy here. That's why I prefer to go in the summer when the days are warm. The wind cools you down nicely. The average temperature here at Cesar Chavez Park is probably about 10° cooler than the temperature in Berkeley proper during the summer, because here you get the onshore wind right off the ocean. Kites are extremely popular at this park. Bring your own, and sometimes there is a person selling them for exorbitant prices. To walk the circumference of the park takes about 45 minutes.

Beautiful spot by the bay with tons of space. Loved the large off-leash area for dogs--it made it…read morereally easy to just relax and walk.

They finally finished the Rodeo stretch of the San Pablo Bay Regional Trail at Pacific Avenue. They…read morespent money on a large footbridge over the marshland, but there is little to do at the end but turn back since it turns industrial pretty fast. One suggestion I have is considering the walk over the railroad overpass and into this postage stamp of a shoreline park. There is indeed a Rodeo Beach but nothing like the scenic sandbar in the Marin Headlands. Just a lot of concrete rubble. Nicer is the small bluff that drops into the bay, an almost Monterey touch you don't expect to see in these parts. There's also a beached tugboat and remnants of a long-gone pier to consider for photographic purposes. OK, now you can walk back on the trail. RELATED - Exploring the western part of Contra Costa County? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18

At first glance, this is a lovely old pocket park built along a terraced hillside with old shady…read moreoaks, a creek, and mossy cut rocks. There is a fireplace and picnic tables. The temperature was significantly cooler in the shade, and it was very peaceful. However. This park was in need of a power washer. There is a cement slide, but the steps were caked with bird poop. Yuck. There are swings with rusty chains that are quick to pinch. There are not much clean options to sit. The bathrooms are locked and the drinking fountain tasted bad. I would not take my kids if I were concerned about germs. My kids are big enough to not put their fingers in their mouths, so we did stay a bit, but they were pretty grossed out by the slide.

My review is based on a recent evening gathering but I'm shocked that I somehow missed this…read moreadorable little park when the kiddos were little. It's a multi-tiered park with a basketball court at the bottom, restrooms and tables/grill in the middle and playground with more tables/grill at the top. Stairs are used to access each level. As with all El Cerrito parks, you can purchase a key to access all the restrooms. Limited driveway (maybe 6 cars) and street parking. If you're a caregiver of small children, note that the play equipment is dated but fun. Cool (old) slide, swings that are too high for a normal person to access. (Example: baby swings are RIDICULOUSLY tall. I don't see how anyone under 5'6" could possibly lift their baby in/out. And regular swings are perfect height for an adult). Otherwise, it's a sweet spot for a hangout. Enjoyed the vibes of a cookout last night on the first day of autumn.

Google maps will take you to the south lot, which offers free and easy parking. Overflowing trash…read morecans and a porta potty were located near the parking lot when I visited this past Saturday. Plenty of unmaintained grass throughout the park, not ideal for picnicking. But there were a few picnic tables and park benches along the trail bordering the pond. Along the paved path, I enjoyed the surrounding scenery and views of the water, as well as ducks, pelicans, and seagulls floating in the lagoon. I also found some disc golf baskets and exercise stations on site. Nothing too exciting here, but it's still a lovely park and not a bad option for getting your steps in.

I come here to walk and reset. The smell and the transients can be off putting sometimes. They have…read morea park for the kiddos and disc golf. There is parking and a bathroom but the bathroom closes kinda early. It is located near the freeway so it can get a little noisy, I have to wear headphones to bypass that.

Small parking lot. The closest 2nd parking lot is up by the Gardens - pretty far hike…read more The mile of the hike has no views. We got bored and turned back.

I took the dogs. I am looking after to this fire trail and they loved it. Early morning we…read moreencountered just a handful of people. Around 7 AM or so. Beautiful eucalyptus trees, cross Bay views of San Francisco and the bay bridge. And an amazing canyon that you are hiking along the side of. There are a few areas that you can connect to other parts of the trail system. I found an amazing offshoot that was super green even though it's summer time. I would highly recommend checking this place out!