A couple of clarifications to start off: 1. Inspiration Point is really nothing more than the parking lot off of Wildcat Canyon Road at the eastern border of Tilden Park (in fact official park map shows it outside of the border), and yes, the map on this Yelp page is totally incorrect. From the parking lot you can relax and enjoy views of EBMUD's San Pablo and Briones Reservoirs to the north and east, have a picnic at a few tables, or use this as a starting point for hiking or biking or running in the hills. 2. There are three trails that start/end at Inspiration Point. Curran Trail is a dirt trail in Tilden heading west from Inspiration Point, which shortly connects to Meadows Canyon Trail. Inspiration Trail is a lightly used EBMUD dirt trail that heads north (an EBMUD Trail Permit is required). By far the most popular trail, Nimitz Way, is a paved trail that heads west and then north out of Inspiration Point. Nimitz Way has been around since at least the mid-1970s, when I started using it. Prior to that the northern end (the 2 mile segment that is in Wildcat Canyon Park) was a Nike missile base, with missile silos and military housing all around. Some of the foundations are still evident, particularly at the top of the knob at the end of the four mile paved segment. There are excellent, peaceful views of the SF Bay from SF north, and the East Bay from Martinez south to Orinda, and on very clear days you can see the Sierra Nevada to the east. For the most part significant human infrastructure is in the far distance, with the closer up scenery being open land, hills, trees and water. (You could argue, correctly, that the two reservoirs are human infrastructure, but from up here they look like two beautiful, peaceful lakes.) This paved trail is very popular with casual hikers, bikers and runners (it is what I consider an easy hike or bike ride - not flat, but not particularly challenging). One major advantage is that it is one of the few places that all of these activities can take place during or after rainy weather. While the first two miles are in and out of woods, and below the crest of the hills, the last two miles on the way out are at the crest of the ridge and have no trees nearby, so it can get very windy in this segment. There are a number of dirt trails that shoot off of Nimitz Way, or you can continue on at the end of the paved section, creating a rather long loop down to Wildcat Creek Trail and back by any one of a number of trails to Nimitz Way and/or Inspiration Point. All in all, this is the best paved trail I am aware of in the Bay Area. read more

The beauty of starting a walk or hike on Nimitz Way is that most anyone can do it, of which harder options (and distances) present themselves as you go along. And it all begins at Inspriation point on the Eastern Edge of Tilden. I've been here many times over the years with Girlfriends, Wives, Kids, Family, Friends, and Dogs. It's a great place to get a little exercise, drink in some views, catch up on conversations, and clear ones head. It's only minutes from my urban Albany abode and far enough away from everything to make a difference. read more

Many reviews, but not a soul has mentioned that its a great walk for leashed dogs. My big guys are known as Scylla and Charybis (Wikipedia reference suggested.) Their ability to bang into each other while walking is legendary. The guys do not, I repeat DO NOT, like water. I do not (DITTO) like mud in the house. So, Inspiration Point & Nimitz Way are perfect for a mid-afternoon walk in the winter. Great views. Lots of people. Almost always well-behaved leashed dogs. I hope Admiral Chester Nimitz is smiling from his nearby cloud; its a wonderful place to actually have an elevated conversation with a walking companion as the road is amazingly quiet and verdant. Prehensile digits up from the human...tail wags from the quadripeds! read more

I prefer the view from "the Wall" (Grizzly Peak Blvd- a little section with a crumbling wall and bent metal guard) as it is spectacular and offers more sweeping views of the Bay, but Inspiration Point holds a special place in my heart as we used to ride up to it on horseback when I worked in the park- a little piece of my back yard. Once or twice a week after work we would wind our way up the hill on various trails on our hay-bellied ponies and horses; stopping to tighten a saddle, pulling the horse's away from munching on thistle, trying to regain composure and calm after the horses got spooked by an inconsiderate bicyclist. The reward was the sweeping vista of rolling golden hills and valleys, offering a refreshing respite from our urban jungle. Nowadays i've ditched the horses- it's a starting point for mountain bike trail rides with my boyfriend/pathfinder/trail partner as we beat ourselves up for about 10 miles in allergen-infested flora in the name of staying fit. Inspiration Point is a launch pad for us to bike the Nimitz, Trail, which is paved for a mile or two then turns into cow country. Lots of people visit this point so be prepared for a wait sometimes in the lot. You can always park alongside the road in places that have enough room for cars to continue. read more

I can't say enough good things about the Nimitz Trail (which doesn't have its own entry but is the main trail starting at Inspiration Point and the subject of most of these reviews.) It's an easy trail, being paved and all, meaning it works just as well for us "walkers" as for you more serious "hikers". The turf it covers is what earns it 5 stars in my book. It starts out going around a couple hills, giving you great views of SF, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay right away, perfectly framed by Tilden's scenery. Keep going and you pass through a wooded area, then eventually it opens out onto the ridge and more views, not to mention the occasional wildlife sighting. The best part is a small detour to your left as you're about to exit the wooded part - a short, unpaved, tougher-but-not-too-tough fork to the top of Wildcat Peak, which yields the best view you can get from Tilden, a 360-degree panorama of the bay. The peak is marked by a stone plaza and is a great place to take a break. I like this trail best during the week, if you're able to make it there, as it's wonderfully quiet. It's not bad on the weekend either, though if you go on the first nice weekend in several weeks (like I did today) the first part of the trail will be crowded with groups and little kids. This isn't a huge deal unless you're on a bike, as it gets quieter the further out you go. It's tied with Point Pinole as my favorite getaway within 20 min. drive of Berkeley. read more

To think that I've been mistaking this hike for the lower trail (Tilden to Wildcat Canyon) all of these years! I've been invited to go hiking on this trail on very hot, summer days, but always declined/turned back after a quick trip up to the Peace Grove. Because the trail I was thinking of had lots of gravel, I did not think of doing any trail running. Kicking myself now for this. Walked it for the first time last evening. We started at 4PM and walked the entire 8 mile walk in 3 hours. Easy, paved, hike from the parking lot (Inspiration Point) to the old Nike silos . 4 cattle grates. Small hills. Cows. And horsies. Great views of the San Pablo Dam on one side, and the San Francisco Bay on the other. We didn't experience the winds during the 2 miles towards the silos, but companion did on previous occasions. There were a lot of rolling hills. Busy part of the walk was during the first 2 miles. Then you don't really see as many people. Can't wait to go running on this the next time I go. read more

Reasons to go: expansive view of the North Bay at the end of the trail. The scenery just gets more beautiful as you go, and there is a distinctive "escape from civilization" feeling to this trail. There are powerlines everywhere when you start out, but you get away from that pretty quick. The is worth it. By the way, the address is WRONG since I can't find out what the real one is, and Yelp isn't trail-friendly yet. See the East Bay regional park district website for the correct location. read more

Inspiration Point is gorgeous, and just right for a speedy bike ride up Spruce and into the lovely tree-shrouded roads. Parking gets crowded around lunch, so plan either to park on the road or get there early. Lots of cyclists stop here to take in a quick view or water, and families drop in for a picnic lunch on the benches overlooking the scenery. The good: beautiful scenery. The bad: the beautiful view is being eaten up by the beautiful foliage. We can't have it all. read more

While it is an interesting hike up ... Inspiration Point to me .. wasn't very inspiring!! I guess all future hikers should know that inspiration pt is actually at the parking lot that you can reach via the Curran Trail BEFORE the nice paved path that is Nimitz Way (which will be on the left, if you're facing the view of Inspiration Point). Also, there are multiple trails leading up to that parking lot. The Curran trail I believe is the quickest one (0.67 miles - ish?). The starting point is close to the merry-go-round. HOWEVER - you should continue along Nimitz Way and eventually take a left somewhere (look at a map), and find yourself at Wildcat peak, because THAT place has great views. Before the peak, there are nice fields where you can sit and have lunch too while looking at the bay. Now THAT was an inspiring moment of my hike. read more

Thanks to Lynn Eve K.'s spot-on directions, I finally figured out how to get here! (yes, I'm sometimes directionally challenged!) This is a great 8 mile round trip paved trail, which provides gorgeous views of the Bay Area - San Francisco bay, the Golden Gate bridge, Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo, etc... The trail is great for a workout, or for taking a stroll with loved ones, or if you want to be alone with your thoughts, or if you want that feeling of "getting away" without really going anywhere. Although there are a lot of people on the trail (especially towards the start), you don't feel crowded or rushed. Lots of families, bicyclists, babies in strollers, joggers, hikers, walkers, and everyone in between. Thanks, Lynn Eve, for your review (which "inspired" me) and for your driving instructions! read more

Always a challenging course whether you are a runner, walker or hiker. No shade nor water station so come prepared.

Love this trail - for walking/running, hiking, dogwalking, or bicycling (long 10mi+ paved pathway good even for road bikes...mountain bike not required). Best part are the views of the Contra Costa valley and of the Golden Gate Bridge and East Bay Area. Pretty easy drive to get here through Tilden Park...just be careful of the road cyclists. read more

This is an easy hike for just about anyone. It winds around hillsides in Tilden, and you do get some amazing views. I suggest however to stay on the trail and should you want to walk to leave the trail you will find yourself (and your dog if you have one) pulling off ticks. Lots of poison oak too. read more

This is a very accessible trail with great views - there's a point where you can see both Mt Tam and Mt Diablo - at sunset, it's just stunning. Sometimes you'll see owls, hawks and newts! Because it is so accessible, you'll probably see a lot of people up there - but there's plenty of space and it's very pleasant. read more

Not a whole lot to say. It's a very nice paved path that, on a clear day, will provide you some excellent views of the bay. Beware that the weather down in Orinda May be very different than once you get up the hill. Having a jacket or sweatshirt in the car is a good idea. read more

Probably my favorite spot within Tilden Park. Very nice view from the parking lot, especially if you can pull into a parking space such that your car is pointed west. From here you can get get a nice scenic view of the nearby and distant bay, hills, and the reservoir to the north. This is also the starting point of Inspiration Trail, which is an excellent and easy paved trail with great views almost every step of the way. This trail crosses into Wildcat Canyon Regional Park after about two miles, at which point cattle guards will be encountered. read more

Lovely views right from the parking lot. The Nimitz trail is well paved and stroller as well as road bike friendly. The trail offers views of Mt Diablo on one side and Golden Gate Bridge on the other side. read more

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Truly an inspiration. The vast scene of hills and mountains is an amazing sight. Many people drive up to hike the many trails Tilden provides. However the drive from Shattuck to Inspiration point is quite scary so be careful. It's literally a gigantic mountain which you'd have to slowly gas your way up on. The area is a great for walking dogs! read more

Gorgeous views and secluded running paths abound! I was introduced to this area by my running group leader, and since then I've made a couple trips on my own to find my moment of zen in the hills. Depending on your level of endurance, you may find some of the trails a bit strenuous, but the experienced runner will enjoy the challenges of the changing inclines and declines. And true to it's name, this spot is also a locale for young paramours to find their own special "inspiration" in the views. read more

Amazing place to take walks! Plus a fun drive to get to it through a somewhat twisty road (assuming there isn't a slow prius in front of you lol). At some points you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and you can also climb up on the big hill to see it from high above. Great place to look at sunsets. Watch out for the power lines though, sometimes they make a buzzing sound. read more

Inspiration Point - Sunset and Golden Gate - Parks Near Me

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I will never get enough of the view from Inspiration Point. There is a great network of trails that start here from easy, short out-and-backs to longer more strenous loops. One favorite is the 6.3 mile loop from Inspiration Point to Meadows Canyon Trail to Wildcat Creek Trail. The hike takes about 3 hours with about 1,000 feet of elevation. You can find the details on Bay Area Hiker: http://www.bahiker.com/eastbayhikes/tilden.html read more

Super easy hike and well kept area. I got here early around 9 AM on a Saturday morning. There were plenty of parking spots and we only ran into a couple people on the trail up to the point. The trail is very well kept and there are plenty of signs throughout. There are so many trails I stuck to the one to get us to the 360 view at top. The incline was not bad and I would consider this more of a walk than a hike. Once at top I could see how the fog could really ruin this view. We were lucky and could see pretty far into the city. There was still plenty of fog that we couldn't see the entire city but it was still beautiful. The lake views are also nice. On the way back down there were a ton more people. Large groups and families were on their way up the trail. Once in the parking lot I quickly saw what other reviewers were talking about the place was full. This was probably around 11AM. I will definitely come back here and try some of the other trails! read more

One of my favorite places to run is also one of my favorite places to walk my dog. He was attacked recently at on off-leash trail by an out-of-control dog. He's so traumatized that he whimpers when he sees big dogs off leash. So, I appreciate the fact that I can take him somewhere beautiful where all the dogs are (usually) on-leash. read more

My second time hiking in Tilden Park and this time I hiked the entire Inspiration Trail which begins at Inspiration Point (where the restrooms are located). We started at about 11am and ended around 2pm. Good thing it wasn't too hot. The entire hike is paved and out in the open. There is little to no elevation on this hike which makes the 8 mile hike fairly easy. You will see some cows, cross three cow gates, and pass a lot of dried cow chips. This makes for a fun beginner's hike or if you're looking to take it easy. read more

This was a great spot for an afternoon run! Beautiful views of the bay and grassy hillsides to the east! You run through grassy fields (I literally ran feet away from a grazing cow) as well as next to redwood groves! It really was an awesome run! Also, the trail is marked each 1/4 to 1/2 mile so if you don't have a way to keep track of distance it's right there for you. I stayed on the main paved path but there were also some interesting looking offshoots. Be forewarned: 1) the map on this page is not where the trail is, search for inspiration point/Nimitz trail to find better directions, 2) if you are planning to run it, it is not as flat as some might suggest - there is over 900 feet of climbing, 3) it gets HOT and there is little shade, 4) there is no water so bring your own. I will certainly be more prepared next time. This will be a frequent running spot for me! read more

Nimitz Way trail profile at http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=220463

A great area to catch a view on the eastern side of Tilden. his is the perfect spot to watch the sun or moon rise. You can pick up trails here or simply stargaze. You can stay in your vehicle or get out and explore on foot. Definitely recommend if you've never been. Easy access, lots of parking, no bathrooms (a Bay Area common occurrence). read more

Great view of the San Francisco bay. The beginning of the trail is shaded, then it opens up. The trail is along the ridge, so the elevation doesn't change much. The weather is mild throughout the year. Great spot to get away from the city without a long drive. read more

Haven't really hung out here since High School but it still remains in my heart a favorite place.

On a clear day one of my favorite east bay views!

Nimitz Way is a scenic and relatively short (10 miles) bike trail (paved). The trail is not difficult but it is not flat either. Along the way, there are multiple sections where you have to either ascend or descend. Towards the end of the trail, there is a relatively steep section. Views of the bay and canyon are awesome. Highly recommended, I just wish that the paved section is longer. The trail continues beyond the five miles as a dirt trail for mountain biking. I hear it is very nice and relatively medium to difficult. read more

Great place to visit! Great view of hills and the reservoirs. Walking and biking trails are nice. Parking available. Should also check out Lake Anza in that area. read more

I honestly dont know why it is called inspiration point. Maybe necause it TAKES YOUR BREATH AWAY. Literally i felt lime i was in heaven. Rolli g green hills that i could see for mile. The most beautiful thing ever. Lots of hikes around the area too. read more

Amazing path to walk to get some exercise or chill. I'd love to bike this trail.

There's nothing like a crisp clear morning hike to get you energized for the day! I've been here about 5 times now and it's just great. The people are always very nice and courteous to each other and the trails are very well maintained. I didn't realize how far I went till I calculated it to be over 8 miles one way! Needless to say it was a long hike. The views from the trails here are outstanding and you just can't beat the fresh air and nature. LOVE IT HERE! read more

Great views of waterways, mountains, etc. above Berkeley. A bit of an effort to find the place.

I enjoy long walks, but am not a hiker, as I prefer pavement. Great views, great paved paths with mile markers. It can get a bit windy up there, but after walking a few miles, the breeze becomes a nice additive. read more

Amazing views without having to work very hard. Very nice walk in the park!

Love this for a nice hard bike ride.Used to ride every Tuesday an Fridays, and got better each ride.The long hill on the end of the ride to the bench is really a test. read more

Paved Nimitz trail is perfect for rainy days. Try some of the side trails that have entrances on Nimitz... Wildcat Peak trail will take you to one of the best views in tilden and a nice spot to have a little packed lunch or a thermos of coffee with someone special. Wish I had a picture. If you stay on Nimitz Way, I would say it is the flattest of the trails in Tilden... they are typically pretty challenging. The non-paved trails can get muddy in the wintertime. Also beware South Park Drive is closed in the winter for migrating newts (not even kidding) so Inspiration Point can be hard to get to. Another downside about Nimitz Way is the bikers... watch out for them, especially on weekend afternoons and holidays. Many trails in Tilden do not allow cyclists so they are extra-present on Nimitz Way and the other trails they are allowed on. Inspiration Point is a little misleading, it is basically a parking lot and a trailhead, not a destination in itself. But the trails are superb. read more