Great hiking spot. Nothing too strenuous, but still challenging. Great place to clear the mind, get a good workout, and be with nature. Parking is on the side of the road. Hiking/trail shoes recommended. read more

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Quaint, albeit somewhat precarious park nestled in the Oakland Hills. Despite being called a park, it's more like a small hiking trail, with some bits that are challenging to traverse due to meager footing and slippery mud. Made it through in about 20 minutes, so not a very long adventure. Worth it if you're up for the challenge and rather agile read more

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It was around 5 o'clock. I sat in my car for a few minutes contemplating whether I really wanted to hike this trail again. It had been over 2 years since I hiked the York Trail. I wanted to give it another try. I wanted to fall in love with it like everyone else had. I got out of my car. I started on the York Trail. As I walked down the path, memories started swarming in my head. I was beginning to remember the trail again. A few little bridges. A narrow trail with a few steep drop offs, but the most beautiful Redwood Groves. The pretty creek with the sounds of the calming water running parallel to the trail. This wasn't so bad. Actually, it was kind of enjoyable. I get to what looks like some kind of trail marker. I remembered this. The creepy old steps. Last time I avoided those creepy old steps and continued to the right. But I remember reading a review that said that those creepy steps lead up to a beautiful viewpoint of the Bay. I went up the steps. Definitely creepy, but not as bad as I thought it would be. The trail starts to narrow and steepen. I've been on steeper trails before. I start climbing up the narrow path. I reach a point where the trail doesn't look too flat. But, I see footprints. Someone else has been here. They've crossed it. So, I'm just sitting there thinking about how I'm going to cross this one little section. I'm kneeling down, holding onto a rock and a tree branch. This... this is when I should have turned around. But I didn't. I got on my butt and made it across the steep and slippery little section. I'm back on my feet now. But now, I'm faced with a challenge. An even steeper looking section of the trail. There's two pathways; straight across or up. I can see that the path flattens after this steep cross. I go for it. I let go of the tree that I'm holding onto and start to cross over the steep an uneven section of the path. And that's when it happened. I slip on the sand. My body hits the ground hard. Next thing I know, I'm sliding down the side of the cliff. SLIDING down. Trying to grab WHATEVER I can to stop myself from sliding all the way down into the creek. I'm yelling. Screaming in fear. My left hand grabs onto a small jagged edge of rock and I stop sliding for a second. I'm breathing hard. My eyes are watery. My right hand is still trying to grasp for something, but it's just a pile of damp sand. My left leg is curled behind me. My right foot pointed toward the cliff with my toes basically supporting my entire body at this point. I keep trying to pull myself up with my left foot, but I can't. There's nothing to push myself onto. I try to do it one more time, and I start sliding again. Tears are in my eyes. My right foot stops on a small rock. I try to look back to see what's behind me, and I see a little tree next to the rock. My right leg is shaking profusely. My toes can't support the weight of my entire body for much longer. I start screaming for help. Nobody else is on this secluded trail. Nobody can hear me. At this point, I start to mentally prepare myself to slide all the way down the embankment. I'm deciding on whether I should put my hands behind my head to protect my brain from hitting the rocks in the creek, or trying to move my right leg up into a fetal position so that I can protect the front of my head and face. With the last bit of energy that I have left in me, I use my right hand to try to grasp onto the little tree next to the rock that my right foot is on. I find a branch and it breaks. I find a rock and it's loose. I grab above the rock, and there's a small but sturdy branch. By the grace of God, I was somehow able to maneuver my body to where both my left and right foot were now on this rock. The branch is sturdy, but not sturdy enough to support me from falling. I then push my face, chest, and the rest of my body onto the branches of the trees to flatten them out. I'm able to reach a root. Thank God for that root. Thank God for that rock. With those two things, I'm able to slowly push my body up the embankment towards a skinny redwood on the cliff. I grab onto the redwood with my right hand first, and then my left. I pull myself up the redwood and onto a flat part of the trail. I'm breathing hard in a pool of sweat. My right ankle throbbing, my right shoulder and chest sore. Scrapes and sand all over my body. But I'm alive. I sit on the trail for a minute. I'm exhausted. Shook up. Emotional. Grateful. I finally mustered up the energy to go back down that same trail. My legs feel like jello. My ankle is on fire. I'm scared. I'm slipping on the trail here and there, but taking it slow. I make it back to my car. I've never been so happy to see my car. I vow to NEVER go back on that trail ever again. Ever again. My life is just too damn important for that. It's a beautiful trail but please be careful and please DON'T use the creepy steps trail. This trail just isn't well maintained. It isn't worth endangering your life for. read more

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A hidden gem in Oakland. I have frequented this trail for years. Despite what other reviewers say this park is not closed. The gate is always closed but you can enter on foot. Parking is only available on the street. The forest portion of the trail is pretty narrow at certain parts and is a gradual climb from the start. Once you get to the top the trail turns into a very wide trail with amazing views of Oakland. If you turn right at the top, the trail ends back in the neighborhood below. I wouldn't recommend going in and out - just follow the trail all the way down to the street. Dog friendly but please keep on leash. read more

Leona Heights Park - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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Such a beautiful park in the Oakland Hills. There is free parking on the road; most cars park as far away from the lanes as possible as the streets are curvy. As for the trail itself, it is short at about one mile but challenging. My friend and I are runners but both felt winded. Yet, it was such a great workout done by people of all ages. There is a stream and lots of lovely greenery. Highly recommend this hike :) read more

Leona Heights Park - Beautiful Trail - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

Went here on a whim. Did a quick search for 'scenic East Bay parks' and found Leona Heights on a list. Content to find I could get there with mass transit, I took BART from SF to Fruitvale and then AC Transit 54. It is winter in the Bay and I arrived pretty late in the day. I started a stopwatch so that I could be wary of the time spent in the woods. My first reaction was that of awe. It had rained recently; the air was cool and fresh, and the brook was bubbling and beautiful. From the get-go there are steep steps and interesting criss-cross footbridges. There were tangles of roots in the paths and thorny branches near the edge of the creek. It is reminiscent of Muir Woods, but it felt more secretive and treacherous. I passed a few friendly hikers, but was by myself for the vast majority of the time, surrounded by nature. The paths are dynamic, sometimes you are ducking under the legs of trees, and then it narrows to a seemingly impossible degree. And the view off the edge is steeper than ever, down to the stream and more importantly, the rocks. And it was at a precipice that I was hit with an overwhelming feeling of unease. Although I had an inkling I could make it, I was also aware that I was alone, and it was soon to be dark. Best to turn around. I felt content retreating through the mud. I spotted many mushrooms on the way back that I had not noticed on the way out. As the sun set I retraced my steps back to the bus, back to BART, and back home. Back here where I read Shayla B's review which chilled me to my core. She recounted the nightmare that I very well could have experienced myself. Her story was harrowing and I hope that she has fully recovered. So! This place is very, very pretty but with some serious caveats. It is NOT accessible for all. Strollers/wheelchairs/crutches - none of that is going to work here. It is not a place I would take small children or anyone who isn't great with balance. And also most of the hikers I passed had off-leash dogs, which I was enamored with but understand that not everybody digs. Lastly, those ridiculously narrow parts need, at the very least, some sort of climbing wire you can grab onto attached to the cliffside if a proper bridge is not to be built. I see a couple of other reviews stating this park is closed. As I was on foot if there were any warnings about the dangerous and derelict conditions I may have walked right by them... Glad I made it back to leave my own. read more

A nice little hike after a half days work, was looking for Old Survivors redwood, found it but not marked. One survivor of the original redwood forest, over 450 years old. Left while most of the forest was cut for lumber during the SF earthquake at the turn of last century. Nice babbling brook on the trek up the York trail, lots of shade during a steep mostly narrow trail up, no signage markings for when it changes to the McDonell trail, but McDonell is mainly a fire road, leading back into a street for the last third of a hike. A fun short hike with great views of the bay, cities, and bridges. The fireworks already going of in Oakland and San Leandro made it more interesting. This trail also ties into other trails if you're looking for a longer hike. The parking is along the street, so could be crowded at times. Definitely a good quick work out. Happy hiking and cheers. read more

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This is a nice quick trail. I suggest wearing shoes with good grip because it can be pretty dangerous walking on the slick narrow parts of the trail. read more

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WHAT A MAGICAL PLACE. I was prepared for a disappointing hike on a cold, foggy January day. I was afraid that there wouldn't be much to see, but boy was i wrong. The fog added to the experience! This trail is so fun and the greenery is breathtaking. There are streams along the way and not too many hikers (granted Covid, but it was a holiday weekend!). Be warned the trail can get narrow and very slippery if there's been recent rain. Definitely wear shoes that you don't mind getting dirty cuz the trail was quite muddy when we went (it rained the night before). The trail is also dog friendly! If you type Leona heights park in google maps it'll take you to a road. You'll find a couple cars parked along the side. Note: "Leona heights trailhead" in google maps takes you to a nearby neighborhood and I couldn't find a way to access the trail this way. Lovely hidden gem in Oakland. It's also not too far away from the redwood regional park if you want to tackle multiple hikes in a day. read more

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One of my all time hiking areas! If you hit all three trails, I consider you part of my super hero crew! There's a section closed off however the trail is perfectly fine after you jump over' read more

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Dope af!, the park itself is beautiful af!! badass stream along the trail that is flowing hella good for us having no rain haha. Not gonna lie the reviews about the trail are true tho..it is a hella sketchy narrow trail that is sloped on top of that and its right next to a drop off that drops like 10 plus feet into the creek (and its not like its a gentle slope, its a steep drop), so that being said the trail is not for beginners and not for ppl afraid of heights(even tho i am afraid of heights), it is steep in some areas not gonna lie, but it is sooo fucking beautiful and peaceful with the creek flowing loudly next to you its like so worth it. Definitely have proper shoes tho and good balance and go very slow. Anyway take it to the top n went right onto fire trail which is wide and has badass view of the Bay. Kinda confusing but u stay on main fire trail to bottom, drops u off in secluded private road of neighborhood but just keep walking down and eventually u get to mountain blvd. Couldn't believe there was like nobody there even on a sat like 5pm!! like wtf! that shits unheard of in the Bay especially in Oakand! Dogs can be off leash most of way too. I got hella photos and videos but im doing this on my computer so i dont wanna transfer to here just check my insta: eastbaypisces read more

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- WEAR HIKING BOOTS - READ REVIEWS BEFORE HIKING (unlike me & my friends) - DOG FRIENDLY - PEACEFUL & SHADED - MANY RAVINES, BE CAREFUL - ADVENTUROUS HIKE great place to get away & to find tranquility in such a busy city. shaded & green everywhere. minus one star bc my husband slipped & almost fell all the way down to the stream bc there was so much loose gravel & not much walking space so PLEASE WEAR HIKING SHOES! only minus one star bc it's our fault for not reading up on the hike. we found mysterious plastic rocks along our hike & were wondering what they were & what was inside them... someone let us know! definitely want to go again to hike it RIGHT this time! read more

Took a lovely hike up the York trail in Leona Heights Park Oakland last weekend. Our second time up the canyon. It's a beautiful canyon tucked in Oakland Hills with an active stream running down the canyon. The trail cross crosses the stream at various points with bridges, lots of incline. Note this trail is extremely narrow in places with a significant drop off on one side. I would not bring small children all the way up here for instance. At the top it plateaus out to interesting expansive bay views. A very nice 2.5 mi or so round trip. I suggest the McDonnell trail back down if you don't want to slip and slide down the steep and dry gravelly stream trail. read more

Leona Heights Park - Wildflowers on ridge - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

Closed. This park and the parking lot to access it is closed. This information is not posted on their website or Yelp but if you make the drive there you will surely be disappointed. There are no detour signs posted or indications of where to access the park. Don't go here. read more

Tricky hike but very fun, wouldn't recommend for beginners or people who just want a light hike. Very narrow paths also lots of steep and slippery areas. Also very rocky! read more

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Solo hiked here today and almost died. Was it worth the sprained foot and injured finger? I think so. As I had read online from other reviews, the York trail isn't very well maintained and is pretty narrow at some points. I must have taken a wrong turn or something, but after I had walked along the majority of the creeks/waterfalls, I ascended up a hill with a fairly clear marked (but narrow) trail with looped switchbacks. I made my way up, pushing branches/leaves away from my body and head and making my way further up a hill. Finally, I had reached a fairly large "step"/"gap" in the trail that required either sliding down or jumping/hopping. I did a combination of both slide and hop, but I overestimated my distance and landed at the edge. It had just rained, so the soil was very, very wet - so, my body slipped and was falling off the side of the hill. There was maybe 30 feet of distance from where I was falling to the bottom of the creek. Adrenaline was rushing through my body; I thought I was going to die! I dug my hands into the ground and pulled on twigs/branches/roots and pulled myself up to safety. Injured my finger, sprained my foot as a result, and got covered all in wet mud. From that point, I tried to continue on the trail but wasn't able to since I was in pain. I couldn't find where the trail was supposed to continue on to and it looked like there were more large gaps ahead. So for my safety, I knew that I had to turn back. During my short time there (and almost near death experience!), the scenery and the sights were pretty amazing. I'm sad that I got injured and wasn't able to continue on the York trail. I wouldn't rate this hike as an easy hike, and wouldn't recommend it after a rainy day. Be careful if you do come here! I'd like to come back here and finish the trail, but next time with someone else and on a dry day. read more

We navigated to 4432 Mountain Blvd and parked in one of the neighborhoods. We were so afraid of what this hike/walk would be like because of all the reviews but I have to say, completely worth it. This morning was drizzling so we were even more concerned, but hiking shoes really help to grip the path even with the mud. There is a lot of mud and the path is very narrow, so just be aware that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIKING SHOES (if you have weak ankles like me or if you just want to be safe). The hike itself is more of a walk and not very strenuous. We walked the entire York Trail (it ends in front of a middle school), but we felt like we wanted more. We chose a large downhill trail (was unmarked) that lead to a great view of Oakland and ended in front of some houses. Note: there may or may not have been a homeless camp on a side trail, so just be aware. Also there is scattered graffiti and trash so please try to not add to it. This is such a beautiful place and it sucks that some people are destroying it. Happy Hiking! read more

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Trailhead is at approximately 4432 Mountain blvd, Oakland (next to Leona Lodge). You can park in the surrounding neighborhood. This hike (not to be confused with Leona Canyon) is one of my favorites of all time because it has all of my favorite features: it's dog-friendly (on-leash), not crowded, it has beautiful shaded trails following alongside a creek, interesting structures that blend well with the trail, and views of the bay. This is also a relatively short hike, and although parts are challenging, you'll be able to experience a few changes in scenery in a short time (approx 1 hr loop). The trails are not well marked, so I have a detailed description of the hike below. If you complete the entire loop, you're going to have an amazing hike! Right next to Leona Lodge you will see an empty lot with a white "welcome" sign and a garbage can further down. Keep walking and you will see the "Leona Heights Park, York Trail" sign. You will cross a wooden log bridge, walk up some stairs, and cross two more bridges. At this point you already have great views of the creek below. After walking up some stairs constructed from logs and crossing another bridge you will come to a brown sign that says "Crews Trail Maint." If you go left, it will take you up some steep switchbacks leading to Merritt College. Go right, and you will continue alongside the creek via McDonnell Trail. Soon you will come to a bridge simply made from a board, which will be tricky for your dog to use. As long as the creek isn't in full force, your dog should be able to walk across a short shallow stretch of the creek below. From here, you have to scramble up some rocks, and under and over a few fallen trees. There are several large, flat boulders here, which make a great spot to stop for a break. Soon you will be heading up some stairs and this trail will end at a flat, wide fire trail. Go right and head downhill. You will soon have some great views of the bay. The trail snakes down and around the hillside with several switchbacks. Stay on the main wide trail and don't take any of the smaller side trails. You will soon see some houses and come to a white gate leading to the street. Walk down the street (McDonnell Ave), and you will end at the intersection of Mountain Blvd and McDonnell Ave. Turn right and you will be back to where you started in three blocks. You can also take an alternate route, which will end at the fire road between Oakleaf St. and Belfast Ave. that has a yellow gate at the entrance. This trail is hard to find, and since the main hike is only an hour and the end is all downhill, I recommend just staying on the main trail described above. This park does not have restrooms or faucets, so bring plenty of water. I would not recommend letting your dog drink from the creek. I've been hiking this trail for years, and I remember always seeing signs warning that the water may be contaminated from the nearby Leona Heights Sulfur Mine. Recently, I did not see the sign, but I still wouldn't take the chance. There still may be runoff into Leona Creek. read more

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Beautiful & relaxing hike. Great place to go just to get away and enjoy the outdoors. read more

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Talk about a hidden gem! This business did not even have a Yelp listing! It's tucked away, just off the freeway and extends up toward Campus from Mountain. Leona Canyon gets all the attention but Leona Heights Park is the much beloved, city-owned, little sibling. There are regular clean-up efforts -- one just happened in September 2014, resulting in improvements to trails and stairs throughout the park, in addition to cleanup and tree planting. Dogs are now allowed on-leash in Leona Heights Park after a change in April 2014 rules. Woof! You can get involved here: http://leonaheights.blogspot.com/ read more

I had a good experience for the first time coming here to hike with my friends! Good hike for pups too. I loved hiking this trail it was a challenge but I would love to come back again! read more

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This hike is pretty well hidden from the road and actually looks closed off.....and that's a good thing. We parked in a nearby residential area a short walk from the start of the trail (pro-tip, enter through the non-visitor center area). The trail is very well shaded and for a large majority of the hike, you're walking next to a stream with plenty of mini waterfalls and pools. Like most of the reviewers have said already, some parts of the trail are not maintained leading to "sheer" drops into the "ravine" below....but its honestly not that bad (its just not the best time to be clumsy). We followed the trail (which can be hard to find at time) and reached a road. Fellow hikers told us to go left which would lead us to the lookout. From this fork, we hiked about 20 more minutes until we reached a beautiful view of the bay. Here it is unshaded, but you can see a gorgeous view of the bay. I'm having second thoughts on writing such a positive review as it might lead to a more crowded hike, but I'll call this my good act of the day. read more

This is one of the coolest spots we have found for hiking in the east bay. The park consists of trails that head up alongside a creek. It can get a little steep at points, so I would recommend sturdy shoes. The trail can get narrow and steep too, so probably best to have a little experience with hiking and to leave little ones at home. The entrance is a little tricky to find through google maps, so I recommend entering the 4444 Mountain Blvd address in instead of searching for the park by name. We ended up on Redwood Rd at first until we found the entrance off Mountain Blvd. read more

The main trail along the creek has a larger amount of rocks/boulders, and steeper climb than some other hikes in the area. So that made this hike refreshingly different. After about 20 minutes of that cardio climb up we came to a relatively level fire trail and turned right. This trail went slightly downhill, was much sunnier than by the creek, and provided excellent views of San Francisco with Oakland in the foreground. After a ways on the fire trail we cut right on a little offshoot trail down in the direction we thought the car was and it spat us out about an eight minute walk from where we parked on Mountain. Next visit I'll again hike up the creek trail but will explore different trail offshoots from there. read more

The greenery vegetation, the trails , the waters falls and small walkaways and the chirping birds

I love this park. I used to work at the school down the street, and I would hike with my students all the time. Therapeutic time in nature. Nothing better. I love that this place has wonderful shade and the water running through. It's also very close to the casting ponds and multiple trails that scale the hills and crevices. I come here all the time and it's a great place to escape on a hot bay area day. read more

Leona Heights Park - Parks Near Me - Oakland, California

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York trail is a pretty hike, but not sure if pretty enough to risk it. In front of me i saw a dad almost slip off-with his baby in an ergo,l uckily he had a hiking stick and it kind gave him something to hold onto. And it a a deep fall if you do fall! it is slippery and very narrow, and eroding more and more everywhere. Not well maintained. Definitely do not go with kids. we turned around about 3/4 way and it was very tricky to go back. Maybe ok for adults who are super fit, but make sure you have hiking boots, and ideally go with someone so you can be saved (see other reviews of several ppl falling). Sometimes there isn't even enough place to have a half a foothold. also NOT good for social distancing at all! read more

Awesome place for short or longer hike!! Waterfalls the whole way (as far as I got, anyway). Be sure to wear GOOD HIKING BOOTS since trail is sometimes narrow, slippery, and steep. Very easy to get to, as well. I went on a hot day (rare for Oakland) but along the creek, it's very cool & just wonderful. I saw very few people, but it was a weekday. read more

Wandered through here scouting trail running routes, and discovered one of the best kept secrets in Oakland. Yes, the hike up the York Trail is flat out dangerous in some parts and yes, there is a homeless camp near the old Merritt College parking lot on the top of the ridge. The rugged beauty of the canyon makes it worthwhile in my opinion, and judging by the condition of the trail I have to imagine relatively few folks make it all the way up from Mountain Blvd to Campus Drive and back down again. Wear sturdy shoes, don't go during wet / rainy weather and keep an eye out for the old truck chassis from a decades ago tumble down the hill. Uncle Greg's Cabin? On this hike. The ancient Leona Sulfur Mine? Visible from this hike. EBDC trail maintenance 2002? Makes this hike possible, but it has been a long 17 years since then. A fantastic urban canyon, and for goodness sake lock your cars and hide your valuables. read more

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One of my favorite parks in the bay. Beautiful redwoods and trail, I love paths with rivers and steps. It's so easy to access too. It's a great place to unplug and be enchanted with nature. It's a must picnic and read spot if you live nearby! read more

Hard to know how to rate the York trail in Leona Heights Park. It's beautiful. It's also very dangerous - in places the trail is as narrow as 6 to 8 inches and you're walking on the (very steep!) side of a rocky ravine that drops anywhere from 5 to 15' to the creek, which is shallow and comprised of boulders and huge rocks. It would be so easy to lose your footing, as the dry earth is very very slippery. A fall into that creek could cause very very serious injuries or death. I would say definitely not safe for children or anybody actually - it really surprises me that the city keeps it open as a park given how unsafe it is. It is beautiful - many little waterfalls, a very peaceful and serene place considering it's a city park, hard to resist. But the trails in this park would need to have considerable work done on them to be made safe, not likely to happen. The bridges don't even look that safe - they're made of wood that looks like it's about to give away from age. On one bridge the handrail is falling off. I would say avoid this park and find a safer place to enjoy nature. Fortunately we do have plenty of safe trails and parks in the East Bay in which to do this - for the sake of safety, stick to the safe ones and avoid Leona Heights Park. read more

Great short hike. Went here with our kids (5 and 8) for New Year's Day. The creek is very peaceful and lots of cool trees and rocks. Definitely a new favorite place to hike. read more