JOAQUIN MILLER and REINHARDT REDWOOD REGIONAL Parks (SUNDAY)

JOAQUIN MILLER and REINHARDT REDWOOD REGIONAL Parks

Hike Date:  Sunday, November 19, 2023

Leader:  Robert Hickey

Leader Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader Phone:  510.813.3406

Hike Rating:  Level 4

Hike Mileage:   ~ 9 miles

Elevation Gain:  ~ 1,550'

Note:  Hike moved from Saturday, 11/18.

Description:  We'll begin the hike in Joaquin Miller (City of Oakland park) where we will hike a short way down the Big Trees trail and along the flat Sequoia-Bayview trail where we'll be treated to peak-a-boo views of the San Francisco Bay.  After, we'll cross Skyline Blvd and enter Reinhardt Redwood Regional (East Bay Regional park)...a great place to enjoy redwoods (without the parking hassle, entrance fees, dog restrictions or the large crowds you'd find at Muir Woods...OK, I'll stop now.  LOL).  We'll hike down to the French trail, a relatively flat and totally shady trail that meanders below the West Ridge trail and above the Bridle and Stream trails.  At the Orchard trail we'll hike further down to the Bridle trail and begin our return.  Along the way, we'll stop for lunch at the "Old Church"...a group of picnic tables surrounded by a grove of lovely redwood trees.  After lunch we'll continue hiking the shady Bridle and Stream trails and at the Starflower trail we'll begin a long hike up and then up and up along the Redwood Peak trail.  This will be a long and challenging hike to the top (700') and I suggest taking your time...and enjoy the particularly beautiful views of amazing redwoods in this area of the park.  Once we reach the top, you'll be tired but you'll be glad you made the effort...and happy to know that our cars are not that far away.

Bring / Wear:  Bring water*, good hiking shoes/boots, and lunch.

*Although there will be drinking fountains along the way and multiple restroom options.

Rain Policy:  Hike will be cancelled or postponed.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!    

Are you up for the hike?  If so, here are the meeting options...

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street or below the building.

SF Meeting Time:  9:30 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  9:45 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

NOTE:  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have a ride arranged ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).

• Trailhead Meeting Location:  Redwood Glen Trailhead (map).

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM (hike begins at 10:15 AM).

NOTE:  This is a modest-sized parking area on the side of the road.  If there are no available spaces, continue up the road (1,000') and there is another parking area on the left.  Further up the road (another 200' more) on the right is an entrance to a large parking lot (Redwood Bowl Staging Area).

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  40 miles (SF), 14 miles (Rockridge BART).

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $7* (SF) or $2 (Rockridge BART).

*Includes bridge toll.

NOTE:  I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers.  If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Saturday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.