ONCE AROUND: LAKE MERRITT (an urban hike)

ONCE AROUND:  LAKE MERRITT (an urban hike)

Hike Date:  Saturday, May 11, 2024

Leader:  Robert Hickey

Leader Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader Phone:  510.813.3406

Hike Rating:  Level-1 (or Level-2).

Hike Mileage:  4.3 miles (with options below for a longer hike).

Elevation Gain:  100' (basically flat... but there is one steep hill about 3 blocks long).

Description:  We'll start at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater and walk clockwise around the lake, first along the west side of the lake where we'll pass the charismatic Lake Chalet (with downtown Oakland on the left).  Along the north side of the lake, we'll continue walking along the water passing Fairyland (at Adams Point), take a quick run through the Gardens at Lake Merritt, and onto the Grand Lake Business District.  There we'll bump elbows with shoppers and dinners on the two main forks of the district (Grand Ave and Lakeshore Ave).  We'll skip the temptation to catch a movie at the historic Grand Lake Theater, but we can make a pit stop at Trader Joe's if needed (or Arizmendi Bakery).  The east side of the lake is mostly residential and the more "happening" area with people hanging out and picnicking by the lake, but we'll continue back to where we started to have our lunch with views of lake to fondly reminisce our morning.  That will be the 4.3 miles (Level-1).  After lunch, people are free to leave and enjoy the rest of their afternoon.

To extend the hike... 

If you decide not to take your car or not to carpool, you can take BART to the 12th Street station (map) and walk 0.7 miles to the amphitheater.  Times two (x2) since you'll be hiking back to BART, that will extend your hike 1.4 miles (bringing you to Level-2).

However, if you decide to take your car or are carpooling with others, after lunch you can walk with any of those that might be heading back to BART... and then turn back around, maybe first explore Broadway (downtown Oakland) a bit... to get your extra 1.4 miles (and your Level-2 hike).  If you're carpooling though, make sure everyone in your carpool wants to do this, too.

Note:  There is no parking at the 12th Street BART station.  If you have any questions about the above extension or on other ways to extend your hike, please feel free to contact me.

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, good hiking boots (or walking shoes), the "trail" is paved), hat, sunscreen, and lunch.

Rain Policy:  Cocktails at the Lake Chalet (aka Plan B)... just kidding.  The hike will be cancelled only if there is heavy rain.  Check back here for any updates.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!  

But it is an urban hike, so you will need to keep your dog on leash.

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.  (You might also consider walking from the 12th Street BART station to the trailhead.  See above "To extend the hike...").

East Bay Meeting Time:  9:40 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:  We will meet at the Lake Merritt Amphitheater (map).  But those driving or carpooling will first park across from the Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (map) and walk over the pedestrian bridge to join everyone at the amphitheater.

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

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  26 miles (SF), 12 miles (Rockridge BART).

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $5* (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 Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.

NEW:  ONCE AROUND is a (2024) trial series of short hikes that will end with everyone having lunch... or not. People can choose to leave right after the hike and have the rest of their afternoon free to themselves. Or they can get in a few more steps/miles in by extending the hike (...I'll have suggestions on how you might be able to do this).  Let me know what you think of this series of short hikes!    -- Robert