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Daytime

Old-Growth Reds and Quiet Hills

Escape the city bustle for a morning of silence among ancient redwoods, followed by a leisurely lunch in the hills.

Best time: noneAbout 180 min

Timeline

  1. 09:00

    Joaquin Miller Park

    Arrive at Joaquin Miller Park as the morning light filters through the old-growth redwoods. This is the quietest time to explore the trails and enjoy the solitude of the estate grounds before the midday crowds arrive.

  2. 10:00

    Crocker Park

    Walk 52 minutes west-northwest to Crocker Park. Find a quiet spot to rest and enjoy a packed lunch or snack. The park offers a peaceful setting away from the main thoroughfares, perfect for a low-key mid-morning break.

  3. 11:00

    Central Reservoir Recreation Area

    Head 54 minutes west-southwest to Central Reservoir Recreation Area. Spend the final hour of your outing wandering the paths near the reservoir. The area provides a gentle conclusion to your hike with open spaces and calm waters.

Local tip

Since there are no food shops listed in the immediate vicinity of these parks, bring your own lunch and water. The walk between Joaquin Miller Park and Crocker Park is long, so start early to allow ample time for the hike.

Check before you go

  • Joaquin Miller Park is free and open during daylight hours.
  • The walks between locations are substantial (50+ minutes each). Ensure you are comfortable with this distance or have transport available between stops.
  • Check local traffic conditions for the route between the parks, as driving times may vary.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Oakland (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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