Wildcat Canyon Regional Park

Yesterday I took a hike very close to home in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. If you live in the Bay Area and haven't been here, you have to get out there to experience the amazing views. They are very easy to get to, but you can take a full day's hike if you want. Here is a Google map.

It can be a little confusing to find the trail head, so a little advice is in order. Drive up McBryde Ave. in the left lane. There will be a sign that says, for Wildcat Canyon stay in the left lane. Go straight, then look for a left turn into the staging area. There's free parking, porta potties, and a notice board with excellent free maps.

I recommend the route I took for excellent landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities, but it was a long hike. I added up the mileage when I arrived at home, and it came to 9.28 miles. There are two other options for shorter loops.

Longest Loop (9.28 miles) - Take Wildcat Creek Trail to Conlon Trail to Nimitz Way to San Pablo Ridge Trail to Belgum Trail, then back down Wildcat Creek Trail to the trail head.

Shortest Loop (5.88 miles) - Take Wildcat Creek Trail to Mezue Trail to San Pablo Ridge Trail to Belgum Trail, then back down Wildcat Creek Trail to the trail head.

Medium Loop (7.04 miles) - Take Wildcat Creek Trail to Havey Canyon Trail to Nimitz Way to San Pablo Ridge Trail to Belgum Trail, then back down Wildcat Creek Trail to the trail head.

I prefer loops, but if you prefer shorter mileage, you can simply walk in to any halfway point, then turn around and retrace your steps back to the beginning. Even a one mile hike in this park is rewarding! I saw bicycles, joggers, even women pushing trail strollers. I started my hike in the early afternoon, and it was a hot day. I recommend starting earlier in the morning, or in the evening if it is going to be a hot day. The park is open 5am to 10pm, but I saw a sign on the entrance to the staging area parking lot that made me think they closed the lot at 6pm, so that's when I planned to get out of there. It would be possible to park on city streets closeby to avoid getting locked up in the lot.

There is drinking water available at the junction of Wildcat Creek Trail and Mezue Trails. I filled up my water bottle here, but make sure to carry enough water and snacks to keep your hike enjoyable.