El Cerrito, CA: Northern California Chapter, Transbay Walk

Join us for a local Caminho da Costa with both spiritual and not-so-spiritual variants right here in the Bay Area — starting from the El Cerrito Plaza BART station and ending on the San Francisco waterfront as it used to be during the Gold Rush and the decades following.

It does not involve walking on water or time travel, but there will be some spectacularly scenic walking along the Bay Trail and other trails established by the indigenous xučyun (Huichin) tribe who have lived in the area for eons, since before a 16th century Castilian romance novel gave California its name.

If time permits, we might even have a chance at a peek into the life of Rosie the Riveter and get a taste of the finest in wartime propaganda at the National Historic Park in Richmond before we head to the Richmond Ferry terminal to catch the 12:25 PM boat.

In San Francisco, we will be joined by chapter member Mike Miller — Fog City Boy blogger and volunteer SF City Guide par excellence — for a magical history tour of the northern waterfront, which has long been a site of legendary innovation. Before the tech boom revolutionized the world, local inventors were dreaming up staples like denim jeans, television, and modern banking; and labor and human rights organizers were catalyzing movements for better working conditions. We’ll explore a grand collection of historic sites, hidden parks, and the bawdy and storied Barbary Coast along the sensational shoreline.

Schedule: Meet us at 9:00 AM outside the main entrance to the El Cerrito Plaza BART station. (NOTE: This is the El Cerrito station immediately after the North Berkeley station. If you find yourself at El Cerrito Del Norte station you’ve gone one stop too far.) We will begin the walk at 9:15 AM sharp to avoid missing the last boat of the day. Once we get to San Francisco around 1:00 PM, you are free to wander off on your own to sample empanadas and Fort Point beer at the Ferry Building or continue with us on the waterfront tour. We’ll finish the tour by 3:30 PM. There will not be a formal lunch break, but you are welcome to eat your bag lunch while waiting for or on the ferry.

Level of Difficulty: This is a moderate hike. About 8 mi/13 km of mostly flat trails. Total elevation gain is about 150 feet.

This hike is not suitable for those who are new to hiking or have not been training regularly. To participate, you must have recent experience completing hikes of similar distance and be able to sustain a consistent pace of 3 mph. Participants who are unable to keep up may be asked to turn back in order to prioritize the safety and cohesion of the group.

If you’re not at this fitness level yet, please do not sign up. Instead, focus on building your endurance with less demanding hikes, such as our monthly Lake Merritt walks.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up. Every participant must sign up online. No drop-ins permitted. Space is extremely limited. Please register only if/when you are certain you can attend. When registration fills, we will not be maintaining a waitlist.

Cancellation: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can update our list and adequately prepare for the event.

Getting There: This is a BART station-to-station walk, so getting there and back is a cinch! Just use the BART Trip Planner to take a train to the El Cerrito Plaza station, and again at the end of the day to plan your return from San Francisco. We strongly encourage using public transport if it is accessible, but if you drive, parking is free at the station on weekends. Note: Before exiting the station, be sure to take the opportunity to visit the restroom!

Carpooling: On the registration form is a link to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if you need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: Bag lunch, snacks, water, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Clipper card/app with sufficient funds for the ferry ($4.90/$2.40 Senior, one-way). Good walking shoes are a must. Hiking poles are generally not necessary on this walk.

Leaders: Merula Furtado and Mike Miller

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.