Orinda, CA: Northern California Chapter, Orinda to Rockridge Hike

We are pleased to invite you to a fully BART-able hike which will begin at the Orinda BART station and end in the Elmwood District in Berkeley. The hike will take us through parts of downtown Orinda onto East Bay MUD protected territory and up into Tilden in the East Bay Regional Park where we can pause to watch a miniature steam train puff and chug through the redwoods.

We will then walk down through the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve for a bit (and if we’re lucky, spot a rattler or two) before we abandon the “wilderness” for a descent through Berkeley neighborhoods with some hidden staircases to arrive in the Elmwood District. From there it’s a straight shot downhill to the Rockridge BART station, unless you stop and reward yourself with tacos and beer at the newly opened 5 Tacos & Beer on College Avenue.

This is a fairly challenging hike of about 13 kilometres/8 miles involving a steady uphill climb during the first half with some uneven terrain and temperatures likely in the mid 80s. But you will be rewarded with spectacular views on both sides of the ridge — Mount Diablo to the East and Mount Tamalpais and the Golden Gate Bridge to the West — all while getting in shape for your next Camino.

Schedule: We’ll meet at 10:00 AM at the entryway to the Orinda BART station and walk briefly along city streets to the De La Veaga trailhead at the corner of Moraga Way and Highway 24. We’ll have a break/lunch in Tilden Park and expect to arrive in Elmwood around 4:00 PM. NOTE: There are no restrooms along the trail until we get to the Steam Trains in Tilden.

Level of Difficulty: This trail is considered moderately challenging (according to AllTrails) with a total elevation gain of around 335 meters/1100 feet (according to the Runkeeper app).

Important: This hike is not recommended for beginner hikers or those just starting on their Camino training. It’s important that you be able to keep up with the group as there are several junctions along the trail with different route options.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There: Orinda is on the (yellow) Antioch-San Francisco Airport line. You will need to transfer at the MacArthur station if you are travelling on the Richmond-Berryessa line or at West Oakland if travelling on the Dublin/Pleasanton line. If you drive, parking is unrestricted at the BART parking lot on weekends. However, we strongly encourage you to take public transportation.

What to Bring: A day pack with water, bag lunch and/or snacks. Good hiking shoes are recommended, and also hiking poles. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen as some sections of the trail don’t offer much shade.

Leader: Merula Furtado

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