Seaview Trail At Inspiration Point

Seaview Trail is just one of many hiking/​biking/​horse trails that can be found at Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park. The trail reviewed here links with several other trails to create a six-​mile loop that can be hiked in two hours, not including stops. With all the scenery to be enjoyed here, you might want to add an extra hour or more for your hike.
We chose Seaview because we wanted to explore the area north of Claremont Canyon. On this warm fall day, we also decided to avoid the wide, paved (and sun-​exposed) Nimitz Way that’s more traveled and used by families with strollers and the like.
We left our car at the Inspiration Point parking lot. The posted trail maps show both mileage markers and topo, so you can choose the type of hike best suited for you. Seaview trail is a combination of fire road, fire trail and footpaths winding along the ridges and arroyos of Tilden Park. Scenic views from the ridge include much of the bay area, north bay and over the hill to Briones and San Pablo reservoirs. We liked it!
Our six mile hike was as follows: Trailhead is to the left of the Nimitz Way pillars. The trail starts downhill, then up and across Wildcat Canyon Road where it becomes a fire road, climbing through meadows, stands of eucalyptus, pine and oak with views along the way. We walked mostly along the ridge for nearly two miles before descending Arroyo Trail to head back.
Route: Seaview Trail to East Bay National Trail, to Bay Area Ridge Trail, to the intersection of Arroyo Trail (halfway point). Down Arroyo Trail to South Park Drive (paved road). Continue west on Quarry Trail and find your way back to Seaview Trail, then back to your car.
Some of the dozens of other trails will be reviewed here at some point! Enjoy a well-​earned meal in nearby Berkeley when you’re done. We caught the Sunday Streets event along Shattuck, and stopped in at Sliver Pizzeria for a delectable slice, chased down with pints of Lagunitas Hop Stoopid and Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA.
What. Are you waiting for.
The roundup:
Distance: 6 mile loop
Time: 2 hours plus view-​ogling time (allow 3 – 4 hours total)
Difficulty: You can do this holding a martini, but there are some steep spots.
Highlights: Eucalyptus groves, views of SF, bridges, the entire north bay.
Sucks: Really, nothing. It’s great, don’t get poison oak!
Water: 1 liter per person.
Dogs: Allowed!