Stonewall-Panoramic Trail

A wonderful trail! I visited the area over Thanksgiving and thought I’d try this out. My East Coast legs and lungs were shocked by the steepness but it didn’t spoil the experience in anyway. I’m an avid walker and this trail offers just the right amount of discomfort for those stepping outside of their normal comfort zones. When I got to the top of the mountain, the sun was beginning to show behind the clouds and it was really nice watching it come up in such an unfamiliar setting. One hike up was close to 10 or so regular elevation gains on 5-6 mile walks in. Boston. I’ll definitely do it again if I even return. It made for beautiful sunrise photos too.

The Stonewall Panoramic Trail offers a steep, direct, and deeply satisfying ascent from the base of Claremont Canyon to the summit of Grizzly Peak, with commanding views throughout. From the fire gate above the Claremont Hotel, the trail gains elevation quickly through a series of well-graded switchbacks shaded by oak, bay laurel, and eucalyptus. Most fit hikers can reach the ridge in about one hour and the summit in roughly another 45 minutes. My personal best hiking time, wearing stiff boots and carrying a daypack with water, is 40 minutes flat from the gate to the top. Outstanding views emerge early and only improve with elevation. As you ascend, the panorama opens onto Berkeley, Oakland, and the full spread of the Bay. Clear days reveal the Golden Gate while Mount Tamalpais anchors the northern skyline and the ridgelines of Silicon Valley drift into view to the south. Near the summit, it’s not unusual to encounter fast-moving fog or low cloud banks—conditions that can drop the temperature by 25 degrees within minutes. If you plan to linger, bring a shell, windbreaker, or mid-weight layer. Autumn is the most pleasant time to hike, but summer days are long, allowing for after-dinner jaunts. All but the hardest hikers and runners should pack at least 500ml of water per person, more on warm days, and at least a few calories—a Snickers bar or energy gel is sufficient. No need to bring a meal. A headlamp is strongly advised if you hike from 7 p.m. until dusk, one of the best windows for solitude and golden light. Though there’s often enough residual light to descend, the footing becomes treacherous and ankle rolls are common in shadowed terrain. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and free from poison oak, ticks, or underbrush nuisances. That said, pets must be kept close or leashed—livestock roam nearby and should not be disturbed. Gas-powered bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited under Berkeley ordinance. You’ll pass a wide cast of regulars: Sierra-bound hikers in training, trail runners doing repeats, and out-of-breath grad students pushing through the grade. Trash is rare, but if you see any, pack it out. The route deserves that respect.

Amazing hiking. Great views. Parking is a little tough (I recommend parking in town and walking up).

One of the best urban hiking trails of all time. Difficult-ish. Steep, but you are rewarded quickly and continuously. Busy, well maintained. The top at grizzly peak feels and looks like heaven. Prob because this is where I would spend my last day on earth. Pictures won't do it justice.

Only been there once, 8:30 AM on a Saturday morning ⛅️ in July. There was parking on the street on Stonewall. There is a trashcan by the entrance along with signs with rules. We took our dogs and most people at this time we’re walking with the dogs. Some on leash, and some off leash, unfortunately there are a lot of fox tails in this season so be careful. We only made it up the first two hills as we have one dog 🐕 who is elderly. It is a very rocky gravelly sand path and steep. Next time we will go the whole trail. Did see dog poop bags along the trail. Assuming that people are going to pick them up on the way back and put them in the trash 🤞 Good views. Also, a few joggers.