Indian Rock Park — Attraction in Berkeley

My biking/hiking buddy called and asked if I wanted to go on a hike or bike ride--I told her I really wanted to visit Indian Rock. We had ridden by Indian Rock on our bikes many times before and I was impressed with it's beauty and popularity even while surrounded by homes.

We ended up hiking from her home in Albany.  We hiked through 2 small parks on the way up the hill. John Hinkel Park was a sweet surprise that we walked through--I want to go back there shortly after it rains to see the waterfalls.

We also climbed up Mortar Rock on our trek to Indian Rock. I want to recommend parking at the base of the hill and take many of the paths through the neighborhoods. Parking can be a problem at Indian Rock. Another benefit of parking at the base of the hill and walking up is the aerobic exercise. My friend measured that we had walked 20 flights of stairs on our hike.

I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes that don't slip. There are steps carved into Indian Rock which makes it a pretty easy climb. If you plan on sitting on the top of the Rock for a while--I highly recommend bringing water. If it's a sunny day bring a hat, and if it is foggy or windy wear layers.

For me, this is an amazing nature experience (but in a neighborhood)! It is very grounding to be there. You can easily go into a meditative state, or enjoy one of the most spectacular views in...

Not only one of the best viewing spots in the East Bay for locals and in the know tourists, but Indian Rock has rock climbing faces, steps carved right into the rock leading to the top, and two rock features which one is well known, (The Chief’s Head) and the other, (The California Bear) is hidden right in front/behind of most people who never notice it while they are literally sitting on it. Look opposite of the Bay and toward the left. That’s all the clues. I am going to leave it a mystery for you to discover as part of your adventure to Indian Rock! I have been going to Indian Rock for 33 years and after all that time I never saw the second hidden feature until my 3 year old points to the top of the rock and says, “Bear.” Okay no more clues. Go...

Be very carful when coming here, one fall on the rocks and It might be a trip to the hospital. Now that the warning is out of the way, I HIGHLY recommend coming here at least once in your life, because it's definitely an experience. I don't want to spoil too much, but It's a structure sculpted out of a giant natural rock. How cool is that! You can see all of Alameda and most of Berkeley from atop of the rock. If your out of shape getting up there is going to be a little difficult but I encourage you to try, Its worth it. Only lost a star because of safety concerns. Side notes: Rock climbing lessons held here, picnic tables across the street,...