California Trail at Oakland Zoo — Attraction in Oakland

In my opinion, the best part of the Oakland Zoo. It's a self-walking tour of the best of California's nature at the top of the hills. As soon as you ride the Gondolas to the top of the hills and get off, you are in the California Trails area, there is the majestic Bald Eagle sitting in the tall oak tree. Next to it below is Grey Wolf habit. Then the California Condors, the California Jaguar, the Grizzly Bears, the mountain lions, the Black Bears, California Wilds! Playground for the kids, and the San Francisco Bay Area Outlook with a herd of American Bison in front of you, the view of Oakland, including the airport, then the Bay, the Peninsula, SF, and the GG Bridge.

The Landing Cafe has one of the best views to sit and get something to eat or bring your food from home and enjoy the views of the San Francisco Bay including views of Oakland, the Peninsula, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge (on a clear day).

Accessibility Friendly -- Easy to get in the Gondolas if you pushing a stroller or pushing a wheel chair (there is a dedicated line for strollers and wheelchairs). The whole California Trails is flat and paved. Kid Friendly -- there is a Kids Menu at the Landings Cafe and there are diaper changing tables in both the men's and women's restrooms next to.the Cafe.

In order to get back to the Gondolas, not only there are stairs, there are elevators that can take both wheelchairs and strollers back to the Gondolas area if you cannot walk down the three...

My mom and 12yr old daughter visited. We always have a great time. Unfortunately, this trip I had to rent an electric scooter for medical reasons. The initial renting took alot longer than expected. The attendant took 5mins to come out and greet me since the cashier at the door couldn't help me for some reason. They weren't busy. When the gentleman finally came out he said "I need a driver's license and a form filled out." I said "No problem, here's my DL." He said "Hold on you need to fill out a form." I said again "Ok." He stared. I asked "Where is it?" He said "Oh, I'll go get it." 10mins later he came out with the form. No apologies for the time it took getting it. After that we had a good time for the most part. The attendants at the Gondola were so friendly and helpful. They assisted me on and off going up and down. I wasn't sure if I could go up there. Thank goodness for them! My daughter loves all the animals up there and the kid's playground! My only other complaint would be that not all paths are wheelchair/scooter friendly. Bumpy paths, narrow, and sometimes just dirt. But nonetheless, we had a great time and highly recommend everyone to visit and support the Zoo as much...

The California Trail is well worth the visit. We enjoyed the gondola ride - especially my granddaughter. The Park attendants stood ready to help ensure guests entered and exited the ride safely, which this Grandma appreciated very much. We stopped at the education center to read the information about Condors and native birds of prey. The trail itself has natural shade from tall trees, and winds around spacious enclosures for Bald Eagle, Condors, Black and Grizzley Bears, as well as Mountain Lions. At the top of a gentle uphill grade there is a very nice area for children to enjoy, with structures to climb and play around. We stopped to unload our picnic and ate a light meal while watching a massive Brown Bear sleep in the sun. There are plenty of benches around big enough for a family of 5 to relax while young ones play nearby. The view is spectacular, so don't forget...