Jennifer’s 5-star review:
Just to clarify-Inspiration Point is the parking area and scenic look-out that marks an entrance to the paved Nimitz Trail. Because I usually start some Tilden Area hikes from this lot but haven't written any Tilden reviews, yet, I figured I'd start here.
Inspiration Point itself is pretty easy to get to if you're coming from east of the Caldecott. Simply take 24 East, exit at Orinda and bear right towards San Pablo Dam Rd. After about 2 miles if you make a right, you can head towards one of the Briones staging areas and then if you turn left on to Wildcat Canyon Road, you'll head towards Inspiration Point.
The parking area tends to fill up quickly but on a Saturday late afternoon, around 4, there were plentiful spots.
Once on the paved Nimitz trail glorious views abound of the San Pablo area resevoir, Mt. Diablo and then the bay itself, all the way to the Golden Gate and Marin, weather pending. I've done this walk many times, sometimes veering off down to the left in to the Tilden Nature Area, but being I was solo and it was later in the day, my most recent walk kept me on the paved path.
There are regular mile markers, every 1/4 of a mile, for those of you keeping track and the trail varies in sun and shade, so plan accordingly. There are stretches of wide open sunny spaces then you'll go around the bend and it will be shady and windy.
Because I was flying solo on my most recent walk (notice I don't say "hike" ) I kept to the main path until around 1.75 miles and then turned left toward the Peace Grove and up on the short trail that takes you to Wildcat Peak. Once on the peak there are wonderful 360 degree views of the bay, Briones and Mt. Diablo. I even caught the bucolic site of cows off in the distance looking down towards the San Pablo Resevoir.
I decided to go back the way I came and felt rather safe doing that walk alone, especially as it crept close to 6-6:30. If it were earlier in the day, or I had company, I might have continued on the Nimitz trail which eventually takes you to Wildcat Canyon through cattle gates. Another option is to actually hike down in to the Tilden Nature Area, link up to the Visitor's Center and then head back up. I've done both in the past and look forward to it again.
All in all, 5 stars for nature, friendly folks on the trail and good opportunity for bird watching if that's your thing too!
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