High Hiking: Best Hiking Trails Near Berkeley

If you’re anything like us, the last year has made you really appreciate getting out into nature! We’re so lucky to have the stunning trails of the East Bay close at hand, offering a much-needed escape from the city when things get a bit much.
And what better way to relax and disconnect than to take a high hike? Cannabis is great for helping us enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. By helping us chill out and lifting our mood, it’s the perfect addition to a post-work ramble or weekend adventure.
If you live in or close to Berkeley, you’ll know there are endless hiking trails to explore. Here are four of our favorites, plus our top three products to take with you on your high hike.
Our Favorite Hiking Trails Near Berkeley
Grizzly Peak
- Distance: 2.5 miles (4.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 500ft (150m)
- Location: Tilden Regional Park
This must-do Berkeley hike is best enjoyed at dusk or dawn, so you can take in the epic sunrise or sunset over the city. Park on Golf Course Drive and head up the trail and into the forest. This is a moderate trail that’s suitable for all abilities.
Grizzly Peak offers a serious payoff, with panoramic views across the bay to San Francisco. Technically you can drive up here, but where’s the fun in that? Instead, we’d recommend packing your favorite gummies along with water and snacks. Then stick around and soak up the stunning views until the sun’s gone down.
San Pablo Ridge Trail
- Distance: 7 miles (11.5 km)
- Elevation gain: 1230ft (375m)
- Location: Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
For more of an adventure, head north to Wildcat Canyon on the edge of Richmond. The San Pablo Ridge Trail starts through rolling grasslands before climbing up to the heights of the ridge. As you follow the Ridge Trail, you’ll spend all afternoon admiring the sweeping vistas in every direction.
One reason this makes a great high hike is that it’s accessible on transit. Catch a ride to Alvarado Park to find the trailhead. While you’ll see plenty of locals on the first section of the trail, once you climb up to the ridge you should find some welcome solitude to enjoy the wide-open spaces.
Stonewall Panoramic Trail
- Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 710ft (215m)
- Location: Claremont Canyon Regional Reserve
As close as you can get to the city, the Stonewall Panoramic Trail is deceptively challenging for such a short hike. But it’s undoubtedly worth it. The relatively steep trail is over before you know it. And once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to incredible views as a reward for your hard work.
Along the way, you’ll pass through eucalyptus forest and grassland, hopefully catching a glimpse of the resident wildlife. Deer, hawks, and even coyotes can be spotted in the park.
John Garber Loop
- Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)
- Elevation gain: 300ft (90m)
- Location: Garber Park
If you’re short on time but need a nature fix, Garber Park is an awesome hidden spot for a quick hit. This quick loop packs a lot into a small space. It still offers a bit of a workout, even if it is less than one mile long!
The trail winds through the forests of Garber Park, a wildland full of bigleaf maples, oaks, and buckeyes. In the spring and summer, the forest floor is bright with wildflowers. And for nature nerds, there’s lots to learn about the unique ecosystems in the park.
The Best Weed Products to Take Hiking
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect trail, make sure to get the perfect high. When it comes to high hiking, we love to choose products that are discrete and easy to use. Here are a few of our favorites:
Kanha Vegan Nano Gummies
Gummies are a great choice for a hike as they’re easy to dose and use, and they won’t melt in your pocket like chocolate! We’re big fans of Kanha’s Nano Gummies, and their Lucious Lemon treats are perfect for a hike.
Each gummy contains 10mg of THC, just the right amount for a day outdoors. They’re fast-acting and offer an uplifting and stimulating high that will enhance the already beautiful views throughout the day.
Kiva Camino Gummies
If you’re headed out for a long hike and need a lift, try Kiva’s Camino Gummies. The clue is in the name; they say these gummies were inspired by the trails of California. The Pineapple Habanero flavored gummies are not only delicious, but they’ll give you the boost you need to make it to the summit.
With just 5mg of THC per gummy, you can choose to microdose, or take a couple if you want more of a buzz. Packed with sativa terpenes, you’re sure to feel energized and chatty as you cruise the trails with your friends.
Cannabis Tinctures
Another great way to enjoy a high hike is to try a tincture. It could be the easiest way to enjoy cannabis, full stop. Simply place a drop under your tongue, let it dissolve, and sink into the buzz. Buddies is a great cannabis brand to start with. If you want a more intense high, it’s easy to safely increase your dose while out on the trails.
There’s a huge range of tinctures to choose from: from pure CBD oil to heavy-hitting, high-THC formulations. For hiking, we’d recommend a balanced or THC-dominant strain to give you energy and enhance the beauty of nature around you.
Ready for Your First High Hiking With These Trails Near Berkeley?
Whether you’re a nature-lover or a true city kid, there’s no denying that a day out in nature is good for you. Add in an uplifting high, and you’re sure to come home feeling refreshed, energized, and reconnected.