Trail Map of Quarry Trail and Big Springs Trail

Moderate: 3.5 miles, 1-3 hours

Overview: The trail that loops from Quarry trailhead in Tilden Regional Park traverses open grassy ridges and forested pathways in the East Bay Regional Park District above Berkeley, California.

These trails and TrailPhotos offer spectacular unfettered ridgetop vistas over the Bay towards San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge to the west, and over scenic reservoirs and hills of Contra Costa County to the east, with frequently stunning sunset color unfolding on both sides.

The Guide covers a 3.5 mile loop trip along hillside trails (Quarry and Big Springs), and on the Seaview ridge trail. In nearby proximity are several variations of this loop, and other fine trails as well.

Tips: This trail loop can be made during all seasons in the mild northern California climate. Winters can be cool, wet and muddy on the trails, but warm dry spells can arrive even in winter to make for sunny and crisp outings.

Summer fog can at times obscure the views, but this also is variable and more typical early and late in the day. Seaview is a particularly popular trail in the best of weather, but aside from weekend middays, you'll not often be accompanied by crowds.

There is total climbing of about a thousand feet to the top of the ridge, which is retraced on the loop trail back to the beginning. This starts around 1,000 feet, up to about 1,600 feet, with some up and down along the way accounting for the total gain. While generally moderate, there are a few stretches of steeper climbing that may call for a rest, even among active hikers.

There is no entry charge or parking fee at this location, and just a little further up Wildcat Canyon Road is a large parking area for the Inspiration Point viewshed.