Trail Highlights:
This route leads away from the Alvarado Area and climbs steeply uphill until you are high above the Wildcat Creek watershed. Enjoy magnificent 360-degree views as you traverse the ridge line. For the first five miles there is little shade. Later, the trail descends into the lush and wooded Havey Canyon and winds its way to the narrow valley floor where you’ll follow Wildcat Creek to your starting point.
Trail Directions:
From the Alvarado Staging Area, walk uphill on the paved road onto Wildcat Creek Trail. Make the first left on Bonita Trail. After passing through the second cattle gate, head straight uphill a short ways to the end of Monte Crest Ave, then turn right onto Monte Cresta Trail. Follow the trail uphill and around the wooded area along the park boundary. At the top of the hill, make a left onto Belgum Trail. About a ¼ mile further you’ll see several trail intersections. Follow the trail marker for the San Pablo Ridge Trail and begin a very steep climb. In 1.2 miles, at the Mezue Trail intersection, go left onto Nimitz Way Trail. You’ll pass through a cattle gate and soon the trail becomes pavement. At the bottom of the hill, leave the pavement and turn right on Havey Canyon Trail. At the bottom, when you emerge from the woods, make a right turn onto Wildcat Creek Trail. Stay on Wildcat Creek Trail back to the staging area where you began.
Park Features:
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park rises above Richmond and El Cerrito on the west, and connects with Tilden Regional Park to the south. With over 25 miles of trails, the park contains sunny slopes covered with wildflowers in the spring, and riparian woodlands that follow the canyons. Historic stonework features, including the large bridge, pathway walls and lamp towers, were built through depression-era labor programs and can still be seen in the Alvarado Area. There are restrooms, a drinking fountain and accessible parking spaces at the Alvarado Staging Area. Please note that bicycles and equestrians are not allowed on Havey Canyon Trail between December 1 and March 1.
Driving Directions:
From El Cerrito, take I-80east to Richmond and exit at Solano Avenue. Turn left at the bottom of the off ramp onto Amador St. Continue on Amador, turn right at McBryde Ave., and continue to the first stop sign. To reach the staging area and trail access, continue straight, through the stop sign, onto park Ave. Wildcat Canyon Staging Area is approximately.25 miles ahead. From North Richmond and Pinole, take I-80 west to the McBryde Ave. exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left and follow McBryde Ave. to the second stop sign. Follow the directions above to reach the Wildcat Canyon staging area and trail access.
