The soft sound of leaves being crushed underfoot, the hoo-hoo hooting of an owl and look, there are one, two, no three! stars twinkling away on the horizon. Bay Area kids are surrounded by miles of hiking trails begging to be explored, nature walks with super friendly guides at the very tips of their little fingers. Summer days are the perfect opportunity to hit the hills at twilight. Outdoor explorers may find Orion or hunt out the red planet and learn about moon cycles, all while honing their night vision in order to spot some of the nocturnal creatures who also call the Bay Area home.
East Bay
Mount Wanda Full Moon Hike
Find out if the man in the moon really exists and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive nocturnal gray fox. Families will enjoy watching the sun settle on the horizon as the moon rises during this wondrous jaunt up the 642 ft peak, just south of John Muir’s historic farmhouse. Hear rangers recite the famous naturalist’s poetry and take a close and personal glimpse at the lunar sphere through a telescope set up by supportive volunteers. Be sure to bring headlamps or flashlights to ensure safe passage down the trail! This is a free hike but reservations are required.
Dates: July 3: 8:00 pm, Aug 1st: 7:30 pm, Aug 31: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free, but reservation is required.
Mount Wanda / John Muir National Historic Site
Alhambra Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road
Martinez, Ca
Phone: 925-228-8860
Online: nps.gov
El Cerrito Hillside Natural Area Sunset/Moonlight Walk
Friends of Five Creeks and El Cerrito Trail Trekkers are offering this free walk. El Cerrito Hillside Natural Area is a spectacular 90 acre open space with knockout views, a pristine oak forest and grasslands and so this moonlight jaunt offers gorgeous sunset viewing in an urban oasis. Flashlights and walking sticks are suggested helpful tools; sturdy hiking shoes and long pants are recommended to ward off that famous Bay Area night chill. Meet at the west end of King Court, El Cerrito (west of King, north of Moeser). Parking is very limited, so allow time to park and walk to the start.
Date: July 2: 7:30 pm
Cost: Free
El Cerrito Hillside Natural Area
King Court
El Cerrito, Ca
Phone: 510-848-9358
Online: fivecreeks.org
