5 Hiking Trails In Berkeley To Kickstart Your 2025 Resolutions

BERKELEY, CA — With the holidays behind us, there’s no better way to kick off 2025 than by hitting the dusty trails to fulfill New Year’s resolutions of staying active and connecting with nature.

Recent studies have highlighted the numerous health benefits associated with lacing up your hiking boots for an adventure.

Hiking regularly can enhance cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones and improve balance. A 2023 study published in BMC Public Health found that participants in a winter hiking intervention increased their physical activity levels, which led to better sleep and less stress.

But it isn't all about physical health. Spending time in nature — especially while hiking — has also been linked to better mental health. According to 2024 research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, exposure to green spaces can boost mood, reduce anxiety and lower the risk of depression.

Heather Eliassen, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard, says even those who live in cities and work indoors can and should try to reap the health benefits of nature.

“If there are some green spaces a short or medium distance from home, try walking or biking to the green space to get the benefits of exercise while getting [there],” she said. “Or, find green space you could incorporate into your commute to or from school or work.”

AllTrails, a website and app that was "founded on the idea that we’re all made better by spending time in nature," makes it easy to find nature areas and hiking trails of varying levels near you.

While searching, the website allows users to set the distance, difficulty level, length, suitability and more.

In Berkeley and around Alameda County, the website lists dozens of scenic trails — from steep mountainous terrain that can take hours to ascend to quick and "easy" trails along babbling brooks and wildflowers.
Here are five trails in and around Berkeley to explore:

• Panoramic Hill, Chaparral Peak and Strawberry Canyon Loop — 6.0-mile loop trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 17 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. (Hard)
• Upper Big Springs, Lower Big Springs, and Seaview Trail — 3.5-mile loop trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 52 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are January through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. (Moderate)
• Wildcat Gorge, Meadows Canyon and Curran Trail — 3.4-mile loop trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 31 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. (Moderate)
• Stonewall Panoramic Loop — 2.7-mile loop trail. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 35 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. (Hard)
• Upper Big Springs, Seaview, and Quarry Trails Loop — 3.0-mile loop trail. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 30 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. (Moderate)

Search for more hiking trails near you.