Visit the Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park, spanning almost two thousand and five hundred acres surrounded by ridges and hills, is situated by the Wildcat Creek watershed extending from Tilden Nature Area to Alvarado Park. It is a favorite among residents and tourists. The park is easily accessible from the East Bay cities and it draws innumerable hikers, bikers, and equestrians. There are also families who like to unwind as the kids play in the designated areas. It is a popular picnic spot too.
About Wildcat Canyon Regional Park
Wildcat Canyon has a rich history. The region was inhabited by Native Americans for centuries before Spanish explorers displaced the communities and developed townships. The canyon was of significance for it was the primary source of water in the region. Through the first few decades of the twentieth century, the East Bay Municipal Utility District initiated many changes that involved acquiring certain parts of the canyon and bringing natural resources under its jurisdiction leading to the formation of a regional park. Following several small and substantial amendments to ownership of lands, the Park District had enough land by the seventies to develop the parkland spanning more than two thousand acres.
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park is home to twenty-five miles of trails, of which most are fire roads. Almost three miles of trails at Nimitz Way are paved and six miles of trails with single tracks are a part of the Tilden Nature Area. The kids’ playground at the park is a top draw for families, so are the picnicking areas and barbecue spots. These can be reserved. Else, they are available on the basis of first come first serve. The park on 5755 McBryde Avenue in Richmond is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. till February, it closes an hour late from March through May and remains open till 7 p.m. from June through August with an additional hour on weekends. From September, the park starts closing early till November. There’s free parking.
The Park is not without its distinct geological identity, mostly marked by coast live oaks, maples, bay laurels, chaparral, snowberry, elderberry, poison oak, blackberry and bracken fern. Wildcat Creek has a riparian forest. The slopes of the canyon have annual grasses, such as barley, rye, and oat. There are various types of wildflowers as well. The wildlife in the area primarily comprises of foxes, skunks, raccoons, opossums, ground squirrels, deer, and coyotes. Although rarely spotted, you may be lucky to see bobcat and mountain lion. Wildlife enthusiasts can look for gopher snakes and king snakes. Birdwatchers are interested in red tail hawks, kestrels, turkey vultures and great horned owls.
Stay in Hotel Mira Vista
Hotel Mira Vista is less than three miles from the entrance of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. Hotel Mira Vista is a conveniently located hotel with comfortable and affordable accommodation. Get the best rates when you book your accommodation online at www.hotelmiravista.com