Berkeley Fire Trails: Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail & Claremont Canyon

Reviewed by Elina Ansary
Last updated:

*This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

A tucked-away gem right next to UC Berkeley, this is everything you need to know to hike the Berkeley Fire Trails.

The first time I hiked the Berkeley Fire Trails, my boyfriend told me we were going on an easy hike that he used to do in college. He was wearing flip-flops and it was a “fire trail” so I thought it would be flat and not too difficult.

Needless to say, I definitely did not know what I was getting myself into with that first hike.

Luckily, the views more than made up for it. It quickly became a place we hiked together again and again, especially once we moved more permanently to Berkeley.

I want to make sure you’re more prepared than I was with that first hike, so this is everything you should know before hiking the Berkeley Fire Trails – including the shorter Claremont Fire Trail and the longer Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Berkeley Fire Trails

Practical Info

Miles: 1.5-miles (shorter version), 6.8-miles (longer version)

Time: 30-45 minutes (shorter version), 2.5-3 hours (longer version)

Elevation Gain: 806 ft (shorter version), 1,404 ft (longer version)

Trailhead: Start near the intersection of Dwight Way and Sports Lane on the Clark Kerr Fire Trail for either the shorter or longer version. Or an alternative starting point for both hikes is along Stonewall Road on the Stonewall-Panoramic Trail.

Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash.


Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state. 


Trail Overview

There are two different versions of the Berkeley Fire Trails – a 1.5-mile trail that goes through Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve and a longer, more strenuous 6.8-mile trail that goes up to Grizzly Peak.

Berkeley Fire Trails Overview

Shorter Version – Claremont Fire Trail (1.5 miles)

There are two places you can start the Claremont Fire Trail.

I’d recommend parking near the intersection of Dwight Way and Sports Lane. From here, you can start up the staircase you’ll see near the end of the street.

Hike along the Clark Kerr Fire Trail until you come to a fork, one that goes up and to the left and one to the right.

Continue on the right-hand trail and make your way to the first grand viewpoint of the day – the Berkeley Overlook Vista Point.

There’s a bench here if you want to stop and take in the view and prepare for the arduous uphill trail from this point on.

Berkeley Fire Trail - short day trips from San Francisco

This is where the trail gets difficult. It’s a steep uphill climb for the next mile or so on the Stonewall Panoramic Trail as you curve your way up to the second viewpoint.

You’ll know this second viewpoint when you see it because of the panoramic views. There’s also a sign that warns you of a steep hill ahead (like you haven’t already been hiking up one).

There are a couple more benches at this viewpoint as well. Take a breather here before you turn your attention to the last huge hill of the day, this one is the behemoth.

Berkeley Fire Trails Claremont Fire Trail
Hiking in the East Bay near UC Berkeley

Take your time and slowly make your way up this last hill.

Once you’re at the top, look behind you for one of the best views in Berkeley, looking out over Oakland, downtown Berkeley, the Berkeley campus, and the San Francisco skyline in the distance if it’s not too foggy.

Berkeley Fire Trails Practical Info

Once you’re done soaking up all those wonderful views, head to the left on the paved road called Panoramic Way.

Make your way down the hill, until you see the trailhead start again on the left (right where the street turns into Dwight Way).

Take this trail the rest of the way down.

This is where you’ll come down on that lefthand trail that you passed on your way up the hill, eventually coming back out on Dwight Way where you parked your car.

Longer Version – Claremont Fire Trail + Strawberry Canyon (6.8-miles)

If you’re looking for a longer version to explore more of the Berkeley Fire Trails system and Strawberry Canyon, you can keep hiking along the upper fire trails before heading back down the hill.

To add to the original trail, just keep to the right instead of the left when you get to the top of the largest hill.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll follow a paved road on the right until you see a trail on your left. Use this trail to cut over to the Upper Fire Trail and hike along this for a while until you get to a fork in the road.

You’ll take a left at the fork and follow the Fire Trail until it changes into the Upper Jordan Trail. Keep left at the next fork to stay on the Upper Jordan Trail.

Once you reach Grizzly Peak Boulevard, you can head back the way you came.

Berkeley-Fire-Trails-What-to-Know-Before-You-Go

What to Know Before You Go

  • There’s Very Little Shade – The first part of the trail, which also happens to be the steepest, has very little shade. Bring plenty of water and try to avoid the middle of the day when it’s hottest out. The trail can also be a bit on the dusty side so going in the morning or right before sunset can be a more comfortable time to hike.
  • The Trail is Usually Crowded – Since it’s right next to campus, this is a popular trail in the East Bay, especially with UC Berkeley students. It’s also a popular place to watch the sunset. If you want to go when there are fewer people, opt for mornings during the week.
  • Watch Out for Rattlesnakes – There’s various wildlife in the Berkeley Hills, including rattlesnakes. I’ve seen a pretty big rattlesnake when hiking this trail in the past. Be aware of your surroundings and give rattlesnakes ample space if you come across one.

Looking for other California hikes? Check out our guides to the Trans-Catalina Trail, best Bay Area hikes, Catalina Island hiking, best hikes in Laguna Beach, best hikes in Orange County, best Malibu hikes, best Santa Cruz hikes, best Torrey Pines hikes, best Big Basin hikes, best hikes in San Francisco, best San Jose hikes, best Joshua Tree hikes, and best Big Bear hikes.


Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mimi McFadden Headshot

Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief

Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 28 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (5 years), where she currently resides.


Looking for more Bay Area travel tips? Check out these related posts below! 

Best Hikes in San Francisco 

Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco

Outdoor Date Ideas in the Bay Area

Things to do in San Francisco

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

Best Weekend Trips From San Francisco

Berkeley Fire Trails Pin 1

Pin this image for future reference

Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

LEARN MORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CENTRAL CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WINTER TRAVEL ROAD TRIPS GEAR

Leave a Comment