Joaquin Miller Park (3.5 miles, 500ft) Alameda County

HIKE STATS:
Start Time: 10am
Distance: 3.5 mile loop
Estimated Hike Time: 2 hours
Elevation change: 500ft
Event Type: Open
Difficulty: Easy
Event Organizer: Maura

Come join us for our monthly EASY hike. This is a great place for our beloved newbies to come and test the waters.

Remember that the address in the info/map link above is approximate. If you use a mapping program, please be sure to combine it with the written directions and road signs. This is where your fellow car-poolers come in really handy!!

* As always, be sure to bring WATER, snacks and an extra layer (like a windbreaker and/or fleece).

This hike is open to all members without restriction. This does not mean it is an easy hike: it means that no special permissions are required from the event organizer (Maura) in order to join. OK. This one DOES happen to be an easy hike; however for practice, you should read the description to be sure that it is the right level for you.

Please be aware that we expect you to take responsibility for your safety while we are out on the trails. This means arriving prepared, remaining aware and participating with the other really wonderful folks who are part of the group on hike day. We understand that your "Yes" RSVP to this event means you accept this.

If the hike is full, please RSVP "No" and add a comment asking to be added to the wait list. Our folks are really, really good about keeping their RSVP status current and the wait list works REALLY well. Please remember that it is NOT OKAY to come to this hike unless you have a "Yes" RSVP for yourself and any guests you'd like to bring.

Here is a link to more great Bay Area Hiker info about the hike more great Bay area hiker info. We are really looking forward to seeing YOU there.

Directions (really easy this time)

From CA 24 in Alameda County, exit CA 13 south (exit 5). Drive south on CA 13 about 3 miles, then exit Lincoln/Joaquin Miller Road (exit 2). At the base of the exit ramp, turn left, cross over the highway, then bear right onto Joaquin Miller Road. Drive uphill about 0.8 mile, then turn left onto Sanborn Drive (look for the Woodminster sign). Drive about 0.1 mile on Sanborn Drive, and park in the lot (or along the side of the road) near the ranger station.

Trailhead details:
There is a medium-sized paved lot, but many people park along the side of Sanborn Drive. Mind the no parking signs. If there is no parking inside the park, you can easily and legally park on the side of Joaquin Miller Road and walk in. No entrance or parking fees. Restrooms, pay phone, maps, and drinking water at the ranger station. There is one designated handicapped parking spot in the parking lot (which also services the Joaquin Miller Community Center), but trails here are poorly suited to wheelchairs. AC Transit bus #53 stops in front of the park.

POST-HIKE REFRESHMENT LOCATION:
Although it's not an official part of the hike, a big friendly group of us often mange to make our way to a fine local establishment for post-hike refreshments and cheer. All recommendations are considered; however CHEAP, plentiful food is goodness. There is no pre-planning involved so spots that can roll with a big group arriving are usually a good fit. We always like to make sure everyone can have something to eat, so variety is also nice.