See and Do!
Tilden Nature Area
About The Park
Tilden Nature Area is a 740-acre preserve located just North of Tilden Regional Park. With over 10 miles of hiking trails, the preserve contains a blend of native and introduced plant communities, including oak/bay woodlands, grasslands, eucalyptus forests, and streams. Hikes range from the leisurely, self-guided Jewel Lake Nature Trail to a vigorous climb up Wildcat Peak (elevation 1,211') for panoramic, San Francisco Bay views. A 750-foot boardwalk through the woods leads to Jewel Lake, a historic reservoir and waterworks, and a peaceful place to watch wildlife.
At Tilden Nature Area one can also find the renowned Environmental Education Center (EEC), headquarters for the area's interpretive programs, and the historic Little Farm.
Park Hours
| Area | Dates | Open Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tilden Nature Area | Open Daily | 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted or permitted |
| Environmental Education Center (EEC) | Open Tuesday through Sunday and Major Monday Holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day) Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve at 1 p.m., Christmas Day, New Years Day |
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
| Little Farm | Open Daily | 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
| Indian Camp Gate Schedule: Open Hours for Tilden Nature Area parking |
January 1 - February 9 | 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
| February 10 - March 10 | 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | |
| March 11 – May 31 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | |
| June 1 – August 31 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. | |
| September 1 – September 30 | 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. | |
| October 1 - November 4 | 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. | |
| November 5 - December 31 | 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
Park Activities
Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The naturalist staff offers interpretive programs throughout the year. Thousands of urban youngsters have learned their first lessons about nature at the EEC, or met their first farm animal at the Little Farm next door. Naturalist-guided programs for school groups and other organized groups are available Tuesday through Friday by advance registration. See the Field Trips page for details, or call the EEC at 510-525-2233. Weekend programs provide exciting opportunities to learn about natural and cultural history throughout the Park District's Northwest region. Go to our program guide Web page to download our monthly program guide for a list of upcoming acitivities.
Inside the EEC you can explore exhibits that tell the story of the Wildcat Creek Watershed, find information on park activities, and purchase nature-related books and materials at the nature center store.
LITTLE FARM
The Little Farm was built in 1955 and features a variety of farm animals including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens and pigs. Several heritage breeds are preserved here, including Milking Shorthorn Cattle. Visitors are welcome to bring lettuce or celery (but nothing else) to feed the animals.
Bikes
All bikes are prohibited in the area of the Tilden's Environmental Education Center (EEC) and Little Farm, or on any single track trails in the Tilden Nature Area. To access Wildcat Creek Trail from the south, bikers must use the loop road above the EEC and Little Farm to Jewel Lake. Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the Laurel fire road connecting the Nimitz Way to the loop road.
Camping
Two group campsites are located in Tilden Nature Area--New Woodland (capacity 50) and Wildcat View (capacity 75), both located about one-quarter mile from the end of Lone Oak Road off Central Park Drive. For reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, then 1. All reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance.
Dogs
Dogs are NOT permitted in the Tilden Nature Area.
- Visit our Dog page.
Park Accessibility
The Environmental Education Center (EEC) is accessible to persons with disabilities. It has accessible parking and facilities.
To Reach The Park
- From Hwy 80, take the University Avenue exit in Berkeley. Follow University towards the hills, turn left onto Oxford St. Turn right onto Rose St. Turn left onto Spruce St. Follow Spruce up the hill, you will reach a stop sign at the top of the hill, proceed through the intersection and turn immediately left down Canon Dr. At the bottom of Canon, veer left onto Central Park Drive and follow into the parking lot for the Nature Area.
- From Hwy 24, exit at Fish Ranch Road. Take Fish Ranch Road to Grizzly Peak Blvd and turn right. Continue on Grizzly Peak Blvd. until you come to the intersection of Spruce Street, Wildcat Canyon Road and Canon Drive. Turn right on Wildcat Canyon Rd, then immediately make a sharp left down Canon Drive. At the bottom of the hill, veer left onto Central Park Drive and follow into the parking lot for the Nature Area.
Click here for public transit information.
Trail Map
Park Info
- Address
- Environmental Education Center (EEC)
(North End of Central Park Drive)
Tilden Nature Area
Berkeley, CA 94708 - Download Brochure
- Phone Numbers
- 510-544-2233
- Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4564
- Local Weather
- Maps
- View Trail Map
- Download PDF Map
- Yahoo Map
- Park Hours
- Open between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted or permitted.
See details - Park Events
- Click here for upcoming events
- Parking Fee
- No fee
- Dog Fee
- No dogs allowed in Tilden Nature Area
- Camping Reservations
- 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, then 1
- Picnic Reservations
- 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2, then 1
- Naturalist Programs
- 510-525-2233
- Browse programs online
- Go to program guide
- For Educators
- Plan a field trip to this park
- Nature Nearby Newsletter
- Newsletter articles by the Park District's Interpretive, Recreation, and Aquatics staff
- Emergency Number
- 911
- EBRPD Headquarters
- 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757
- See Also
- Tilden
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