Driving Directions
To reach the start, take the Albany/Buchanan Ave. exit from I-80. From the east, turn left at the stop sign
which will put you on a road that you follow for about .25 miles where it curves around a bit and puts you
on Buchanan. From the west, a right at the stop light puts you on Buchanan. Once on Buchanan, your head toward
the hills. After crossing San Pablo, Buchanan becomes Marin Ave. Stay on Marin. At one point you will hit a
traffic circle. Go half way around and turn up the hill to stay on Marin. Turn left on Spruce and continue until
the stop sign at the intersection with Grizzley Peak Rd. Go straight through the intersection and take an immediate
left onto Canon Dr. Right a the stop sign onto Central Park Dr. then left onto Lone Oak.
Trail Directions
The run starts at Lone Oak picnic area on Lone Oak Rd, off of Central Park Drive near the Nature Center.
We will take Wildcat Gorge Trail for .75 miles to turn left onto Curran for a .75 mile climb up to Inspiration Point
(the only hill of substance on the run). At the point we make a hair pin left to follow the familiar Nimitz Way
trail for a little over two miles. Here we make another left at the "T" intersection onto Conlon Trail
(instead of the right we usually take) for a short climb to the top of the ridge and some great views of the
Bay and beyond. This trail gently descends for about two miles (you may get to play dodge-cow!) to a point where
it intersects with Havey Canyon (mud fans remember Havey Canyon) and Wildcat Creek trails. Take a hairpin left out
of the cow gate and head back toward the Nature Center on Wildcat Creek. Near Jewel Lake you will see bathrooms on
your left and a Y intersection. There will be a sign noting that the Loop Rd. is to the left. You guessed it, take
a left. The Loop Rd. turns into to Lone Oak Rd. and you've finished an 8.5 mile run. Shorter loops are available.
Bathrooms and water at the start.
Distance ~8.5 mi
Links East Bay Regional Park District