• Location: 6800 Skyline Blvd Oakland, CA 94611

• Phone: 1-888-327-2757

• Website: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sibley

• Pricing: Free

• Hours: Nov. - Feb. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m., March - October  7 a.m. -10 p.m.

Description: Did you know Oakland has a volcano? I didn't for many years. Sibley Volcanic Park is now one of our favorite places to walk our dog off leash while taking a shady hike on a warm day. For so many years I had heard of this place but never took the time to figure out where it was. It is not the easiest hike to get to, nestled waaay up in the Oakland hills, but it sure does have some of the best views from the top! One of the highest peaks on Sibley is made up of lava & volcanic debris from over 10 million years ago-wow! It was formed after multiple earthquakes shifted the Berkeley hills and uplifted the rocks tilting the volcano on its side.

From the parking lot you can take 3 different paths, each of those trails then leads to more trails. I like to take the middle trail, it quietly wraps you through the trees until you reach a campsite with an awesome overlook. The main trail from the bottom takes you up a semi-steep incline that then splits off into two other significant roads themselves. If you continue to the left you will reach a cattle gate, this will take you all through the folds and paths that make up Sibley. Sometimes you will see cows, sometimes you will see other families and dogs, but you will for sure see an amazing view. 

Highlights: The view is my favorite part of the walk but that by far is not the only highlight of the hike. I love that there are shady options for hot days, I love that your dog can roam off-leash, the trees, the mountains, the cows, the fresh air it all makes for a fun walk! 

​

Tips: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you are doing the main trail overlooking the mountain range because it gets hot and there is not much shade on that path. 

​

​

​