Joaquin Miller Park Loop

Joaquin Miller Park, located minutes away from downtown Oakland, encompasses a labyrinth of trails leading over rolling hillsides, forest groves, and babbling creeks. The area is home to sequoia sempervirens, or Coast Redwoods, as well as oak, manzanita, and eucalyptus trees. There are over 200 species of native plants, some of which are endangered like the pallid manzanita. Lush wildflowers, including California poppies, blanket the landscape in the summer. Wildlife such as scrub jays, hawks, wild turkeys, quail, and lizards are frequently spotted.

Begin the nearly 13-mile loop at the Palos Colorados trailhead at the western side of the park. Going in a clockwise direction, the trail rapidly gains elevation. Follow signs to Sinawik Cabin and continue on Sunset trail for a short period before following Castle Park trail in a northeast direction. This section contains an exposed hillside, which may get hot depending on the time of day and year. Continue onto West Ridge trail, and then descend the hill via the Steam trail, passing Girls Camp along the way. This portion is mainly flat, and the redwood groves provide shade and cool air. Shortly after Big Bend Meadow, turn right and follow Bridle trail, before making another right turn to follow French trail. Here the trail begins to quickly gain elevation again. Follow signs for Redwood Peak trail, then West Ridge trail again, and Big Trees trail. Finally, follow Sequoia Bay View trail to Sunset trail to Sinawik trail. This leads to Palos Colorados trail, which goes back to the parking lot at the trailhead.

It is highly recommended to have some sort of offline GPS navigation on this trail, as there are a few forks in the trail that have inadequate signage.