Indian Rock Path (Path #5)
Path data:
Lower Street
(Adjacent Addresses) |
Upper Street
(Adjacent Addresses)
|
Notes |
| Alameda & Solano Aves. |
Indian Rock Park |
sloping, 4 segments |
Photos (click on thumbnail to display photo):
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Meet The Paths:
Dinner and a Walk On Indian Rock Path by Dale Miller
Berkeley Path Wanderers Association Newsletter -- Fall 2006 -- Vol. 9 No. 3
Probably no other path in Berkeley connects two more popular destinations than Indian Rock Path. It provides a direct pedestrian link between Indian Rock and the shops, restaurants, and the movie theater of Upper Solano Avenue.
Any time is great for walking this path. In fact, neighborhood residents can be seen with their shopping bags, kids and dogs going up and down at all hours. But, if you really want to make this walk a special occasion, try this: Enjoy a leisurely dinner and a nice wine at one of the excellent eateries on Solano. Time your meal to end about one half hour before sunset. In Berkeley’s gorgeous late afternoon light, walk up Solano to The Alameda.
At the northeast corner of Solano and The Alameda you will find the starting point of Indian Rock Path. Take the four steps up that start your gentle climb of the four sections that lead to Indian Rock. Although the path runs straight, with wooden fences on either side for most of the way, there is still an open feeling to the walk. The fences, which are nicely set back from the path, vary in height, and some are covered with vines.
You will be crossing Contra Costa and Mendocino Avenues, quiet residential streets with a neighborhood feel. It’s hard to believe that bustling Solano Avenue is just behind you. The third cross street, Arlington Avenue, is totally different. It is a major artery that extends from Berkeley’s Marin Circle through Kensington and El Cerrito. Private cars and the AC Transit number 7 line all zip along this divided road at a pretty good clip. Even the best intentioned drivers might not notice the well painted cross walk and waiting path wanderers. So, take care when crossing this thoroughfare.
After this brief bit of excitement you’re on the last short bit of the path. You’ll soon see Indian Rock rising in front of you. The path branches with the right fork leading to Indian Rock Avenue past easily negotiated steps cut into the rock face, while the left fork heads up some more conventional cement steps to end at San Mateo Road. You can go straight to the rock steps or make a quick tour around the rock where you might see rock climbers practicing their craft.
Whichever route you choose, finish your walk by climbing the steps to the top of Indian Rock and settle in for the gorgeous 180 degree vista of San Francisco and Marin. Good timing should get you at the top in time for a fabulous sunset. If it’s late January or early February you’ll catch the sun setting right in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge.
There are many easy variations for your return trip. I’d recommend going north on San Mateo Road to Mendocino Path. Take Mendocino Path down, re-cross Arlington, and continue onto Mendocino Avenue which reconnects with Indian Rock Path which returns you to Solano.
In the winter, when the sun sets early, you may reward your efforts with dinner after your sunset walk.
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