Nimitz Way

February 12, 2017

Nimitz Way is a paved, multi-use trail that is popular with hikers, runners, bikers and even families with young children. The trail can be accessed from Inspiration Point parking lot of Tilden Regional Park. The parking lot is best reached by taking Orinda/Moraga exit from Hwy 24, turning left on Camino Pablo and left on Wildcat Canyon Rd.  Even though the parking lot has space for about 40 cars, expect it to be full, especially on weekends. 

Inspiration Point is not called that without a reason. Right off the bat, you are treated to some fantastic views of the hills on the east which were sporting a lush green cover this morning.

Apollo & I started our hike on Nimitz Way walking by the commemorative structure naming the trail. The trail is largely level with some mild elevation changes along the way. On the right side, against the backdrop of the east bay hills, the San Pablo Reservoir, belonging to the East Bay Municipal Utilities District, was filled to the brim. 

As we walked ahead, the vista opened to our left in the direction of San Francisco and the bay. Soon, we were treated to some fantastic views of the Golden Gate bridge, today offering excellent visibility, sunshine and a welcome break from one of the best rainy season in several years. 

For the first 1.5 miles or so, as the trail weaves in a northwesterly direction, you will get opportunities to enjoy the views on either side Nimitz Way. The fact that the trail is set on a ridge definitely helps. And the fine weather on this Sunday morning brought out quite a few folks, including families with young children and strollers out to enjoy this easy multi-use trail.

The trail enters an eucalyptus grove around the 1.5 mile mark. For the next 1/4 mile or so, we walked through the canopy of eucalyptus trees. This trail is fully exposed and this is the only section with some measurable shade, something that will come in handy on a warmer day.

We crossed couple of trails that go into the Tilden Nature Area where dogs are not allowed. There were no takers on those trails today, given how muddy the trails were. 

Nimitz Way continues from Tilden Regional Park into the neighboring Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. The scene changes quite dramatically between these two East Bay parks. Nimitz Way in opens up to really expansive hills and views in this section. The openness, rolling green hills, grazing cattle against the backdrop of the bay and Marin has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. 

We walked almost a mile and three quarter in this park, me enjoying the fine views and Apollo enjoying the fine smells 🙂 We turned around at the 3.5 mile mark. You could easily go another mile or so ahead before Nimitz Way ends, but a seven miler was probably the right distance for Apollo today after a long break from long hikes. 

We wrapped up our seven mile out and back hike at a respectable pace of 3.3 mph. The traffic was heavier on the way back, the parking lot full and overflowing into Wildcat Canyon Rd. We will be back to both Tilden and Wildcat Canyon parks in spring when the dirt trails are drier. 

Here is the complete album of photographs from our Nimitz Way hike.