Hike Nimitz Way from Inspiration Point

Looking for a nice hike after (or during) a rain?  Nimitz is paved so no worries about mud or washed out trails.  There are plenty of options to make this a loop by picking up one of the offshoot trails, you can add distance and elevation while getting your feet in the dirt.  

Starting from the Inspiration Point parking lot off Wildcat Canyon road, this wide trail stretches 4 miles through Tilde and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks.  You will be accompanied by plenty of people with dogs, on bikes, running, and enjoying a leisurely stroll.

There is little elevation gain, though a few hills in the beginning are enough to get your heart rate up a bit if you hit them at a good pace.  The pavement is uneven and rutted in areas, so certainly watch your step as you normally would when hiking.  

We were hunting for a place to do a little hiking on a rainy weekend morning.  Nimitz Way was an excellent answer to our dreams, and a lot of others were there as well.  

The rain created a lovely fog in the eucalyptus groves, we saw red tailed hawks hovering and hunting in the hills, and quail running across our trail. Occasionally the fog lifted and the sky cleared, we were able to see from San Francisco to the San Pablo Reservoir.

I've also enjoyed this hike as a full moon hike.  Enjoy the offshoot trails while the sun is up and arrive at Wildcat Peak before sunset.  Bring a snack and maybe some wine and enjoy the sunset.  After the sun goes down, enjoy the moon until you want to head back to the car.

Note: Nimitz Way is dog friendly, however some of the offshoot trails into Tilden may not be.