Wildcat Canyon Wander

We'll hike to the ruins of the Grande Vista Sanitarium, where Dr Henrick Belgum and his sisters used unconventional techniques to treat their patients. We'll explore the grounds of the mysterious old sanitarium, enjoy grand views, and learn how a climate event caused a portion of the Wildcat Creek trail to become known as the "Road to Nowhere." The nearby community of North Richmond is a Greenbelt Alliance Climate Resilience Hotspot.

Our route includes a visit to Alvarado Park, included on the National Register of Historic Places because of its amazing stonework and “rustic park architecture” constructed during the Great Depression. We may also trek to the site of the first oil well in the Bay Area, drilled way back in 1892!

TOTAL DISTANCE

This is a moderate hike of about 4 miles round trip with a 700-foot elevation gain.

LEADER

Ken Lavin

WEATHER POLICY

Rain cancels

COST

Free, Reservations required

WHERE TO MEET

We’ll assemble at the Alvarado Staging area.

From El Cerrito, take Interstate 80 east (towards Sacramento) to Richmond and exit at Solano Ave. Turn left at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Amador. Continue on Amador to the second stop sign, which will be McBryde Ave. Turn right on McBryde and continue to the first stop sign. There are ornamental stone pillars and a tall hedge on the left. For the staging area and trail access, continue straight through the stop sign, putting you on Park Ave. The Wildcat Canyon staging area is approximately 1/4 mile farther on Park Ave.

From North Richmond and Pinole, take I-80 west to the McBryde exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto McBryde Ave. Follow McBryde to the second stop sign. The ornamental stone pillars to your left mark the entrance to Alvarado Park. Proceed straight through the stop sign onto Park Ave. for approximately 1/4 mile to reach the Alvarado Staging area.

NOTES

Bring snacks, lunch, and water. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring hiking poles if you normally use them. If you have questions about this outing, email [email protected] or phone (415) 543-6771 x321.

Photo: Daniel Ramirez via Flickr

Ken Lavin is the Outing Coordinator for Greenbelt Alliance and has been leading our free educational outings for over a decade. Ken worked as a national park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as an instructor for Diablo Nature Adventures, teaching environmental science to school groups in Mount Diablo State Park.

Host or Publisher Greenbelt Alliance