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Home Resource Center In the News Home Greenbelt Alliance in the News |
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Greenbelt Alliance In the News
December 27, 2007 Urban Outings: Indian Rock, Berkeley Gail ToddThis is the most spectacular of the volcanic rock outcroppings known as Northbrae rhyolite that rise up in northeast Berkeley. Smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood, Indian Rock can be found on Indian Rock Avenue between Shattuck Avenue and San Mateo Road. On the north side of the rock, world-class rock climbers have honed their skills for decades. Dick Leonard, often called "the father of modern rock climbing," and environmental leader David Brower both practiced here. On the south side, gentle steps wind up the rock, allowing even young children to carefully climb the rock and enjoy a commanding vista. Indian Rock Park was a gift to Berkeley from developer, conservationist and climber Duncan McDuffie, who built the Northbrae and Claremont neighborhoods and believed in linking neighborhoods to their natural environment. Steps were carved during Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal years. What you'll find: The best way to enjoy the rock is to first walk completely around it. You will see the chalk marks on the rocks where climbers practice - and you very probably will see climbers themselves. Continue around the rock until you come to two sets of steps cut into the rock. (The lower set of steps is easier to navigate.) Climb to the very top, where you can rest on a rocky bench and take in a sweeping view that encompasses Oakland, San Francisco, the Marin Headlands, Mount Tamalpais, the Golden Gate Bridge and, on a clear day, the San Mateo Bridge as well. Naturally, with such great views, you may have to share the summit with romantic couples, students, families, wine drinkers and the occasional dog. At sunset, Indian Rock is an especially popular date spot. Before you sit down, check for glass from bottles that have been left behind. When you've had enough climbing, cross Indian Rock Avenue for a brown-bag lunch at the picnic area. Here you will find some smaller rock outcroppings, picnic tables, a barbecue pit and a grassy field. If you didn't pack lunch, walk down Indian Rock Path to Solano Avenue to enjoy one of the many cafes and restaurants in the shopping district there. Getting there: Via public transportation, from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station, take the No. 18 bus at the southeast corner of Shattuck Square at Center Street, and get off at Solano Avenue and The Alameda. Cross The Alameda and walk up Indian Rock Path until it ends at Indian Rock Park. There's your favorite Urban Outing? To suggest a spot, contact Gail Todd, a longtime Bay Area resident, tour leader for San Francisco City Guides and author of "Lunchtime Walks in Downtown San Francisco." Urban Outings are presented by Greenbelt Alliance, which is celebrating its 50th year in 2008. Greenbelt Alliance is the San Francisco Bay Area's advocate for open spaces and vibrant places. For more Urban Outings as well as Greenbelt Outings, visit www.greenbelt.org/outings. ### |
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