April 26, 2004

This hike was described as short but strenuous. It lived up to that billing. The trail is a fire road up the steep hills behind the Claremont Hotel. The first part is tree shaded and pleasant. Many small birds and a few squirrels chattered at us as the road switchbacked up the hill.

The final climb was quite steep and exposed on the side of the hill. The bench placed at the top of the hill was a nice treat. We sat and enjoyed the views of the San Francisco Bay from the top of the hill. The picture below shows the Bay Bridge with San Francisco in the background.

After catching our breath we started back down the steep hill. The day was pretty was hot and the shade of the large trees was a welcome relief.

We met a hiker on the way down who told us that a herd of goats is released to graze on the hill during the summer. They are used to reduce the fire danger on the steep, dry Oakland Hills.