Adventures: Hiking the San Pablo Ridge & Wildcat Creek Loop by Ann Marie Brown Wildcat Canyon Regional Park When it comes to views, I’ve always preferred a sea of conifers to a sea of civilization. Still, the wide-angle scene from Wildcat Canyon Regional Park -- truly an urban view -- leaves a lasting impression. Follow Wildcat Creek Trail, an old paved road. In a half mile, take Belgum Trail and ascend the hillside. Its prairielike expanse is covered in autumn with invading armies of tall, dried-out pom-poms, the fall wardrobe of cardoon thistles. In spring, you’ll see big yellow mule’s ears and plenty of blue-eyed grass. Keep looking over your right shoulder as you hike. In short order you’ll gain enough elevation to be rewarded with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area, from Vallejo to San Francisco and the southern East Bay. On a clear day, you can pick out all the famous landmarks: Bay Bridge, Transamerica Pyramid, Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and so on. Belgum Trail tops out at a trail juncture. Bear right and ascend more steeply to gain San Pablo Ridge Trail, then Nimitz Way Trail, and even wider views. The trail hugs the ridgetop, and the vistas keep changing with every footstep. There’s San Pablo Reservoir and Briones Reservoir behind it, plus looming Mount Diablo, all on your left. Then there’s San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island on your right. At every turn in the trail, over every hill, you get a slightly different twist on the view. Loop back by turning right on Havey Canyon Trail, then right again on Wildcat Creek Trail. The Details Length: 6.8 miles round-trip Difficulty: Moderate Best Season: Best in the cooler weather of fall, winter, or spring Highlights: Bay and city views Map: A free park map is available at the trailhead. Trail Guide: 101 Great Hikes of the San Francisco Bay Area (Foghorn Outdoors) Park Information:East Bay Regional Park District, (510) 635-0135 or (510) 562-7275 Website: www.ebparks.org Getting There: From Richmond BART, take AC bus #68 to McBryde Avenue and Arlington Boulevard. Walk uphill on McBryde Avenue a short distance to the park entrance.