Tilden Regional Park and Environmental Educatn Ctr

Tilden Environmental & Education center is the perfect jumping off point whether you’re a newcomer to Tilden Regional Park or a regular seeking out something new to explore. The center is conveniently located near the Little Farm and a perfect spot to bring the kids after feeding the cows. Inside you will find small but respectable mini natural history displays about the wildlife, ecology and geology of the East Bay. There are clean restrooms, a small gift shop that sells snacks, nature books and postcards and trail maps for Tilden & many other East Bay parks.
Rangers here are very helpful with guiding you to suggested hikes in Tilden based on your skill level and will even outline driving directions for you on the park map for those folks venturing out to other attractions in the park. Currently, you can pick up your 2016 East Bay Regional Parks Trails Challenge shirt here as well.
Finally, the center is a great jumping off point for several Tilden hikes. Just leave via their back door and cross the lawn for trailheads leading to Laurel Canyon, Wildcat Peak and the Sylvan trail. If you have little ones in tow, the short hike to Jewel Lake can also be picked up from the Nature Center. It honestly doesn’t get much better than Tilden when you’re looking for parks with a variety of adventures to be had. The Nature Center is another example of why Tilden is so wonderful!

When I started coming to the Tilden Environmental Education Centeras a teenager, it was a cool mini-​museum displaying information and some exhibits regarding the nature of the area. It still is today. In addition, it serves as a great starting point for hikes going on trails leading up to Wildcat Peak or the Inspiration Point trail, as well as being the start of the Wildcat Creek trail leading eventually to Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in Richmond while passing by the nearby Jewel Lake. For one thing, you can get trail maps and other information brochures for Tilden as well as other East Bay Regional Parks by the door.

Nothing says ‘Indian Summer’ more than an afternoon picnic at Tilden. Whether you’re taking a trek through the woods, or playing a game of fetch with Rover — this is the best place in the East Bay to do it. 2,700 acres of trees, lush botanical gardens, lakes, and volleyball courts. A hidden gem atop the Caldecott tunnel, Tilden park hosts everything from a carousel to a golf course to horse trails.
Grab the kids, bring the grill, don’t forget the dog, a frisbee and a baseball mitt — this park has got «America» written all over it!