Directions to Hillside Natural Area
What To Google
Or set up Google to take you to 1203 King Dr. This is the house right next to the end of King Ct, where the trail begins.
Directions From 80
Take highway 80 and get off on Central Ave. Make a left on San Pablo Ave or Ashbury Ave and go up Moeser Lane. Make a left on Shevlin Place, a left on Shevlin Dr, and stay on the left at the fork until you get to the end of King Court.
Directions From Arlington
From Arlington Blvd, make a left on Moeser Lane and go downhill. Make a right on Shevlin Place, a left on Shevlin Dr, and stay on the left at the fork until you get to the end of King Court. King Ct is a very small street with little parking. You might need to park on King Dr or Shevlin Dr. to avoid blocking a driveway by mistake.
Description
This park has been a source of inspiration for painters since the mid-seventies, with its multi-city views of streets, the bay and Mount Tam. The King Court trailhead connects to the Ridge Trail, which stays high and hugs the hill as you walk north. Or you can take the Ken Smith Trail down to the southern part of the park (but it will be a challenge to climb it with your gear after painting). The Ridge Trail is the one marked on my map because it has shaded areas at its beginning, which turn into sunny but windy spots with breathtaking views of several cities, the bay, and Mount Tam. This hill-hugging trail is not very wide, but it will accommodate an easel without obstructing the way for hikers. There are no bathrooms, and there is no water either. The sunny spots can get hot and/or windy in the summer. Bring shades and a small umbrella.
History
At the bottom of the hill you can see a steep, bowl-shaped depression that was a 19th-20th century quarry. According to the City of El Cerrito, much of the Hillside Natural Area was “gifted to the City of El Cerrito by various donors, including owners of the quarry located at the end of Schmidt Lane.” In 2013 the City acquired 7.6 acres of open space adjacent to the Hillside Natural Area, known as the Madera property. A recycling facility built by volunteers in the seventies sits where the quarry once was and can easily be seen from above.
