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Indian Rock Park
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: North Berkeley Hills
950 Indian Rock Ave
(between Arlington Ave & Shattuck Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94707
950 Indian Rock Ave
(between Arlington Ave & Shattuck Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94707
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
68 reviews for Indian Rock Park
Nestled in the heart of the Berkeley hills - a few giant rocks perfect for the amateur climber, curious at heart or contemplative soul searcher. (Or maybe if you want to smoke out to a nice view.)
Only found 2 nuts bolted into the rocks for 1 top rope climb ... but many areas for bouldering. The top rope climbs has actually a doable overhang ... the rest of the climb you could do blindfolded. But be warned that the overhang part will be rough on your rope.
I love this place. Its nice and secluded, the view is amazing, and it was a great "vibe".
I love coming here to think and relax.
A Berkeley staple indeed.
Boys - bring your girl here to make her swoon.
Girls - hold on tight, cuz you'll be sittin' high on a rock, head over heels for your guy.
Bring a backpack for your food, as it is too hard to climb up the rock unless you and your bags have a perfect balance... or you can just sit on the benches and/or eat at the park right across the street.
Try to plan this trip on a sunny & clear day so you'll have a gorgeous view of Oakland / Berkeley / SF / Bay Area....
You'll fall in love with the Bay all over again.
Such a nice charming park, tucked away in a residential area in the North Berkeley Hills. Climb the rock for a great view of the Bay (careful not to block anyone else's view!) or enjoy a picnic at a table. Hell, bring your snack onto the rock and find a little place to sit and eat. Great spot for a zen moment. Not recommended for kids, they're too loud and want to run and climb, they disturb the calm.
Every time I came here, I could just sit here for hours staring across the East Bay in new appreciation of my home. My boyfriend and I designate this spot for our picnics. This past Sunday we picked up our items from Andronico's and trekked up to the rock with our books in tow. It was blazing hot, but it was worth it all. I even found myself nodding off at one point once I used my purse as a pillow.
It does get super busy on some days, but it is well worth an hour or two of your day to just stop and appreciate the view and some clarity.
A hidden jewel of berkeley. Perfect for bringing some friends to hang out with takeout lunch, or cuddling with your boo on a warm summer night. I usually order a box of Cheeseboard pizza w/ a 2 liter from safeway, and have a nice view of the bay on a clear warm afternoon with friends. It gets a little awkward when there's that one couple playing tonsil hockey right behind you, but most of the time, couples will keep there hormonal levels under control when you join them for the view.
I've also seen some rock climbers practicing on the north side of the boulders, which if your into might be a fun thing to do.
For those who want to get some monkey action and plan to really climb, this spot has some great routes along the northwest faces. The rock is rhyolite which means lots of crimpy but solid finger work. There's some good easy bouldering, and a V0 35-ft traverse on the smaller formation west of the road. The back of the main one has more difficult climbs though you'll likely be competing for footing.
If you don't have a billy goat scamper there are stairs notched into the south eastern face on the left. The sunsets here are like an obscenely warm, fuzzy grandma hug.
Romantic addendum to my first review: when leading your paramour around the park to see the rock in all its multifacted splendor, meander down the Indian Rock Path #2 to the break in between two houses for a surprise breathtaking vista. It'll whet the palate for the entree on top!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/7/2007
This is the first in a series of Ligaya's date planning suggestions. For a successful night that… Read more »
Gorgeous, local view of the Bay in the middle of North Berkeley. Can't get enough of it. A bit crowded at times, but hey, it's small.
It's a bit tricky to find. I usually head up to The Circle... you'll see Indian Rock road as a small branch off of Arlington. Good luck!
I went to Cal and lived in Berkeley and Oakland on and off for 7 years but I'd never seen this place before and I don't think I'd even heard of it. It's because I don't explore, apparently.
So, we randomly ended up here on a sunny afternoon and the view was gorgeous. It wasn't completely clear but enough to see the Golden Gate. After gazing out for a while and enjoying the heat, I saw some people coming up from the sides where there were no stairs so we went down. Then I watched some bouldering. Pretty impressive.
So even though the rock is marred by graffiti, it's a nice destination spot for some quiet time with someone you like. Parking was relatively easy too.
It's a warn down rock on top of a hill with some graffiti on it - right?
After a long day of debauchery and festivities, I drove the roomies to pick up some smokes and beer. I was then told by a pack of slightly drunk, slightly beligerent friends, "No, it's okay, trust us! Just get onto Marin and go straight! TRUST US!" I came very close to turning around and heading home, but I'm glad I refrained from being a wet blanket: fore at the end of our drive I was greeted with... a warn down rock on top of a hill with some graffiti on it...
...with the most majestic view of the bay I've ever seen. Wow! Besides being a little chilly (which is nothing a cigar and a bottle of beer won't solve) Indian Rock turned out to be the best place ever to end a night. We stumbled up the footpath, perched on the very top, and unpacked our provisions. The next few hours were spent bonding, swapping stories, chatting with a few other people there, trying to relieve ourselves without falling off a 50 foot cliff, and generally all the other things that make for memories of a lifetime.
A lot of life is what you make of it, but there are certain places like Indian Rock that make appreciating the finer parts of life that much easier. We've already planned a 'next time' involving giant boxes of pizza.
While my car was getting broken into, far away in the Sunset district of San Francisco, in my own driveway...
I was sitting on top of this lovely rock with my legs dangling over, peeling an orange. Absorbing the view from south of the Bay Bridge to Alcatraz and up towards Napa, with the Golden Gate looking a little less golden than usual through a far-off layer of fog. Noticing how measly downtown SF looked by comparison to the full peninsula. Chatting with lighthearted rock climbers about Yosemite. Testing out the telephoto lens on my camera.
For this time at least, I quite enjoyed the bliss in my ignorance of my car stereo's wherabouts. There are more important things.
I don't know much about Berkeley, well except there's some public university there known for smart people and a decent football team. And maybe some hippies and crazies that sit in oak trees. But yep other than that, not a whole lot.
So given the chance to meet up with a semi-long-lost-friend, I made the best of it and requested the Berkeley tour. And what a tour it was. Now really I'm directionally challenged so I have no idea how we got here, but wow who knew what a gem is sitting here in Berkeley. A full 1,000,000,000,000 carat gem.
The rock is a nice size, there's steps cut into it for easy access. And people just come on up to hang out and enjoy the great Bay Area views. Come here with your loved ones and relax, enjoy a picnic, and the serene environs. Don't bother bringing your enemies, this rock isn't big enough to toss them to their untimely but well deserved deaths.
Ummmm, yeah anyway, nice rock, great views, a Berkeley treat... one of three things to know about Berkeley.
This is one of my favorite spots in Berkeley. What an incredible view there is of the bay, bridges and mountains afar. I've taken several trusting friends, I say trusting because I didn't want everybody to know about this place. At this point, it doesn't seem to matter.
I've taken many jogs to the rock and enjoyed the fantastic views of the beautiful bay. Wow, it takes my breath away every single time I visit. Some people rock climb here and that's always fun to watch. I've had good conversation here with friends, enjoyed the seclusion on my own and even partook in delectable make out sessions. All of which I am truly fond of.
If you do go to Indian Rock be aware of the surrounding neighborhood and try to keep it down. Clean up after your dog and don't hog the top area.
Enjoy the views, nature and come here for if you're looking for solitude at its finest.
This is one of my favorite little spots to hang out in Berkeley. It's in a nice little area with lots of safe looking people and it's something that I can climb without worrying too much about injuring myself!
The view from the top is astonishing. You can see the whole bay from here and there are lots of spots to hang out and watch the sunset.
There aren't many moments in life where you can sit quietly and be content, but a few of those I've found on top of this rock :)
Anytime you find a spot with a great view of the Bay Area you gotta love it...
This little rock is slightly hidden a few blocks away from Solano Ave., in the middle of a residential area. The rock isn't terribly difficult to climb from the front side-- but it is a little more tricky from the back.
Once you get up it's a nice view of the east bay, giving you a straight away shot looking right at the Golden Gate Bridge. You can kinda also see the west side of SF from this view, which is cool.
I would give it 5 stars(because i love views of the Bay Area) but the sides are blocked off by trees, so it's not a very commanding view... and also, if you do bring kids here, take them up the trail in the front of the rock and be careful!
This is my favorite rock!
(based on the last time i was there 10 years ago)
It's consistent. Because it's a rock.
Sometimes there are creepy people here (-1 star) but mostly, it's a good spot to relax and gain some perspective in life.
Plus any amazing happenings in the sky (lunar eclipse, star shower) look amazing from here and it's less risky to get here than up to inspiration point in the pitch dark!
It's a big rock in the middle of Berkeley. You climb it, stand on top, look out onto the bay, and realize how minuscule you are in the grand scheme of life.
A great place to take cute-sy pics too!
I have yet to be wowed by any of Berkeley's commercial districts (who knew the Gourmet Ghetto would look just like any other (admittedly mature) suburban strip?), but the winding, leafy streets of the North Berkeley Hills...now that's a siren call to leave the heady rush of SF for an only slightly less overpriced existence sipping tea in your million-dollar faux-cottage amongst the redwoods, maybe raising some organic zero-carbon kids while you're at it.
So if you find yourself strolling around up here and contemplating your future lifestyle, make sure to swing by Indian Rock Park for a classic view of San Francisco and the bay. And ask yourself: if I break up with SF, will it be awkward to still be seeing each other like this all the time? Or should I just make a clean break and head for Portland? Decisions, decisions.
Went here on my first date with my boyfriend. We walked up here after parking in residential area. The rock steps are really awesome as you climb up to the top. What I really enjoyed was the view out to the bay. At times you can see the Bart trailing along towards Berkeley. But there is a skunk like smell around this area, wonder what that could be???
But this is a park where I'd like to read books up on the top of the rock on non rainy days. Other than that, I wouldn't feel safe on the ground near all the people lurking in the bushes.
This is a great park! Make lots of noise! Lots and lots of noise! And let your dogs run around without leashes on!
There's a neighbor who has been trying to get the park shut down through the city because he's sick of the noise and cars parking on his street. I mean REALLY!!!!!! The park was there when he moved in, but he thinks because he owns a bunch of property up in the hills and has a ton of money that he can just waltz down to the City and shut down Indian Rock Park!
Puhleeeeeese
One of the best things about Berkeley is that it is close to nature. You can drive to Tilden Park, or drive out to the coastline. But Berkeley has, within its city limits, various wonderful locations for those who just want a demitasse of nature instead of a cup.
I would love to sit at the International House Cafe at the top of Bancroft Avenue and look down at the sun glistening on the Bay, or hike the fire trails above Memorial Stadium. For an experience that is equal parts reflective and surreal, however, nothing beats climbing up Indian Rock.
For one, this rock seems to be in the middle of nowhere--it juts up among regular homes and streets. And the climb up is precarious, just narrow steps hewn from the rock itself. Up, up, up--groping in the dark, loose gravel. The wind and cold. Drunk people hopping from ledge to ledge.
But once you get up to the top and find a perch: what a feeling! Looking out over trees and homes and land and water. A place to go for quiet thought, tranquility, and solitude. A little bit of nature in the middle of the city.
for such a small it packs a punch.
Great view of the bay, cool sunset location.
I would go 20 minutes out of my way to sit at this spot for 5 minutes.
good date picnic location.
its hard not to give clean free parks with breathtaking views 5 stars
I love this place. It's fun to come with friends chill and eat food or whatever.
Always a good time.
Cool for little kids, too.
I guess just don't wear high heels, that could be uncomfortable. And you may want to bring a jacket, it always gets cold.
Additionally, you may want to watch out for the inconsiderate 40-something year olds who come and SMOKE WEED occasionally in front of large families full of small, impressionable children. But whatevs.
I bet all those haters, those people who taunted and mocked the rock collectors in grade school, are all kicking themselves now! Rocks are back baby and bigger than ever! They're great for bouldering, climbing, and taking first dates for a sunset view from the peak.
I suggest men (and women) use this line, taken from the tv series Touching Evil: "When I say you're beautiful, I don't mean you're beautiful in a sexual manner. I mean you're beautiful like the night sky is beautiful, like birds in flight are beautiful."
Dang what a cool little place. I had heard about it from a friend at PG Sunnyvale who says he climbs there a lot, and had it on my list to try. I keep my climbing gear in my car so today we were able to boulder around a bunch. There are some nice traverses and, while I didnt have any guide to the routes, some residual chalk showed up a few that we then mucked around on. At the top is a great view and all the people up there were sending feel good vibes. We were only distracted by a leathery hippie playing a guitar and singing on the bench. Ouch.
And I love how some of the surrounding houses have built their houses around the natural rock on their properties. It's a special place.
Best park in Berkeley.
Puts it all in perspective, I'll tell you what.
I've been working on a spot that I cannot climb at this place since '98...
Keep it clean and quiet people!
I came here a long time ago and scaled the rock barefoot. That's what happens when you have lady shoes on that don't mesh with nature.
The boy and I sat atop and watched the sun set. Great views, great moment. I should really go back there...
I'm a whore for views, and Berkeley has some *amazing* views of the Bay Area - the Campanile (the top and at its base), Lawrence Hall of Science, Grizzly Peak Road, the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Marina, but in my opinion, none of them are as good as from the top of Indian Rock Park.
My ex-girlfriend actually took me here for the first time, and apparantly it's a total make-out spot for Berkeley High kids. We got a baguette and some camembert from the Cheeseboard, and made our way over to Indian Rock Park, which is just off of Marin Circle in North Berkeley.
We climbed to the top, which is a fun activity to do in itself, and were greeted to an AMAZING view of the entire Bay Area - just absolutely breath-taking. Seriously, it's good stuff. And it's one of those "Only locals know" type of places. Love it.
This is where I come when I'm feeling antsy and I can't think of anything to do. The perfect fallback location.
My friends and I spent a lot of time here during the summer when we were in high school so the nostalgia helps.
Oh yea, and the spectacular view.
Most cities just don't have something this cool chillin in the middle of them.
This is one of those "can't lose" spots to take people (even yourself). It's got an amazing view of the Bay, including three bridges, so it's a no-brainer to go for sunset.
The only thing to keep in mind it's a bit dangerous to get up on the rock. There is a carved-into-the-rock staircase, but be sure you're wearing reasonable shoes (no heels, sexy ladies!) and if it's dark, be sure you have a flashlight, especially if it's your first time.
Best of all, this is a FREE Bay-Area attraction. It's close to the street so you don't have to park and hike in for 1/4 mile, but it's not right *AT* the street, (unlike at Twin Peaks, another free spot with a killer view, but it's basically also a parking lot, and there are cars spewing gaseous fumes with people making out in them right next to you.) (Here the young lovers might be up the rock from you.)
Bring champagne or a picnic or nothing at all. This is one of the best places to bring people to that's easy to get to and costs zero. Get thee to Indian Rock.
Giant rocky outcrop in North Berkeley with cool views of the San Francisco skyline from across the bay (just blocks from restaurants and shops on Solano Ave).
Come during the day and clamor around like mountain goats with local kids; come around sunset and be joined by a dozen or so romantic little hippie picnics.
I once walked up Indian Rock barefoot. That was a bad idea.
But the view at the top is not.
Come up with a bottle of wine and a loved one and enjoy the sunset. Or a group of rowdy friends and a handle of Jack and try not to fall off the big rock. Just wear shoes.
Indian Rock has a great range of bouldering problems with an awesome view of San Francisco from the top. Good place to go if you want get outside and boulder on a nice day but you don't want to travel very far from the city. I was working on the pegboard yesterday and couldn't quite get "White Man Can't Jump". I guess asian women can't jump either. For more info about the routes and beta:
http://www.rockclimbin...
This is a cool little spot in the middle of the hill in Berkeley. Its two sets of granite boulders in the middle of a residential area. This is the local place for climbers to work on some pretty famous bouldering problems. I am to understand that there are some pretty tough routes here, I only tried the easiest, "Beginners Crack". I made it but it was ugly.
Anyway come here to climb when you don't have time to make it out to some serious climbing elsewhere, but bring your crash pad and some chalk...
Thanks to Yelp, my friend and I came up here to check it out. It's definitely not what I expected at first. There's definitely not much climbing to this. On one side of the rocks, there are steps that leads the way to the top and on the other side, I saw two gentleman rock climbing this one rock. It is easy to get up and there's only around 20 steps. At the top, it does have a lovely view of the whole bay area. I took the advice from fellow yelpers and had a picnic up there. Nice view. Will have to go back for their sunset.
Perfect for picnics with an amazing view of the entire east bay and the GG. Good outdoor climbing in Berkeley.
Indian rock is a rock formation surrounded by a small park in the middle of a quiet residential neighborhood. Many come for climbing. But there are steps carved on one side, so this is an ideal place for non-climbers as well.
Parking can be a total bitch on nice days where it seems that everyone is trying to catch the perfect sunset.
Fun times all the time, rain or sun. Great views almost always even when SF is a bit covered in fog. Climbing up to the top and surveying the land is a unique local experience.
Try to clean up people! Too many times I've seen trash and used cigs around.
There's the Golden gate, and downtown oakland....and oh! the city...you know mt tam is the highest point in the area? well there it is. There's alameda...
and so on...
I've heard this about 5 or 6 times in two visits to the park.
Just take in the beauty without the commentary...
good place to climb with some sheer faces, and coves.
-1 for barking dogs and their barking owner at the house just below the rock.
-1 for carved stairs (WTF??)
+1 for good outdoor qwikies!
+1 for hope that the park will be expanded--there's so much exposed rock on people's property...ridiculous that it isn't a public space, 'cause rock parks rock.
SF may have Twin Peaks, Berkeley has Indian Rock. One of the few places perfect for sunsets, late nights, star gazing, making out... I went here at night on the eve of 4th of July. It was perfect and we got to see some test run fireworks from all over the Bay.
Wear your sneakers, bring lots of flashlights and warm clothes. You'll have to do some hiking and climbing to get to the top but the view is worth it all. Indian Rock is in the middle of a residential area so please be kind and don't disturb the neighbors.
