My biking/hiking buddy called and asked if I wanted to go on a hike or bike ride--I told her I really wanted to visit Indian Rock. We had ridden by Indian Rock on our bikes many times before and I was impressed with its beauty and popularity even while surrounded by homes.We ended up hiking from her home in Albany. We hiked through 2 small parks on the way up the hill. John Hinkel Park was a sweet surprise that we walked through--I want to go back there shortly after it rains to see the waterfalls.We also climbed up Mortar Rock on our trek to Indian Rock. I want to recommend parking at the base of the hill and take many of the paths through the neighborhoods. Parking can be a problem at Indian Rock. Another benefit of parking at the base of the hill and walking up is the aerobic exercise. My friend measured that we had walked 20 flights of stairs on our hike.I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes that dont slip. There are steps carved into Indian Rock which makes it a pretty easy climb. If you plan on sitting on the top of the Rock for a while--I highly recommend bringing water. If its a sunny day bring a hat, and if it is foggy or windy wear layers.For me, this is an amazing nature experience (but in a neighborhood)! It is very grounding to be there. You can easily go into a meditative state, or enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the Bay Area.
For those who dont want to go up to Grizzly Peak or just want a beautiful view, Indian Rock is a place everyone should visit at least once. You can free hand climb it or take the stairs carved into the giant rock. Best time to go is a clear day or evening.
A beautiful place to view the San Francisco skyline... But you have to climb a big rock and there is no railings imor anything, hence sometimes it can be dangerous. There is a small set of steps carved in one of the corners of the rock and that is definitely helpful to climb, so try to walk around the rock, find the steps and climb that way. There is no light during the night hence bring flashlight or your phone light should be fine.
I usually come to watch the sunsets, but my kids love crawling and climbing the rocks. The view is perfect with the sun setting close to the bridge during fall/winter seasons. It gets crowded, but nothing to complain about. Just make sure to watch your kids and not have them throw anything from the top because other people are bouldering down below.
It was beautiful I am sure but got there on the cloudy late afternoon...😅😅 I couldnt see anything. Hopefully next time I will be lucky to catch the sunset.🌷🌷🌹🌹🌺🌺💗💗
I have enjoyed indian rock for 40 years. It can get a little crowded around sunset so getting there early to stake your plot is ideal. I usually incoorporate the rock into a weekend hike up the stair path from the top of Solano. If youve never been here its worth the experience no matter how many people are plopped on top.
It has spectacular views of the Bay and Berkeley. It is also fantastic for casual climbers all the way up to the aspiring Alex Honnolds to mantle without climbing gear. No bathrooms that I know of, and the little ones will need more than a dozen warnings not to climb the jagged stuff!
Great view of San Francisco and the bay. nice easy climb up the rocks. kid friendly take the family. its in the middle of a neighborhood it was a pain to find parking. there is a walk path with hidden coves to sit and enjoy nature.
Great view of the city. Carved stairs into the rock, easy access
Little gem amid residential neighborhood in Berkeley. Massive rocks that can be climbed with the occasional carved out steps.. beautiful spot to watch the sun set…
Beautiful place for a sunset, but prepare for some level of pot smoke.
Nice interesting lookout point. Kids love it.
Such a cool spot! fun for all ages. everyone is blown away when I take them here and they see the view
Small but have a great view of bay area.
Awesome place 😎What a view of sunset and Bay , luv it .
Great place to watch sunsets! It’s a short drive from UC Berkeley. It gets pretty crowded in summer. It’s a solid piece of a monolithic rock. Fortunately there are roughly hewn steps that make the climb very easy. Sadly people had left behind plenty of litter. Empty beer bottles, plastic cups and plates.
Rugged piece of nature protruding from the earth with stunning bay views.
View of the whole Bay Area, can see multiple bridges! Easy to climb to summit, also has decent bouldering spots for more advanced climbers.
Its a nice piece of rock! Westward facing so great sunsets and high above the tree line. Lots of climbing problems. Easy parking and access to other rocks nearby.
Mortar rock indian rock bouldering is da bomb
Be aware there are no gaurd rails on rock! Not for anyone old or young who arent confident and sure footed. Also, there are stairs carved into the east side and the west side. West side is much easier. We didnt realize this when we first arrived. My 4 year old was able to make it up and down but it was a bit sketchy on the east stairs. Wonderful view of SF Bay.
Fun spot for all levels of climbers.
Cool, little park great views
Its filled with white tech climbers who have no awareness of anyone around them. Rock is good though
Beautiful place to view the San Francisco skyline, but you have to climb a big rock and there is no railings, sometimes it can be dangerous.
View wise Its really good. It is crowded and dirty but nice overlook.
Beautiful view. Great history.
Truly a magnificent gem in the Berkeley hills. A must go to place!!!
Fun little spot to visit with fun climbing. Parking may be difficult on weekends.
There are steps for non-climbers who would like to get a nice of the bay. Great for meditation, or a simple lunch.. or just a stop to take a breath. Parking is bit tough.. tight small streets in a residential neighborhood.
Eh. It was alright, but it’s really small. Sure the view was pretty good, but I guess I was expecting more? I suppose if you’ve never been before, it’s worth checking it out, but since I’ve already seen all kinds of great views of the Bay Area, it wasn’t that appealing to me
Great views of The Bay from north Berkeley. Technical Climbing/Bouldering available, as well as easy-going steps to the top.
Magnificent park in great weather.
Hella fun
This very good place
Great view & memories for many generations.
Great rocks to climb right around the sites
Beautiful spot, over-populated around sundown, but its got a great view. not too hard to get to.
Beautifully place to visit if you live views ! Make sure tou wear tenishoes because to get the the top you habe to climb a few rocks 😉🧗♂️🧗♀️
I had a little trouble climbing up. I do not have good balance so I felt uncomfortable (Ive had some health issues recently). Im overweight and over 50). My husband and daughter were fine. On a clear day it is a great view. Walk up Indian Rock Path from The Alameda at Solano Ave. Or you can drive up to it.
Great climbs. Friendly folks.
Great place to rock climb
Great view and vibes
Nice place…
Fun problems, easy access, great place to just hang out. If your not into bouldering come for the view using the stairs to get to the top.
Great view on a clear night!
Great spot over Berkeley. Practice rock climbing on one side, or sit & stare over a great view towards SF bay on a big rock.
Some of the best views in Berkeley ofbthe sf bay area and the sunsets are absolutely amamzing
Beautiful views of the bay!
I cant get enough of this rock! I love the opportunity to hone my rock climbing skills. The community of individuals whom frequent the rock are absolutely phenomenal. The view of the San Francisco Bay is gorgeous. Highly, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Great place to see sunset as well as get a view of SF and golden gate bridge!
Great bouldering, great views, great scenery. Indian Rock is a great destination for a casual walk or a fun climb.
Best view in the bay.
One of the best views Ive seen so far!!!