Lower stairway 25, middle 34 steps, Upper stairway 3 steps and a long uphill walkway
Billy Jean Stairway Walk was extraordinary. The green leafy plants and purple colors were eye catching, to along with it was a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge. My last stairway walk involved a mysterious man who had claimed to have daily encounters with a ghost who resembled a small man with a mustache. That left me with an uneasy feeling and left me off the East Bay Stairs for a fair amount of time. But today I had the inkling to experience the remarkable world of stairs. The smell of the flowers, the eye catching views, the victorious feeling received when culminating to the top. Adventurous activities that have became known and appreciated in our nation include cycling, surfing, rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking. But the one off beat activity that is slowly gaining curious followers is the art of Climbing steps. After being spooked out by Javier, I just had to make my way back to the world of exploring Stairs. Cragmont Rock Park had some enormous rocks and steep hills. I started my hike in this covert area. The nice Pinnacle Path: Half a block down the hill from Cragmont Rock Park, just after house 979. 22 total steps. This is the top of the Billy Jean Walk past 920 Hillsdale ave. It comprises of 2 different stairways (upper 66) and (lower 77) The photo on the right is a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is visible on site from the left picture, just not in the photo. Above are some more shots of the upper Billy Jean Walk. The leafy flowers delivered tranquility. It resembled a mini version of the gardens in the Filbert Walk, San Francisco. 77 steps, the lower part of Billy Jean Walk Above is the Rock Walk, passed 810 Euclid. It was a total of 27 small steps, nevertheless nice and elegant A nice glass view on Rock Ln 933 Spruce street had some elegant stairs called the Easter Walk
Lower stairway 25, middle 34 steps, Upper stairway 3 steps and a long uphill walkway
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It's been a short while. Due to other obligations, I haven't discovered new stairways in a couple of weeks. But to say the least, this was uniquivicoally the most prodigous experience yet. This splendid stairway route deposited me to a spot in which I met this myterious, spanish nomadic fellow who had something very interesting to state regarding these steps and the ghosts that he supposedly encouters quite frequently. The man also had some offbeat and perhaps disturbing philosophies regarding the steps and he shared me a good 15 minute rundown. I was all ears. I also witnessed a plethora of ameciable animals who startled me from the bushes, trees, ect.. I witnessed an unpredented view that was composed of Mt. Tampalis, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the heavy clouds amongst it. I started off the Glendale Path, right on Glendale. My first stairway (photo 1 (Glendale Path) had 33 concrete steps, which became a dirt path, shortly followed by 38 railroad ties. This landed me on Queens Rd, to climb the 2nd (photo 2) out of 3rd segment for the Glendale Path: an unsurpassed experience that I will never forget. I ascended about 2/3 of the way of the 40 steep rail road steps. I was huffing, puffing and was simply experiencing the affect of a 2 week stair withdrawl. The odd spanish hippy fellow who was in his mid 60's, stopped me on the steps. ''Young Man'' he stuttered, ''These steps are your life. You will find your destiny on these steps if you look within.'' I chuckled, and replied, ''Huh?'' The spanish man said, '' Javier is my name. These stairs are pretty Prettyy- PRETTYYY Steep.'' I replied, ''Yea they take a long time to get used too.'' He went on about how these steps could lead you to a multitude of possibilities. He touted '' But it's not the size of the stairs that intrigues me. It's the meaning covered in these step. You can find a girlfriend on these steps. You can find your path in life. You can find bliss. But you could also run into a stealty man who slaughters you with a knife and ends your life, he he he. So one minute you think you're going to have a wonderful day and the next minute someone from the bushes shoots you with a sniper. But you can manufactuer wonderful ideas on these steps. But just like life, death is always following you over your shoulders as you walk the steps. Don't be sad or comfortable. You could get kidnapped and get thrown under the Golden Gate Bridge. Or you could also find a million dollars. So while death is following you, life is following you. These steps are divine. They repressent destiny.'' I was out of words for a moment. Slightly confused, a bit horrified. I asked him what his experience on these steps entailed. He went on to say that every night just right before dark, he encouters a ghost named Hopsin. According to him Hopsin resemembeled a very brittle old man with a commanding mustache and a hostile strut. Was his best friend. I don't remember the whole story but he said that Hopsin was killed on these steps decades ago by his ex wife. She just jumped out of the bushes and ended his life. To be honest, I didn't know if he was just fabricating this or if he was telling me the truth. I asked Javier, ''You really see a ghost on this Glendale Path?'' Javier replied, ''These steps aint just steps kid. These are magical paths to the divine. These steps have minds. They can go inside your head and read your very own thoughts. But don't be afraid. You will find your destiny on these steps if you focus. They look like steps for exercise, but within these steps lies the secrets to our universe. I see many things around here. Did you know that you're about to ascend a staiway that has rocks over 100 million years old? I do in fact see the spirits of the most holy on the steps. These steps are neither good or bad. These steps are what you make of them.'' I had this subtle uneasy feeling in my stomach. He smiled at me gleefully, strutted away and told me to continue to cultivate myself. Something like this was a bit dramatic but worth writing about. You do tend to witness unusual things on the steps of the bay area whether it be a ghost hunter, a wild turkey, an odd sculpture, a 100 year old rock, or an unbelievable view. One thing was certain. I crossed Fairlawn Street. It culminated me to a plaque that stated the rock are over 65 million years old. Simply put, Ancient. The 3rd segment of the Glendale Path composed of 53 steps, and 13 stone steps. (photo 3 and 4) I thought hard and deeply about what the unconventional man meant. He was mysterious, but quite compelling. Did he really see ghosts on these steps or was he just being metaphoric to sound like a new age hipster? Beats me. I swerved right after reaching the intersection of Fairlawn and Arcade. I found my next set of steps by house 151. These steps were part of my last East Bay Walk and you can view them from my last post. This is the Columbian Walk. 30 rail road steps deposit me to Grizzly Peaks Blvd. I croosed the street and found the Atlas path (photo 6) at house 1311 which is 87 rail tie steps, and also featured in my last post. Today's view segrated from last time's view, as it was 100 times more clear, looking at the bay. I reached Hill Road and Atlas Place. A blue jay (photo7) called for my attention. I noticed how well he blendid in with the green leaves and branches. I turned left on Hill until I reached house 80 and 90. I saw an unpredented view and I promise you that I am not using the word ''unprecedented'' lightly. Right in front of my eyes: Mt. Tampalis, the clouds hovered over and aroun Mt. Tampalis, the whole bay, the GG and Bay Bridge. However, this view was large and nothing was hindering it. I felt like I had climbed a mountain. My words I said to myself outloud. ''Are you kidding me? WOW!'' (PHOTO 8) I followed a hidden path on the right and it descended me down to Sasha Road. I appreciated the energized blue water fountain. (photo 9) It delivered me a refreshing vibe, just what I needed after hearing about the mysterious Hopsin. I turned staight ahead past the fountain into ''Park Hills.'' Turning left, I found the Fred Herbert Path. It had 3 segments. I climbed down 42 rail road tie steps, 40 stairs, and then over 130 steps. (photo 10 and 11) I climbed back up 64 steps to Hilbrew Rd. I walked right and beared left on Woodside Road. I found the Muir Path (photo 12) between houses 1088 and 1100. 24 smooth steps. As I reached the top, I was startled by a deer. (photo 13) For a moment I was thinking about Hopsin, haha. I appreciate the deer that stood stoic. I sat down for a while on the grassy area and gazed my eyes at the open space (photo 14). I strutted left and found another 24 wooden steps (photo 15), which led me up to Muir Way. I walked straight and turned left on Grizzly Peaks. After 1160, I found the Stoddard Path. 71 stairs that dropped me to 1165 Miller Ave. I turned left and found my final staircase, the Shasta Path, 137 steps down. As I climbed down, a little man with a mustache smiled at me. No joke. Photo 1: The first Stairway on Glendale Path Photo 2: 2nd segment of Glendale Path photo 3: 3rd segment of Glendale Path and the 65 million year old rocks photo 5- 13 stone steps photo 6 photo 7 photo 8 photo 9 photo 11 photo 13 photo 14 photo 15
Prior to starting my stairway journey for today, I encountered 4 wild turkeys on Avenida Ave. Though thanksgiving is 4 months away, I was thankful to perform the 541 steps that this route culminated into. Starting off in Terrace View Park, I meandered around and passed by parts of Grizzly Peaks, and the Lawrence Hall of Science. This route consisted of stairways with entrance points, that could have been mistaken for exclusive property or driveways, the stairs were primarily composed of redwood steps/ rail road tires , and the excursion provided an adventurous vibe. In the midst of the route, was a dirt trail by a golf course, that I followed for a one third of a mile. The later half of this route composed of what is known as the grandest view in all of Berkeley. After ascending stairs to reach profound heights, I got the sense that this potential view was a grand one, unfortunately a profuse amount of fog inhibited my ability to view anything. To perform this route. Start off on Terrace View Park: by Avenida and Queens Rd. Walk up 35 steps in the park, up to Fairlawn Dr. Turn left until you see a sign that reads ''Columbia Walk.'' Then walk along a path by the trees and houses, after climbing up 7 steps and 6 wooden steps. Climb up 30 railroad steps (photo 2) up into Grizzley Peak Blvd. Cross the street and turn left. Turn up into the driveway next to 1131. Climb up 87 steep railroad ties (photo 3). Arrive on Atlas Place. Walk straight ahead onto Atlas, where it meets Summit Rd. Summit Road takes you to the Selby Trail (photo 4). Turn right and notice the golf course on your left. After reaching the MOZEN bench, continue ahead, but turn on the right trail, that leads you down to the road. Walk all the way to your right where Grizzly Peak Blvd intersects with Centennial Rd. Turn left on Centennial until you reach Gauss Way. Turn left until you reach the Space Science Lab. Keep walking straight until you see a steep wooden stairway on your right. This has about 33 stairs and will lead you down to a parking lot. After descending down to the lot, there will be a mixture of stairways, one block after another, which add up to a total of 199 stairs (photo 5.) Cross the street and turn right. Turn left once you reach the parking lot. Head towards the right side parking lot. (photo 6) Then notice a trail on the right hand side of the lot. (photo 7, 8 ) Take the trail for a few hundred feet. Turn right into the metal gate and onto the road. Walk a half block up Olympus Ave. Turn right onto Wilson Circle. Climb up to the end of the street. Reach the Wilson Path: 105 redwood railroad ties. (photo 9) This takes you up to Summit, take a left. TUrn left on Grizzly Peak. Turn left onto Senor Ave. Turn right on Fairlawn. Cross Avenida, and this takes you back to the park. Photo 1- 4 wild turkeys Photo 2- 30 steps following the Columbian Walk Photo 3- 87 Railroad Ties, the steps following the 1131 Grizzly Peak Blvd Driveway Photo 4- Shelby Trail Photo 5- 232 steps down a heavy mixture of wooden staircases and parking lot stairways Photo 6- What would have been portrayed as the grandest view was inhibited by heavy fog Photo 7, 8 The Wilson Path- 105 redwood steps The top of Wilson Path
This was the lengthiest stairway hike I have performed in Berkeley, as of yet, although there wasn't a whole lot of off stairway time, compared to previous routes. To be laconic, I can't say enough about this marvelous adventure of today's route. It composed of 1,230 grueling steps, yet expressed characteristics that can be described as nothing short of eye grabbing, tranquil, and elusive. The route was embellished with numerous forms of trees including redwoods and eucalyptus's. The highlight of this route was the unprecedented views of Mt. Tampalis, the bridge, and the multitude of clouds I was able to look over, unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. I also encountered some unexpectedly cute figures at the top of the stairway, in which I felt a lot of appreciation for: Photo's 5, 6, and 7 consisted of a turtle, fairy, and a giraffe. There were some other figures I didn't get a chance to capture, a santa clause or wizard, and more. Anyways, to perform this Route, start on Euclid and Eunice St, just by the Northwestern part of Cordornices Park. Walk north and uphill on Euclid. As you past house 1132, there will be an 18 step stairway across the street. This will then lead you to the right side of Euclid. Continue north and find the stairway by 1103 Euclid, a 44 step even stairway (photo 1.) This takes you up to Keith Avenue. Turn right and walk to the intersection of Keith and El Mirador Path. Walk up the steep 135 redwood ties, (photos 2 and 3) and it takes you up to Cragmont Ave. Turn right on Cragmont, find the Martinez Path at 1146 Cragmont. (photo 4) This is a 94 step steep staircase. This takes you down to Keith. Turn right on Keith and on 1120, turn left and head down El Maridor Path, the bottom half. (photos 5,6,7, and 8 and 9.) This is 74 steps, it delivers you down to Euclid Ave. The Redwood Terrace steps is on the left by 1147 Euclid (photo 10.) Ascend up 134 steps (photo 10) and reach 1140 Keith. Turn right and find 37 steps past 1175. Climb up and then across the street will be a 116 redwood step staircase (photo 11.) Just after that you will reach Cragmont. Cross the street and go up 164 steps (photos 12 and 13) until you arrive at Keeler Ave. Continue on Keeler until you reach the end of the road. It becomes North Path Gate. Star at the surreal cloudy views (13 and 14) after you Reach North path gate and walk until you reach the end of the road. Walk down 37 redwood steps. Then find 194 steps (photo 17), and appreciate the unprecedented views (photos 18,19, 20). This takes you to Shasta Road. Keep ong going left until it becomes Tampalis. Then on house 149, drop down 183 steps to the Cordornices park. That will take you to your starting point. Pic 1- 42 steps on Euclid by 1103 Pic 2 and 3- 135 redwood ties on El Mirador Path Pic 4- Martinez Path, 94 steps Photo's 5, 6, and 7 above. Small, cute sculptures at the top of the bottom part of the El Mirador Path, 74 steps. Photo's above: 8 and 9. Lower parts of the El Mirador Path. Photo 10- Redwood Terrace Steps, 134 steps Photo-11. 116 steps just before Cragmont Ave Photos 12 and 13 Lower and Upper Part of Covert Path, 164 steps Photo 14 and 15. Unprecedented views at the end of North Path Gate, and they only get better. Must be seen in person to see how surreal this appears. I was stunned as I stumbled across the end of Keeler Rd. The thing that sticks out is feeling like you are above the clouds, and even suspended high up in the air. Photo 16. 37 redwood steps going down by the end of North Path gate Rd Photo 17- 194 redwood steps down, just after the 38 step redwood path. Now here is where it get's a little interesting...... Photos 18, 19, and 20 are views on the way down. I believe that is Mt. Tampalis. The cloud waves and fog has never looked so exuberant. I was stunned, to say the least. Photo 21, the bottom of the 164 steps, descending me down to Shasta Road
I started off on Euclid Ave and Eunice Street. To the right, was the lovely Rose Garden. The view was just spectacular and I said WOW out loud. I was impressed by the bay view and the gardens were heavenly. Lots of roses and stairs. I gazed at the scenery and climbed down a series of stairs and short mini trails to the Rose Garden. The bushes and roses were outstanding and it was so peaceful. I headed up 39 steps to the tennis courts as shown below and then went right through a public tunnel that took me to Codornices Park. This was a very pretty and busy park. Kids were sliding down steep slides, as show below. Some older folks playing basketball, and some kids playing the frisbee. I climbed up about 44 steps right by the slide and it took me onto a flat trail. I continued walking through the park until I got to a creek. I turned right and went up Tampalpis Path, it was a staircase of 183 steps. Long, very steep. It took me up to the top of Tampalpis. The street had great views and hills and lots of nice trees. I walked downhill and was impressed by the well kept gardens in the neighborhood. I turned left on Rose St and walked about 1 block uphill. I turned right on Greenwood Terrace until I reached Greenwood Commons. AS shown below, this is a private residential block with no dogs allowed and the views were possibly the finest views of the bay that I have ever seen in my life. I turned right on Buena Vista Way and descended down 45 red brick steps on house 2595. They are called Loloma steps. They delivered me to Deroy Ave. I headed right and took a left on house 1400, down 40 steps. It started off with 17 steps, then a paved trail, and then 17 steps which took me to Euclid Ave. A view of the Rose Garden from a top. kids playing by the creek 39 steps i climbed The public tunnel that led me from the garden to the park Images of Cordonices Park 183 steps on Tampalpis Path, one of Berkeley's finest staircase. It started off twisting, then got steep. Greenwood Commons, a private neighborhood with a garden, and a path with a world class view. La Loma Steps, about 44 steps down The Rose walk had 40 steps and a nice well kept path
This hike was the most impressive stairway hike in the East Bay yet. It was relatively short, but pretty steep. I loved the major stairways on this hike. I started off on Durant Avenue and the famous hotdog known at the frankfurter. The server was pretty blunt, he kept on informing us all to order fast or he would go to the next person. Nevertheless, I stopped here for a moment and had the all beef dog. It was tasty, pure, and something nice and quick for me to snack on before I entered the unknown climb. I parked on Piedmont Ave just south of the Cal campus and immediately climbed up a short stairway-Bancroft Steps. There were 13 steps on the bottom and 11 on the top. It had hand railings and was the start of something nice. After reaching the top, I crossed the street then headed right on the Orchard Lane Stairway. I had actually got lost before that and was on someone's private property thinking it was the stairway. As usual, there are lots of walkers in the hood around to help guide you. A couple was on a walk themselves and informed me that I was on the Orchard Lane Steps on my way to Panoramic Hill. They said ''The stairs are fun aren't they?'' I said ''Absolutely, at this time it's my favorite thing to do.'' They informed me that I would soon hit a stairway over 100, that was at about a 70 degree incline. That got me excited. I took a few pictures of the Orchard Lane sign and the steps and admired the scenery and herbs. I walked up 33 steep steps on the Orchard Lane Staircase to an intersection at the top. I climbed another 79 steps and stopped and was astounded by the high view. This was by far the best view I have seen on the East Bay Stair Journey. As i got to the top I turned left very briefly and then right past house 101 on Panoramic. Then I realized I was on the stairs that the gentleman was raving about. It was 158 steps and very elegant and incredibly steep. I could also tell that it was so steep that I didn't see any backyards on my left side, I just saw steep cliff like hills that looked like you could roll off of them to the bottom. Once I reached the top, I was at 62 Arden road. I turned right and went downhill for a block. I turned left on Panoramic Way and kept on climbing uphill until I reached Panoramic and Dwight. I continued on panaoramic uphill until it took me to the Arden Lane Path. I dropped down a total of 33 wooden steps and 7 additional stairs on the bottom. Then I kept walking on the dirt trail until I got to another incredibly steep staircase that led me to Panoramic Way. This staircase was 101 steps. As i got to the bottom I admired the view and took some pics of the campus. A lady with her dog asked if I was lost and I told her I was just doing some stairs. She told they are hard and I agreed and admitted that they were indeed hard but very fun and exciting. Panoramic Way had a dirt path that was nice and full of colorful plants. It took me back to Orchard Lane, where I continued down back to my starting point. Small and simple. The famous hot dog was my first stop. 24 small steps on the Bankroft Stwy. right by the campus Above is the 33 step climb on Orchard Lane 77 more steps as Orchard Lane continues A panoramic viewpoint The bottom of the 158 steep Panoramic steps Another image closer to the top of the Panoramic Stairs 33 wooden steps to Arden Path Another 101 steps down!! Here is a bottom view of the stairs Moscow Path
This was a walk that consisted of a lot of pathways and fallen down staircases. You can read about this walk too in the book Secret Stairs Easty Bay, walk #27. I started out on Park Blvd and started walking downhill on Grosvenor Place. My first pathway was passed Underhills Rd and it took me up to a paved driveway on Hubert Rd. I walked and was impressed by the fancy neighorhood. Then I sat down an a bench and drank some water until I got up and passed Crocker Highlands Elementary School. My first stairway was on Longridge rd, just to the right of 1116. It was about 41 steps and took me down to Mandana. I turned right on Clarendon Crescent and ascended uphill, then turned left on another walkway. My next pathway was on the left of Portal Avenue. Halfway through the walkway, I saw another pathway that i crossed. A pathway intersection! amazing! I saw cool backyards with trampolines and tree houses. I got to the sidewalks next to a basketball hoop and then turned left on Balfour. At around 4128, i caught a flight of stairs, around 54. These staircases looked like they were falling down and breaking apart. But just across the street I descended down 130 steps that led me to Santa Ray Ave. Impressed by the stairs I climbed back up and down again. The backyards seemed to be growing new plants, but were bare. I crossed the street at Santa Ray and found another pathway, there were about 6 steps as well. This pathway had an array of flowers and was probably the prettiest of them all. I turned left and found Palamol Ave. It was a very steep hilly street and I took the Oak grove pathway on the right side, but realized that wasn't part of the book, so i circled back. I eventually found Longridge rd and there was a staircase in an obscure and hidden area. I walked down about 58 steps and then turned left on Sunnyhills. Eventually I turned right on Larkspur and found this real obscure and steep staircase. It had a sign that said CLOSED. But the book said it would be okay, so i went through the sign. This stairway would be real nice if they cleaned it up. It had beer bottles and tree logs laying around. It was like scrambling up a mountain and very slippery! Once i got to the top i had to squeeze my body through the other CLOSED sign. This is the forest like walkway. This is next to the walkway on Portal leading me to Balfour Ave Some fallen down stairs 54 of them, led me from Balfour to Calmar Avenue. The 2 above photos are a walkway passed Santa Ray Ave going to Mandana. 130 steps looking up from Santa Ray ave 56 steps to lead me down to SunnyHill Rd Looking up at the staircase from SunnyHills Rd Shortly after I passed a garden full of rocks Here is the closed stairway. It could be much nicer if they decided to refurbish it.
I started off today around 2 pm. It was a sunny day in Berkeley, but It was extremely cloudy in San Francisco. This hike wasn't very long but it did consist of a steep stair climb, some nice trails, and some heavenly views. I started in the parking lot of the Claremont Hotel and went up about 45 steps to Alvarado Road. Then just across the street I headed up a very long stairway. It was 139 steps, but it also high elevation in between some of the stairs. I had to stop about 3/4 of the way up. Even though it was 139 stairs, it had the feeling of 300. A neighbor greeted me and everyone that lives up there has to walk up there as there is no streets by the stairs. As I got up, I noticed some spectacular homes in the Berkeley Homes. Some looked extremely affluent and there were some amazing views of downtown San Francisco. I took some pics, then walked downhill to house 277, where the Willow Walk Stairway was. It was about 51 steps and led me down to some benches and a creek. 3 kids were chasing each other around. I climbed back up about half way and took a left to walk the Sunset Trail. This trail showed some amazing back yards and they were huge. I noticed a treehouse along the way and took some photos of some views alongside the pretty patios. The Sunset Trail eventually led me to halfway up the same stairway with 139 steps. I took it all the way up to Upper Alvarado again but this time I turned left and it eventually led me down to the Evergreen Stairs, which was about 70 steps. About 45 steps, just above the parking lot of the Claremont Hotel. You cannot even see the top. 139 steps and it's much steeper than it looks. This took me up to Upper Alvarado. A view of the bridge from Upper Alvarado The Willow Walk was around 51 steps Heading left on the Sunset Trail. One of the many big backyards surrounding the Sunset Trail A tree house on the Sunset Trail A swingset coming through Sedar Ln Evergreen had about 77 steps Looking back up at the Evergreen Steps
Today was the first time I ever did an East Bay Stairway. I would have to say that I was impressed and the first stairway met my expectations. I passed by parts of Oakland and Berkeley, walked up hills, saw some nice sculptures, beautiful gardens, nice homes, and went up some impressive stairways. The whole route was 2.5 miles and consisted of 352 steps along the way. The first part of the hike started in the Uplands. This stairway is 65 steps. A block up consisted of a staircase called ''The Steps'' and it consisted of 65 stairs. A private tennis court on Hillcrest A block to the right I descend down the South Crossway. It had 49 steps. A staircase of 25 steps that led up to El Camino Real This is the steepest climb on this hike. The Oakridge Steps consist of 125 stairs and they are very steep. It is a challenge to get to the top. Now I descend down the Oakridge Path. The gardens were harmonious, lots of plants and sculptures to admire and appreciate. Here are some shops near the end of the route on Claremont Ave. It has
a village type feel to it. |
EAST BAYLike San Francisco, there are hundreds of stairs located in the East Bay, just across the Bay Bridge. Oakland, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Piedmont, and Albany have hundreds of secret stairs. Categories
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