Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in Oakland, CA

 The Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is a short, but winding drive from UC Berkeley.  There are several vantage points along the way with great views of the bay and San Francisco.  The Preserve itself has free parking in a small parking lot, nice restrooms and information about the former volcano, which is now a large basin.  There are lots of trails to choose from.  One is as long as 31 miles!  The trails are hilly, but we didn't encounter any steep climbs.  The hike to the rim of the volcano is short and paved.  There is a much longer trail to the highest point at Round Top.  It was beautiful and shady! 

We did find space in the lot, but there were cars parked along Skyline Blvd.  It was a quick drive into Oakland, but the road was also very winding through some pretty residential areas. 

The short loop trail leaving from the main staging area is popular with dog walkers.  The dogs were all polite and having a fine time, but it is something to bear in mind if you aren't a dog person.