Situated along Wildcat Canyon Road in the northern section of Tilden Regional Park, Mineral Springs Picnic Area features open space, convenient parking, and quick access to beloved family attractions like the little farm and steam train. It’s a favorite for lively gatherings and relaxed outdoor days in the Berkeley hills.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA 94708 |
| Phone | (510) 544-2747 (Tilden Park office) or 1-888-327-2757 (reservations) |
| Hours | 05:00 – 22:00 daily |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, barbecue grills, toilets (chemical nearby), adjacent parking |
| Important Note | No water source on site; bring your own drinking water |
Mineral Springs offers room for up to 100 guests, with eight picnic tables, two serving tables, and two barbecue grills in a partially shaded, open setting. Free parking sits right next to the site, and year-round vehicle access on Wildcat Canyon Road makes arrival simple—no seasonal road closures affect this northern location. Families love its closeness to Tilden’s classic kid-friendly spots, turning a simple picnic into a full day of adventure.
Prep the night before for an effortless trip: pack sandwiches, fresh snacks, soups in thermoses, and barbecue essentials like charcoal and marinated meats. Load everything into the generous storage of your Tara Explorer 2+2—its compact cooler keeps beverages and perishables fresh while leaving plenty of room for blankets and games.
Unlike the southern section of Tilden Park, where South Park Drive closes to vehicles from November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 for newt migration protection, Mineral Springs remains fully accessible by car throughout winter. Drive straight to the adjacent parking lot and start your day without extra walking.
9:00 AM – Arrival
Drive your Tara Explorer 2+2 directly to the free parking area beside Mineral Springs. Unload gear and settle in quickly.
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Kid-Friendly Attractions
Head to nearby Tilden Little Farm (free entry) to meet cows, sheep, pigs, and rabbits—bring celery or lettuce for feeding (only these veggies allowed). Next, ride the Redwood Valley Steam Train ($4 per person), a scenic miniature railway winding through the hills. Finish with spins on the historic Merry-Go-Round ($4 per ride), featuring beautifully carved animals and nostalgic charm.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Picnic Lunch
Return to Mineral Springs and claim tables or spread out on the grass. Fire up the grills for hot meals, enjoy warm drinks, and relax in the open surroundings. Winter brings fewer visitors, creating a peaceful, private feel. Remember to pack plenty of water.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Hiking and Nature
Start the easy Inspiration Point Trail (Nimitz Way) right nearby—a flat, paved path leading to panoramic San Francisco Bay views (1-2 hours round trip). If time allows, stroll to Lake Anza for quiet lakeside scenery and birdwatching (no swimming in winter).
4:00 PM onward – Head Home
Pack up, take all trash with you, and drive back before evening chill sets in.
Mineral Springs Picnic Area combines convenience, family entertainment, and beautiful East Bay views into one accessible location—perfect for creating lasting outdoor memories with loved ones.
