It’s funny how Berkeley can exclude us from the simplest pleasures of childhood. We cluster into apartments, dorms, co-ops and Greek houses that are filled almost exclusively with college students. We flock to a campus that caters to advanced learning, dotted only occasionally with youth during tours or Cal Day festivities. Even our “play time” is restricted to the college bubble; we work out with adults at the RSF, socialize with peers through campus clubs and party with fellow students at frats and bars. Designed to transition us from the placid dependence of childhood, Cal offers many of us a dramatic separation from suburban upbringings.
But sometimes it’s comforting to see an elderly couple walking through the neighborhood or a family at the park playing with their dog. For those of you who enjoy the serene stability of suburban life, Northside offers several escapes from the intensity of life at Cal. Whether you’re searching for optimal picnic territory, an intimate date spot or a gratifying new running route, we guarantee that you will love this week’s travel lineup!
The Reward(s):
If your heart leaps at the thought of a secluded paradise, breathtaking views or 250 varieties of roses, then you should make a beeline for the Berkeley Rose Garden. The garden’s rose-lined terraces provide a peaceful escape even for those who slink away from botany.
But if roses alone won’t persuade you to endure the climb up Euclid, this might: The finest slide in all of Berkeley lies across the street from the Rose Garden. Sitting on a piece of cardboard, you can get moving pretty fast on this twisted stone chute, and we’ve even met college students who get a little nervous at the top.
Finally, to make this route exceptionally badass, we’ve tacked on Indian Rock. A massive outcrop in the middle of a quiet neighborhood, these chalk-covered rocks have attracted bouldering enthusiasts since the 1950s. Overlooking tree-studded Northside and foggy San Francisco, the serene view and suburban solitude will undoubtedly draw you back here during your time at Cal.
The Trek:
1. Berkeley Rose Garden:
Beginning from the North Gate entrance to campus, head directly up Euclid Avenue. If you are taunted by the smell of La Val’s tantalizing pizza during the ascent, you’re on the right track! Continue up Euclid’s unforgiving grade for a little under a mile, and the garden will appear on your left. After gaping at the view for a few minutes, you’ll see a small path leading to a wooden gate on your right. The garden is open from dawn to dusk, so don’t be shy about entering if it’s unlocked. Keep an eye out for deer!
2. Best slide of your life:
If you’ve already suffered the climb up Euclid, it would be foolish to pass up this hidden perk. From the vista overlooking the Rose Garden, cross the street, turn left and continue about 30 yards. Follow the asphalt incline that appears on your right down to a small park with benches and a playground. Look ahead for a large stone slide nestled in the hillside, and make sure to grab a slab of cardboard on your way up!
3. Indian Rock:
While there are many routes leading to Indian Rock, we will share the most efficient path from the Berkeley Rose Garden. Continue your ascent up Euclid Avenue for about 100 yards, and then turn left onto Eunice Street. Follow this for about a quarter of a mile, turn right on Spruce Street and take slight left onto Los Angeles Avenue after another quarter-mile walk. If you arrive at a roundabout a beautiful fountain at its center, you’re almost there! Take Indian Rock Avenue (real creative, huh?) to your destination; we guarantee you won’t miss it.
Image Source: Katherine Velicki, The Daily Californian