Eden Landing Ecological Reserve is in Hayward just north of Coyote Hills and is a good place to hike if you are interested in birdwatching, good views, and wide open spaces. It was reclaimed from an old salt manufacturing facility, and still has some of the ruined human structures throughout – however, it is kept clean for the current residents. Though it is partly closed from March through September, there are still good trails and vista points, and it is a worthwhile way to spend your day.
Quick Notes
Distance: about five miles.
Elevation Gain: none.
Type: Out and Back from March – September; loop the rest of the year
Difficulty: Easy
Transit Directions
From Bay Fair BART, take AC Transit Line 97 to Hesperian Blvd and Industrial Blvd, or from Union City BART take AC Transit line 97 to Hesperian Blvd and Eden Shores Blvd. From there, walk west along Eden Shores Blvd to go straight through a traffic circle, over a bridge and find another traffic circle; turn right here to go around the small city park. Turn left, then right. The entrance to the Bay Trail is on your left through a gated bridge.
Driving Directions
From I-880, take the Whipple Road/Dyer Street exit and head west from there. Turn right on Union City Blvd, and it will become Hesperian Blvd. Then take a left on Eden Shores Blvd and park at the city park. Go north, the hike begins at the gate.
The Hike
Walk from the gated bridge along the San Francsico Bay Trail through the wetlands area. At the first fork, turn right to go around the back of the reserve, keeping the wetlands on your left. This is a good bird place, since they congregate around shores and marshlands to get food and protection.
Now, turn left to go about two miles to the Eden Landing parking lot (this is not transit accessible). At this point, you will see the ecological reserve spread out before you on your left.
Good things to see are here. Marshlands are beautiful, with small plant islands everywhere creating what looks like an ancient utopia. The birdwatching is excellent, and the views at sunset are spectacular.
Turn left and take the Bay Trail further to the kayak ramp. Turn right to move further into the ecological reserve and continue to follow Eden Creek. In another two miles is installation to show you four major peaks in the San Francisco Bay – Mount Diablo, Mount Tamalpais, Coyote Hills, and Kings Mountain. Since they are all at right angles to each other, the entire bay is visible from this point. Sit and enjoy the view before turning back.
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