Nature Walking in the Time of Covid-19
Written by Audre Newman and Ella Hirst, Edited by Celeste Burrows
One CAN go walking in nature these days! Gov. Newsom said 4/24 “If it is open, just abide by social distancing.” This is especially important to us, being in a vulnerable population. “Outdoor access has strongly proven links to mental health, emotional wellness, physical health” say many experts [1]. We must assume that anyone might be infected and avoid close contact with them. This is challenging in our well-loved natural parks.
Deciding Where to Walk:
- Is the trail at least 6’ wide in most places?
- Is the trail lesser known and therefore less crowded?
- What time of day is the trail less likely to be used?
In answer to #3, I have found that trails are usually less used after 4 or 5pm or before 8am. This time of year the sun sets after 8 pm, so even a 2-hour walk can be completed before sunset. And the low angle of the sun makes nature even more beautiful.
Social Distancing Behaviors On Trails (Audre's Method):
I don’t expect ANYONE to create six feet of space for me. My self-protection is my responsibility, and I go to extreme measures to stay at least 6 feet away from others (THE most effective protection other than staying home):
- Hug the side of the trail
- Listen for the sound of oncoming footsteps or heavy breathing so I can react appropriately
- Step a few feet off the trail if the other does not observe 6 ft distance.
- Retreat until I can find a wide enough area to be passed at 6 ft distance
- Turn my face away from the oncoming person
- Wear an approved mask when around other people.Remove when space and prudence permit.The mask mostly keeps YOUR germs IN.
- Prudence: Runners and cyclists do a lot of heavy breathing so I keep my mask on for at least 50 yards after they have passed.A breeze away from me helps.
- Carry some hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you can
- Don’t touch your face while you are out.
If you would like a walking partner, ask a friend or another Ashby Village member and keep 6 feet apart, volunteers are not being asked to provide this type of service at this time.
L to R: Roger, Esther, Ella, Celeste on the Upper Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail, March 2020
Some Suggested Trails:
These trails are at least 6’ wide in most places and seem to be lesser lesser known and therefore less crowded.
To get directions to the trailhead, copy the address in brackets below, [example address] and on maps.google.com paste it into the “search Google Maps” space. “Get Directions” from your location. I can send out maps of some of the trails if you like (audrenew@gmail.com).
Key for the Trails Below:
Green = easy trails.
BOLD CAPS = Moderate difficulty.
OB=Out and back
L= loop
E = can be extended
Wildcat Regional Park:
- Monte Cresta Trail, (OB, E) 1.3mi, Elev gain 148 ft, Wildcat Canyon Reg. Pk, [6329 Monte Cresta Ave, Richmond]
- Rifle Range Road to Nimitz, (L) 4.3mi, Elev gain 1,188 ft. [Rifle Range Road Trail, El Cerrito, CA]
Shoreline Parks:
- Miller/Knox Pond: (L) 1:05 mi, Elev gain 0 Ft, Max grade: 0%, [Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline]
- Marina Bay: (L) 2.7 mi, Elev Gain 59 ft, [1100 S 27th St, Richmond, CA]
- Albany Bulb: (OB) 2 mi Elev Gain 20 ft [Albany State Marine Reserve]
- Cesar Chavez: (L) 1.5 mi Elev Gain 50 ft [César E. Chávez Park]
- Emeryville Marina Park: (L), 1 mi Elev Gain 0 ft [Emeryville Marina Park]
- Arrowhead Marsh: (OB), E, 3 mi, 0 ft Elev Gain [Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline]
Tilden Regional Park:
- Quarry/Lower Big Springs: (L) 2.4 mi, Elev gain 280 ft, [Quarry Picnic Area Tilden]
- Volmer Peak to Lookout (OB) 3.3mi, Elev gain 604 ft., [Steam Trains Tilden]
- Volmer Peak Spring Wildflowers (L) 2.5 mi, Elev gain 453ft, [Steam Trains Tilden]
UC Berkeley:
- Strawberry Canyon Lower Fire Trail (OB) 3 mi, Elev gain 250 ft [Parking Lot for Strawberry Canyon Fire Trail]
- Strawberry Canyon Upper Fire Trail (OB) 3 mi Elev gain 25 ft. [SSL Lot, Berkeley, CA]
- UC Campus: Variable distance, Elev gain 25 ft. Multiple access points.
Reinhart Redwood Regional Park:
- Redwood Park: West Ridge Trail North to French trail: (OB) 1 mile Elev Gain 100 ft [10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland]
- Redwood Park: West Ridge Trail South with Graham/Dunn: (L); 4.5 mi Elev Gain 600 ft [10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland]
- Redwood Park: West Ridge Trail South to Toyon Trail: (OB) 4.5 mi Elev Gain [10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland]
- Redwood Park: Stream Trail to Prince: (OB) 3.6 mi Elev Gain 0 ft. [7867 Redwood Rd]
- Redwood Park: Stream, East Ridge, Canyon Rd: (L) 6.4mi Elev Gain 853 ft [7867 Redwood Rd]
[1] One expert among them is Lucas Zucker, SF Chron 4/24, policy director for CCAUSE, an environmental justice group in California.