INDIAN ROCK PARK

Location 

950  Indian Rock Avenue at Shattuck Avenue -  Northeast Berkeley

Getting There

Map of Parks

Indian Rock Park is one of Berkeley’s rock parks in the Northbrae area, providing great views and challenges for early-level rock climbing.

Features

• Rock outcrop with carved steps and areas for rock climbing

• Multi-purpose turf

• Picnic area

• Vista/overlook with gorgeous view of the San Francisco Bay

If you’re interested in rock climbing, check out the other Berkeley parks with rock features: Contra Costa Rock Park, Cragmont Rock Park, Great Stoneface Park, Glendale–La Loma Park, Grotto Rock Park, Mortar Rock Park, and Remillard Park. 

History

Indian Rock Park was a gift to the City of Berkeley from Mason-McDuffie Real Estate Company during its development of the Northbrae area. It was dedicated for park purposes in 1917. Dick Leonard, the “father of modern rock climbing,” and noted environmentalist David Brower, founder of Friends of the Earth, learned rock climbing and developed their mountaineering techniques at Indian Rock. Brower used this special knowledge to prepare training manuals during World War II, which proved critical in enabling the 86^th Regiment of the U.S. Army to surprise the Germans at Riva Ridge in the North Appennines in Italy, the major action disrupting German lines in southern Europe.

(You can click the thumbnail photo to see the full size picture)

No Restroom

No Off-Street Parking

Acreage

1.18 acres              51,400 sq. ft.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible

Park Hours

6 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted

For questions on park maintenance, contact: 

Mobile Unit 1: Landscape Gardener Supevisor, Alonzo Chess, Jr, achess@cityofberkeley.info (North Berkeley & Weekend Service Telephone: 510-981-6663)

List of City Parks | Map of City Parks