California Trail at Oakland Zoo

Imagine a breathtaking journey into the wild that begins with a flight over the hills. The California Trail is a massive and innovative expansion of the Oakland Zoo in the San Francisco area, which opened its doors to guests in 2018. This $70 million project transformed the zoo into one of the largest conservation centers in the USA, more than doubling its size.

Located atop a hill in Knowland Park, this attraction is a unique wildlife park dedicated to species that historically inhabited California. One of its main features is that all the inhabitants of the trail are rescued animals that, for various reasons, could not survive in the wild. Thus, a walk here becomes not just entertainment, but an important lesson in ecology and compassion.

Visitors arrive here on futuristic gondolas, which offer stunning views of the bay. This place harmoniously combines modern technology, educational spaces, and spacious enclosures designed with the utmost respect for the animals' needs. The California Trail is a symbol of the fragile balance between human civilization and the natural world.

For the most up-to-date information on tickets and special programs, you can contact the facility management directly. All necessary contact information is provided below.

Additional information regarding the operation of the entire Oakland Zoo can be found on the main portal at www.oaklandzoo.org.

Your adventure begins with a ride on a modern gondola. The eight-passenger, Austrian-made cabins smoothly lift guests to the hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Once at the top, you will step onto an elevated boardwalk over 240 meters long. This trail winds between spacious enclosures, allowing you to observe animals in their near-natural habitat without visible barriers.

Here you can see eight iconic species of California fauna: majestic grizzly bears, graceful jaguars, gray wolves, bison, and rare California condors. For those who want to dive deeper into the topic of ecology, the California Conservation Habitarium is open—an interactive center telling the story of the state's various ecosystems and the importance of their preservation.

If you get hungry, be sure to stop by the Landing Café. Here you can not only enjoy wood-fired pizza or fresh salads but also take in some of the best views of San Francisco Bay. And for little explorers, there is the California Wilds Playground, featuring a zipline and elements that mimic California’s different natural zones.

The easiest way to reach this unique location in the San Francisco area is by car. The facility is located at: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland. Convenient on-site parking is available for visitors, making the trip as comfortable as possible for families with children.

If you prefer public transport, you can use local bus routes serving the Oakland area. However, it is advisable to check schedules and routes in advance, as the journey may require transfers. You can also always order a taxi or use a rideshare service directly from the city center or from the nearest subway station.

The most exciting part of the journey is the final leg: an innovative electric gondola system transports visitors to the trail itself. The four-minute ride in a cabin from the main zoo entrance to the top of Knowland Park hill offers panoramic views of six surrounding counties. Importantly, the gondolas are fully accessible for people with limited mobility.

The history of this ambitious project began back in the 1990s. Planning took nearly three decades, making this expansion one of the most anticipated in the zoo's history. The concept was developed in collaboration with the California Wildlife Conservation Society and pursued the noble goal of education and the protection of endangered species.

The stories of the California Trail inhabitants deserve special attention. Most of the animals here are rescued individuals. For example, four grizzly bears orphaned in Alaska found a home here in 2018. Three young mountain lions were brought in critical condition and have fully recovered thanks to the care of veterinarians. The bison herd, brought from Montana, are direct descendants of the historic Pablo-Allard herd, dating back to 1873.

The presence of grizzly bears here carries deep symbolic meaning. Although the grizzly is depicted on the state flag and is its official symbol, these animals were completely extirpated in the wild within California's part of the USA. The exhibit serves as a living reminder of the importance of maintaining the balance between humans and nature so that such tragedies do not happen again.

To leisurely explore all corners of the California Trail, a typical visitor is recommended to set aside about 2–3 hours. This time is quite sufficient to walk along the elevated boardwalk, observe animal behavior, and explore the interactive exhibits in the Habitarium.

Your walk might take longer if you decide to take a break at the panoramic café or if children want to spend more time on the playground. Given the time for the round-trip gondola ride and the stunning bay views, it's best to plan this visit as a half-day activity.

You can visit the California Trail throughout the week. On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the facility is open to guests from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On weekends, Saturday and Sunday, the zoo opens slightly earlier at 9:30 AM and also operates until 4:00 PM.

Please note that operating hours may change slightly depending on the season, weather conditions, or special events. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official zoo website before your trip.

If you have time left after walking the trail, exploring the surroundings of Oakland and the Bay can significantly enrich your travel experience. This region is home to many places for family vacations, scientific discovery, and cultural leisure.

Many interesting sites are within a short drive, offering entertainment for every taste—from historic carousels to modern interactive museums.