Bay Nature Hike: Spider Stroll

08/09/2025 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM PT

Event Registration is closed.

Description

This event is inspired by Bay Nature's Summer 2025 piece, Pouncing Predators

* Please note that the meet up location for this event has changed, registered individuals have been contacted with the updated information *

Join Bay Nature and spider expert Trinity Walls for a hike along the Berkeley Fire Trails in search of spiders on Saturday, August 9 from 10am - 12:30pm! This hike is inspired by our Summer 2025 piece about jumping spiders, mighty yet miniature arachnids who use their powerful vision and jumping capabilities to hunt crickets, flies, dragonflies and more. Their vision is known to be as good as a cat's and they can grow to be roughly thumbnail sized. On this hike we'll traverse the beautiful Fire Trails near UC Berkeley's campus and search for spiders of all kinds along the way. This event is free for Bay Nature members.

Meet Your Hike Leaders:

Trinity Walls is a PhD candidate at the University of California Berkeley studying mating behavior, communication, and hybridization in jumping spiders. She grew up in North Carolina and has always been fascinated by multi-legged critters. Trinity is passionate about science communication and travels around the world learning new techniques to boost her spider outreach activities which she conducts all over the East Bay. When Trinity is not doing research, she is dancing to salsa or bachata music, singing, or searching for spiders for fun. She's your friendly neighborhood arachnologist!

Meet up location: We will meet up on the landing at the entrance of the California Memorial Stadium (Google Maps Link). Walk along Piedmont Avenue and walk up the stairs next to the Sturdy the Bear statue (Google Maps Link) to the landing near the entrance of the California Memorial Stadium. From here we will walk ~ 0.5 miles up some stairs and along a path toward the Fire Trails.

Hike length: This hike will be 3-4 miles long, an out and back hike up the Fire Trails near UC Berkeley.

Hike difficulty: This is a moderate - difficult hike featuring 800 - 900 feet of elevation change (430 feet up, 430 feet down). Be prepared for uneven and rocky terrain in places and a general uphill grade for much of the first half of the hike and a downhill grade on the way back. The trail is wide and well traveled, but with some rocks.

Parking: Please plan to pay for parking before joining our meeting location. Stadium Parking Garage is right next to our meeting location, for example (Google Maps Link).

Weather Note: Be prepared for warm temperatures and dress in layers. Bring hats and sun protection.

Access to restrooms and water: Bathrooms and water are not available during this hike. You could visit Cafe Strada near campus which has one public bathroom prior to our event.

Other notes: Bring 1-2 liters of water, snacks, layers, and sun protection. Comfortable, close-toed walking shoes are recommended. No dogs are allowed on Bay Nature hikes. All minors must be accompanied by a guardian for the duration of this event. Bring hiking poles, cameras, and binoculars if preferred. Please note you may encounter ticks, poison oak, and other hazards along the way.