Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

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Old Tunnel Rd. Oakland, California

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
Q: What is Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve?
A: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is a beautiful and historically significant park in Oakland, California, focused on showcasing the region’s volcanic history. It’s part of the East Bay Regional Park District and offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, trail running, and exploring unique geological formations.
Q: What kinds of activities can I do at Sibley?
A: You can enjoy a wide range of activities at Sibley, including hiking, trail running, exploring the paved canyon paths, and accessing the 31-mile East Bay Skyline Regional Trail. There are also opportunities for equestrian activities in designated areas.
Q: Is there a dog park at Sibley?
A: Yes, Sibley offers a designated area for off-leash dog play in the undeveloped portions of the park. However, dogs must be leashed on all paved trails and around the visitor center. It’s important to keep dogs under control and maintain a respectful distance from the cattle grazing in the area.
Q: What is the terrain like?
A: The terrain at Sibley is varied, with some steep trails, particularly around Round Top. There are also paved trails suitable for all fitness levels. The preserve features a layered volcanic landscape with rock formations created by lava flows and sedimentary rock.
Q: What is Round Top?
A: Round Top is the prominent peak within the preserve, formed from lava and volcanic debris. It's a popular destination for hikers and offers panoramic views of the East Bay. The area around Round Top features a cross-section of the volcano, making it a valuable geological site.
Q: Are there any man-made labyrinths at Sibley?
A: Yes, there are at least two man-made labyrinths within the preserve. The Mazzariello Labyrinth is the most frequently visited, while a smaller, less elaborate labyrinth also exists.
Q: What kind of geological features can I see at Sibley?
A: Sibley offers a diverse range of geological features, including layered volcanic rocks, lava flows, sedimentary rock formations, and remnants of the Hayward and Moraga earthquake faults. The area showcases rocks from the Orinda Formation and the Claremont Formation, including river gravel, sandstone, mudstone, and marine rocks.
Q: Is there a visitor center?
A: Yes, there's an unstaffed visitor center at the Skyline Boulevard entrance, which provides brochures for self-guided tours and information about the region’s geology.
Q: Are there camping facilities?
A: Yes, a small, primitive campsite with a maximum capacity of 15 campers is available.
Q: What is the best way to get to Sibley?
A: Sibley is accessible via Highway 24, Fish Ranch Road, and Grizzly Peak Boulevard. Public transportation options include AC Transit Route #305, which runs Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Q: Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
A: The Round Top Road is currently CLOSED. Dogs must be leashed, and visitors are advised to keep a respectful distance from cattle. The Stone Property, a restricted area, contains remnants of a quarry operation and requires careful attention.
Q: What type of rock is found at Sibley?
A: Sibley’s geology includes basalt, rhyolite tuff, lapilli agglomerate, and vesicular basalt, with variations in color ranging from light brownish gray to gun steel blue.
Q: How was Round Top formed?
A: Round Top was formed by volcanic activity, including folding, erosion, and a quarry operation. The Hayward and Moraga earthquake faults have also influenced the volcano's landscape.
Q: Are there any trails suitable for equestrian use?
A: Yes, designated areas within the preserve allow for equestrian activities.
Q: Are there any water sources available at Sibley?
A: There are no established water sources within the preserve. Visitors should bring their own water and be prepared for hydration, particularly during warmer months.

About

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in Oakland, California, is a significant East Bay Regional Park District park focused on volcanic history and recreation.

Originally called Round Top Park, it’s part of a larger district with a history dating back to 1874.

The preserve features a 10-million-year-old volcanic region created by tectonic forces, with a complex network of trails including the East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, Volcanic Trail, and more.

It’s notable for its layered volcanic landscape, including lava flows, sedimentary rock, and cross-sections of bedrock geology.

The area’s unique geological history and outdoor space make it a popular destination for dog lovers.

Trails offer access to areas like Round Top, Quarry Road, Pond Trail, and the entire East Bay Skyline area.

Dog lovers will find a dedicated space to play at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.

While a mudslide has temporarily closed portions of the park, dogs are permitted to play off-leash in the undeveloped portions of this gorgeous regional park, or they can be leashed for a walk along the lovely paved canyon paths.

The park features cattle grazing as part of the ecosystem’s natural habitat, and visitors are advised to keep dogs on leash, maintain a respectful distance from cattle, and avoid touching or petting them.

The Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve is a managed park in Oakland, California, dedicated to showcasing the region’s geology, particularly the volcanic activity that shaped the Hayward and Moraga earthquake faults.

It features a paved wheelchair path, several trails including the East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, and a visitor center with exhibits detailing the preserve’s history and geological features.

The area is primarily a hiking and equestrian space, with designated areas for dogs, though not all trails are suitable for them.

A small, primitive campsite is available for a maximum of 15 campers.

The preserve is located near Round Top, a prominent peak formed from lava and volcanic debris.

It’s a significant location for studying volcanic processes and sedimentary rock formations, offering a valuable outdoor laboratory.

The East Bay Skyline Regional Trail, which is 31 miles (50 km) long, traverses the Sibley preserve on the ridgeline that separates Wildcat Canyon Regional Park and Anthony Chabot Regional Park.

Round Top Road goes from the Sibley visitor center to the peak of Round Top.

CLOSED.

The Volcanic Trail, once a quarry haul road, contains most of the stops on the self-guided volcanic tour.

Quarry Trail connects the middle of Volcanic Trail to a point lower down on Quarry Road.

Pond Trail is a short trail segment that descends to a couple of ponds on the north side of the preserve.

At least two man-made labyrinths exist within RSVRP.

The first, and arguably most frequently visited, is known as the Mazzariello Labyrinth.

Construction of this labyrinth is thought to date back to the 1930s and the maze measures approximately 60 feet in diameter.

The next marker along the Round Top Loop Trail leads to the Volcanic Trail, which crosses to the left.

At Post No. 4, the hiker can see a smaller, heart-shaped labyrinth.

It is not nearly as elaborate as the Mazzariello Labyrinth, and apparently not as heavily used.

There have been claims of other, earlier labyrinths hidden in the preserves, but Friends of the Labyrinth dismisses these as urban legends, as no evidence has been found.

The organization reports that the Mazzeriello Labyrinth was constructed in the 1930s.

The region has remnants of rocks from the Orinda Formation and the Claremont Formation.

From the Orinda Formation rocks include "river gravel, sandstone, and mudstone." The river gravel are red in color.

The sandstones are around 65 million years old.

From the Claremont Formation, rocks include marine rocks.

The surface of the basalt found on the dike of Round Top are of the color "light brownish or rusty gray" and the interior of the basalt is of the color "gun steel blue." Folding, erosion, and a quarry operation exposed a cross section of the volcano, providing an excellent means to study the region's geology.

The Hayward and Moraga faults folded the lava-bearing rock formations, tilting the Round Top vent complex on its side.

The results of such compressive strains of local faults has altered the volcano’s original landscape, and Round Top now tilts towards the east.

Such local faults, notably Hayward and Moraga, have also caused the volcano to form a trough that is the Siesta/Gateway Valley.

The visitor center at the Skyline Boulevard entrance is unstaffed and offers brochures for self-guided tours.

It also features depictions of the region’s geology.

East Bay Skyline Regional Trail, which is 31 miles (50 km) long, traverses the Sibley preserve on the ridgeline that separates Wildcat Canyon Regional Park and Anthony Chabot Regional Park.

Round Top Road goes from the Sibley visitor center to the peak of Round Top.

CLOSED.

History

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in Oakland, California, is a significant East Bay Regional Park District park focused on volcanic history and recreation.

Originally called Round Top Park, it’s part of a larger district with a history dating back to 1874.

The preserve features a 10-million-year-old volcanic region created by tectonic forces, with a complex network of trails including the East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, Volcanic Trail, and more.

It’s notable for its layered volcanic landscape, including lava flows, sedimentary rock, and cross-sections of bedrock geology.

The area’s unique geological history and outdoor space make it a popular destination for dog lovers.

Trails offer access to areas like Round Top, Quarry Road, Pond Trail, and the entire East Bay Skyline area.

Dog lovers and hikers alike flock to Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve for its impressive geological features and varied trails.

The park's origins trace back to the 1870s when it was established as Round Top Park, with a core mission of showcasing the region's volcanic landscape.

Over time, the park evolved into the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, meticulously managing the area's rich volcanic history and offering a captivating outdoor experience.

The preserve’s formation is directly linked to the Hayward and Moraga earthquake faults, which dramatically shaped the landscape over millions of years, creating the distinctive layered terrain visitors explore today.

The park continues to be a valued resource for both recreation and scientific study, providing a unique opportunity to witness the forces of nature at work.

The park’s name honors Robert Sibley, a founding member of the East Bay Regional Park District, signifying the district’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the natural wonders of the region.

Today, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve remains a cherished gem within the East Bay Regional Park District, inviting visitors to explore its captivating landscape and learn about its fascinating geological story.

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