California Trail at Oakland Zoo

"This zoo is huge!! Not what I remember from a few years ago, everyone is very nice and helpful the gondola is a must. REMEMBER TO BUY YOUR TICKETS BEFORE ARRIVING! they do not sell ticket at the zoo you need to buy online and make reservations but it’s worth it"

"Great collection of large habitats for many of California’s larger land mammals and the iconic bald eagle and California condor. Spotted nearly every species on a hot California morning. Great, informative signage. Beautiful donor wall. Loops back to the beginning, so no backtracking. Great design and visit."

"A great area in the Oakland zoo! The gondola ride is free to get to this area and you can get some stunning views of the bay on your trip up. Once there, the path takes you around to see a variety of wildlife like bears, wolves, bison, mountain lions, and more. There is also a nice play area for kids including a mountain structure for kids to climb and slide on, a sand area, and water play area for kids to wade through. The whole family enjoyed visiting!"

"In my opinion, the best part of the Oakland Zoo. It's a self-walking tour of the best of California's nature at the top of the hills. As soon as you ride the Gondolas to the top of the hills and get off, you are in the California Trails area, there is the majestic Bald Eagle sitting in the tall oak tree. Next to it below is Grey Wolf habit. Then the California Condors, the California Jaguar, the Grizzly Bears, the mountain lions, the Black Bears, California Wilds! Playground for the kids, and the San Francisco Bay Area Outlook with a herd of American Bison in front of you, the view of Oakland, including the airport, then the Bay, the Peninsula, SF, and the GG Bridge. The Landing Cafe has one of the best views to sit and get something to eat or bring your food from home and enjoy the views of the San Francisco Bay including views of Oakland, the Peninsula, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge (on a clear day). Accessibility Friendly -- Easy to get in the Gondolas if you pushing a stroller or pushing a wheel chair (there is a dedicated line for strollers and wheelchairs). The whole California Trails is flat and paved. Kid Friendly -- there is a Kids Menu at the Landings Cafe and there are diaper changing tables in both the men's and women's restrooms next to.the Cafe. In order to get back to the Gondolas, not only there are stairs, there are elevators that can take both wheelchairs and strollers back to the Gondolas area if you cannot walk down the three flight of stairs."