Path of the Puma: A Hike Through the East Bay Wildlife Corridor

​North America’s wildlife is on the move. As the climate changes, species like mountain lions must traverse larger and more complex landscapes to find food, mates, and suitable habitat. But in regions like the Bay Area, these movements are increasingly constrained by roads, development, and fragmented open space.

​Wildlife corridors—like those running through the East Bay Regional Park System—are essential pathways that allow animals to move, adapt, and survive. Protecting and restoring these connections is a critical climate solution, helping maintain biodiversity, ecosystem function, and resilient landscapes in a rapidly changing world.

​Join Wildlands Network for Path of the Puma, a guided hike through Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Together, we’ll explore the Overlook and Round Top loop while tracing how mountain lions and other wildlife navigate this landscape and what it takes to keep these pathways open.

​Along the way, we’ll connect the dots between wildlife biology, land use planning, and California policy, including the Room to Roam Act, and discuss how local landscapes like the East Bay play an outsized role in supporting regional and statewide connectivity.

​We anticipate being joined by Jason Lombardi (California Department of Fish and Wildlife), who will share insights on mountain lion movement, conservation challenges, and what’s at stake when these connections are lost.

​The experience will include:

• ​A guided moderate hike (~2–3 miles) through the Sibley Overlook and Round Top loop

• ​An introduction to wildlife corridors and why they matter for biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecosystem health

• ​Real-world examples of how roads and development impact wildlife movement—and what solutions look like

• ​A look at how California is advancing connectivity through policy, including the Room to Roam Act

• ​A chance to learn how you can support wildlife coexistence and connectivity in your own community

• ​Scenic viewpoints to observe the landscape and identify key habitat linkages and barriers

​Hike Details

• ​Meeting Location: Sibley Staging Area

• ​Difficulty: Moderate (some elevation gain and uneven terrain)

• ​What to bring:

  • ​Water (at least 1 liter)

  • ​Comfortable hiking shoes

  • ​Layers

  • ​Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

  • ​Snacks