Bay Overlook - Bison Below, the Bay Beyond

A stop on Oakland Zoo: Savanna to California Trail, a free self-guided tour.

From this shaded viewing area, the whole East Bay opens up: San Francisco Bay, the city skyline and the hills beyond. On clear days you can see across several counties; on foggy ones, watch the clouds pour in over the bay.

On the grassland below, you may see the American bison herd. These bison descend from the Pablo-Allard herd, one of the small groups that saved the species after tens of millions of bison were slaughtered in the 1800s. They came from the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, which is working to restore wild bison to tribal land near Glacier National Park.

A bison can weigh up to about 2,000 pounds yet run at around 35 miles per hour. When you are ready, follow the trail back to the visitor center and ride the gondola down to finish your visit.

Getting here: From the mountain lions, follow the trail west to the Bison and City viewing area overlooking the bay.

Did you know?: A bison's thick winter coat insulates so well that snow can sit on its back without melting.

Photo op: Frame the bison on the hillside with the bay and the city skyline in the distance.

For kids: Look for a bison rolling in the dirt. This wallowing helps it shed fur and keep bugs away.

Nearby: Restrooms, water and the Landing Cafe are back at the visitor center by the upper gondola station.

More on Wikipedia: American bison · Blackfeet Nation · San Francisco Bay

Bay Overlook - Bison Below, the Bay Beyond

Stops on this tour