High atop the hills of Tilden Park, where the sky cracks open into a softer blue and the autumn sunlight twinkles through the trees, sits a serene sanctuary, a quiet ring of rocks known as the Rotary Peace Grove Lookout.

Hewed into the hillside and girded by a low growing shrub border, the Lookout is devoted to those who have embodied and exemplified peace and its circle of stones, congregated in a simple architectural design, seems to echo what it commemorates — amity and accord. Commissioned by the Berkeley Rotary Club and the EBRPD Board of Directors in 1955, the Lookout is positioned on the hill like a granite halo, silently overlooking the busy cityscape below and far removed from the bustle of urban living.

So, on a day just after the rains have stopped, as the mist lifts and the air is still hushed, head up to Inspiration Point, park your car, and pick up the Nimitz Trail. Travel along the ribbon of asphalt for about 1.5 miles and feel yourself begin to fall into a calmer groove as you walk, your body loosening to match the steady rhythms of nature. Feel the sunshine start to warm your skin and watch the hawks soar above as they ride out the higher current of air and glide noiselessly over the treetops.

Just beyond the long shady stand of eucalyptus, you’ll spy a marker pointing you towards the Rotary Peace Grove. Veer left here and continue on. Stop and admire the Grove’s stately sequoias and the tombstone-like plaques planted at the foot of each one to “honor individuals for their contributions to world peace.” Continue onward about ¼ of a mile further, trudging uphill, until, suddenly, the path opens out onto a small mesa upon which the “living memorial” stands.

Pick part of the wall and plunk yourself down for a breather. Take a long swig from your water bottle and enjoy a handful of trail mix or a crisp green apple. Then, as your heart beat slows and your breath returns, the mellow breeze buffeting you gently, sit still and look out.