Came on a Saturday in February around 10:45am and there was no parking fee that day. Most of the lots were pretty full, but we were able to find parking in the overflow area. We did the Canyon View to Little Yosemite trail and I recommend downloading the map ahead of time as there was no service in the park. Trail was well maintained and the views of the green hills were very pretty! Came across some very friendly cows as well. Just be aware if you are going during the summer that there are no trees so limited shade. We did the trail clockwise, which starts off with a somewhat sharp incline and finishes with a gradual decline. I would recommend this direction so that you tackle the difficult portion first and then recover at the end with the descent. We also did part of the McCorkle trail, which was pretty tiring, so we decided to skip Little Yosemite using Cerro Este Road - appreciated how there are shortcuts available. Canyon View trail was not too busy, and we ran into more people (+ dogs/kids) on the Camp Ohlone Road heading toward Little Yosemite. Overall, it was a great, moderate hike and I would definitely come back to see Little Yosemite next time! read more

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A group of 5 of us decided to do Rose Peak Trail from Sunol. This is a brutal 17.8, 9.5-10 hour hike and up to 20 miles depending if you start from the visitor center. Started late at 9 am with few breaks and got to 3k elevation and still didn't reach the peak at 1:30 pm. A lot of hills and valleys with climbing/walking for 4.5 hours straight. Going back wasn't as easy since there's still some hills to pass. All in all, we did 18 miles for 8.5 hours of hiking. At least know what to expect for next year. The trail markers are numbered decently with not all marked. Bring a map and plenty of water! 2.5-5 liters is recommended by people who finished. Start right at 8 am. Saw 3 tarantulas and there are rattlers/mountain lions from the signs. Definitely one of the hardest hikes in the bay! Not much to see on the trail or views. read more

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We did a 22 mile hike in this area. Absolutely stunning terrain and the weather was great. I want to come back in the Spring when the flowers are in bloom. A permit is needed. I ordered mine online for $4.00. Good parking. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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We went hiking here this past Sunday, and absolutely loved the place. There are several parking lots, starting with the visitor center, including easy-to-follow signs for overflow parking. We lost cell phone service/internet access once we stepped onto the trails. But who needs phones when you have such lovely scenery all around. We didn't have a lot of time, so we just trekked the Canyon View Trail, which wasn't too difficult, but definitely had noticeable incline. It was perfect for me cuz I didn't want too much of a challenge, yet I still got to enjoy spectacular views in all directions. And once you reach the giant rocks at the end of this trail on top of the cliff, you can see the creek and small waterfall down below in the distance, along with more views and more trails. The only animals we saw during our hike were ducks in the water, while crossing the bridge, and llamas!! But we did see hog tracks, cow and coyote poop, and even mountain lion pawprints. The place is huge, there are so many trails to choose from, many that connect to each other, and maps are provided at the entrance near the parking lot, close to the visitor center. They even had signs up, noting closed trails. There are also several restrooms on site adding to the convenience. Can't wait to return to try some of the other trails. read more

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My family arrived early around 9 on Memorial Day to hike the Canyon View Trail to Little Yosemite. Parking was easy in the lot but it was filled by the time we left at 11. It was a beautiful hike and it was fun climbing down to Little Yosemite. read more

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Beautiful nature park with a good variety of trails. Most people like to go to Little Yosemite for the stunning waterfall views and relatively flat hike, but we decided to explore a different part today. It's our first time here (1/19/25). I've lived here most of my childhood, but never been here before. I was surprised on how much I missed out on here! The cool breezes today made our hike very pleasant. The park ranger provided very helpful information about the animals we will see. We hiked up Flag Hill and then looped around the Cave Rocks, and back via the Indian Joe Creek trail, totalling about 3.5 hours. There was a good proportion of shade and some sunnier parts. There are parts along a stream which were really pleasure. We had a perfect day of clear skies and overall serenity. We even saw some cute cows! read more

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Wow, what a beautiful location for a hike! There are several hikes. The Camp Ohlone Road trail is a good option for those with children and dogs. Check the website for a brochure download for the map. read more

Sunol Regional Wilderness Area - Parks Near Me - Sunol, California

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Our family has been visiting Sunol Regional Wilderness since my boys were in grade school. Over the years, we've explored it in every season, but spring and fall remain my personal favorites. My boys, on the other hand, love summer visits the most--they can't get enough of playing in the creek. read more

Sunol Regional Wilderness Area - Parks Near Me - Sunol, California

Sunol Regional Wilderness offers a peaceful and calming hike that is quite doable for all ages. There are some inclines, but they are very manageable. There is ample unpaved parking available. The first quarter of the hike takes you mainly through wooded areas, providing plenty of shade and a cool breeze. The second and third quarters involve an incline that leads you to the peak of the hills. This part of the hike is exposed to the sun, so it might be too hot on summer days. Along the hike, we saw a few people picnicking under isolated trees, which was quite beautiful. The view from the top is stunning, making you forget that you're still in the Bay Area. The last quarter is a stroll along a river, which was a calming way to return to the parking lot. What I really like about this trail is that it is dog-friendly. As I mentioned, people bring their dogs and picnic under trees along the trails. I've seen people lay down and nap, read, or enjoy a nice lunch. There weren't many people hiking the trail, but you'll occasionally bump into others hiking with their dogs. read more

Sunol Regional Wilderness Area - Parks Near Me - Sunol, California

Lovely regional park! We had a great visit this weekend. When we arrived, the first thing I noticed is that it's a very well-kept and clean park. Second thing I noticed is that the staff at the visitor center are absolutely wonderful! They're knowledgeable and kind. We took a quick wildflower tour with Kevin and had a good time and learned a lot. The trails are long, but the valley itself is rather small, which I actually enjoyed because all trail heads seemed a walkable distance from where you park. They have just a few parking lots relatively near each other. We arrived around 9am and had no issues finding parking. We took a couple trails along the creek and enjoyed them. They were well-maintained and very pretty. All trails in this park are dog-friendly, so I appreciated not having to second guess which trails our dog was allowed on. Next time we come, we'll spend some time doing the "Little Yosemite" hike to enjoy the waterfall, too :) read more

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Went on a great hike with my favorite hiking partner. We took the Canyon View trail and saw views of all the canyon. There were beautiful sights deer and cows all along the way. Some how we even bumped into a little heard of llamas. I guess everyone likes coming out here. There are a lot of trails that take you through many great landscapes of rolling hills, creeks, cliffs and rock formations. Lots of auxiliary parking and restrooms. read more

Looking for a soul refreshing break from a long work week? You've come to the right place. Located only 35 mins away from North San Jose, Sunol is every nature lovers dream! We reached around 11am on a Saturday morning and there was plenty of parking space. There is $5 car parking entrance fee fyi. There are a lot of washrooms near the car parking. This is a kid and dog friendly hike and we did see a lot of families here. The day was nice and wam, we hiked about 1 mile to reach the little Yosemite water fall. It was so calm and relaxing. Given the spring season, there were a lot of flowers along the trail and the sound of the waterfall throughout the trail made the experience extremely memorable and we were recharged to head back to busy work week after the trail. Rates : Easy Elevation: 201 feet 2.1mile, 50 mins round trip Patches of flowers along the trail As always leave no trace and keep the park clean read more

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This is our second time going here. The first time was during winter in 2020. It was FREEZING lol I don't even think anyone was out here except for us. We came back on Easter Sunday and it was BEAUTIFUL. Beautiful weather and beautiful scenery. We were only planning on doing a short hike since it was Easter but there is no reception up here and we had plans on relying on AllTrails but for some reason AllTrails was having me log in....ugh it was a no go without connection so we just winged it and ended up hiking about 6 miles. We went to the very top of the hill and around. Hardly anyone was going up there which was kind of nice that way I can act silly if I want lol. We went back down to the rocks where the water was. The water was thriving because of all the rain we had. Now, that area was getting kind of crowded. We took a few pictures and videos then headed out. This was actually a great hike. The only advice I have is to make sure to come early if you want parking and to beat the heat. Don't forget to bring your water and sunscreen. We will go back again for sure. This time a longer hike. FYI....there is a $5 parking fee. read more

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We are participating in the 2024 Six Peak Challenge with Social Hiker. Today we hike Rose Peak, (3,817 ft. elevation), the highest peak in Alameda County, located in Ohlone Wilderness and can only be accessed by foot for the public. We arrived at 8am, before the gate attendant was in the booth so we scored free parking.Most of the scenery along the trail was of the green rolling hills.  As for animals, we walked past some idling cows.  We also spotted a pack of wild boars in the distance, they ran away as soon as they heard us coming.There were a handful of small creek crossings but we encountered many muddy sections which took some agility to walk through.Got to the top of Rose Peak at 12:15.  We were the only ones there as we broke out for our trail lunches.  Shortly thereafter, bunches of people started to arrive from the Eastern Del Valle side as well as from the Western Sunol side.  It was a sight to see this location become a destination. Some people pointed out the semi hidden ammo box with cool stickers and a log book. we penned in our names.My only wish is for some Boy Scout to do an Eagle Project of building a picnic table at the top of Rose Peak so people can picnic and celebrate their monumental long distance hiking achievement. On our return leg, we did a side excursion to the top of Goat Rock, it was challenging but was rewarded with great views. read more

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Drive there was a single lane road with a ton of bikers, drive cautiously. Locations: google maps does not take you to the actual location. When it says you arrive, make a left and follow the road for about another mile and you will run into the entrance. Note: you will loose signal at this point so have your maps and communications with anyone you are meeting done before hand. They do have bathrooms! Parking: $5 Hike: on the route we took it was a slight uphill and no shade. There is hillside scenery and a stream as well. Kid and dog friendly. A bit more crowded than I would prefer. Pro tip: get there early because parking fills up quickly. As we left around 11 am there was a block on the road saying the lot was full. read more

Sunol Regional Wilderness Area - Slight uphill trail - Parks Near Me - Sunol, California

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Its summertime and we wanted to experience some things close to home to do that are also not that expensive. Lets not forget that we also like to bring our dog to most things we go to. He thinks he's a real boy. I recommend coming here early as early can be. You have to pay to park and pay for your doggy pal to enter the park. When you get in early you get good parking and a choice location to chill out near the stream. We brought our big four wheeler wagon and brought some folding chairs and snacks. We found a nice spot by the stream that was deep enough to hang out around and in. There is no swimming allowed.... Little Yosemite is a trek up the hill and be prepared because the landscape changes and this portion of the park gets packed with people. Again, come early. Its very fun for kids so we had a lower little hang out spot and then the kids walked up the hill to go play in the water at Little Yosemite. The water is beautiful and you can believe this is so close to home. As the gets later, like around 1pm - 2pm it gets busy. We came back to our spot after taking a short walk up the stream and a another family pretty much just sat their chairs on top of our stuff. It was wildly rude. They also sat right in the middle of the trail and even with other people and dogs passing through when it was clearly a trail to pass by, they didn't move their chairs. So be carful, some people are so rude that you just stand their and watch. I would also recommend good water shoes that you can also hike in a little bit. You can thank me later. Rude people aside. Come early and leave by 1pm. You'll have a great day I promise. read more

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Sexy East One of our favorite parks in the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) that spans over 6,800-acres of diverse habitats, from chapparel forests to rolling hills. The Good: *Trails are in fairly good condition. *Make sure to check out Little Yosemite Falls after a good rain. *Lots of areas to explore for young kids-esp during droughts when the creeks are low. *Dog-friendly (with an additional $2/fee) *Like most EBRPD parks, it also serves as a pasture for moo cows! *Plenty of parking The Meh: *$5 entrance fee, which is one of the more inexpensive entrance fees in The Bay. *Can be crowded at certain times of the year. The Ugly: *Most of the trails are not very well-shaded; I wouldn't recommend coming here during the hot summer months without a ton of water. TLDR: EBRPD gem that's a mere 30min drive from the South Bay and def worth your time. Happy hikes! :) read more

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If you are looking for a short, yet gorgeous hike this is the perfect place you. With all the recent rains the falls are really flowing. Be cautious near the water, some rocks are slippery. Kid and pet friendly, filled with many smaller trails that take you off the main path to wander and explore. I really enjoy the soft sounds of water throughout the hike. Lots of wildlife and wildflowers to appreciate. One of my favorite activities is to sit creekside and get lost in the peaceful sounds. Parking is $5, there are clean restrooms and lots of picnic tables if you want to pack a lunch. read more

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Also know as Little Yosemite Immerse yourself in the beauty of lush green trails, surrounded by majestic mountains on both sides . The serene atmosphere is accompanied by the soothing sound of water flowing along the trails. Please note that there is an entrance fee of $5, and it is advisable to bring cash. Keep in mind that the phone signal is extremely weak, if not non-existent, once you reach the area. Therefore, plan accordingly and be prepared for a lack of internet connectivity. Ample parking space is available, and you'll find some picnic tables as well. The trails are incredibly pleasant, adorned with numerous areas shaded by trees. Thanks to recent rains, the streams are still flowing, and vibrant flowers are blooming along the way. This natural oasis is blissfully isolated from the bustling traffic of Highway 680, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. read more

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One of my favorite place to hike. I accidentally stumbled upon this area after getting lost on the road. I highly recommend visiting during the fall/early spring. Summer would mean dead grass all over the place, which is not exactly picture-worthy. My fav. time to visit is during the afternoon in the middle of weekday. I heard it gets busy during the weekend, so forget about that. Park opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm. Don't worry, then won't lock you in if you are still wandering around past 5; they close the gate after 5 so cars won't be able to drive into the parking lot. I visited yesterday and I didn't have to pay the $5 entrance fee. Yay. read more

Sunol Regional Wilderness Area - Parks Near Me - Sunol, California

Little Yosemite is an interesting area to go boulder-climbing, see water and waterfalls, and feel like you are somewhere much further than Fremont. Its located inside a small valley you can climb down and it will remind you of some of the epic rock formations, water, and foliage you see at Yosemite. We came to do this hike at 8 am to avoid the crowds and there were already a couple groups ready to go, by 10:30 when we were walking back towards our car you could see a LOT of people making their way up the mountain so come early or late if you want it to be more empty. Notes for other parents, the 1.1 mile hike to get to Little Yosemite took about 45 minutes with a baby strapped to one of us and a 4 year old, most of it was uphill and was tiring. Coming back was much faster. Unfortunately the climb down to Little Yosemite was not safe for all of us to do, do NOT expect to climb down safely with a baby strapped to you. Only my oldest and I was able to do down and even that was a little sketchy. My wife was not able to see it at all. read more

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Came Sunday afternoon 3pm (after some of the morning rush). Asked for trail recs at Visitor Center and ranger advised us to take loop to Flag Hill. Took steeper route up (some shade) then gentler trail on way down (all exposed). Amazing view of valley, lots wildflowers (clover flowers, poppies, lupine, salvia like, and more), cows mooing and grazing. Enjoy it while it's still green! read more

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One of the loveliest local hiking spots - strongly recommend! - Many, many trails to choose from. There's the popular Little Yosemite trail to see a waterfall, windy creekside trails and flat paved trails. If you want a short, easy walk you have one, but if you're looking for longer, steeper trails and panoramic views at high altitude this park has options for that too! There are paths in full sun and paths that are shaded. That being said, this park is very huge so although there are a lot of visitors it doesn't feel crowded. Lots of families, and suitable even for little ones - Wildlife: Especially in the springtime there are dozens of varieties of wild flowers and grasses at the park. If you're on a wildflower hunt or looking for California poppies, this park has that and more. Plus lots of different kinds of birds to see and hear - Well-maintained and friendly staff. Bathrooms are clean (for park bathrooms), trail guided are available, signage is clear. There was also a kind park ranger in the parking lot offering expert advice and answering questions about which trails to pick Parking costs $5, and there are multiple lots inside so the park can accomodate many visitors. Just be careful not to miss the turn onto Geary when arriving or you may find yourself on some mountain paths! read more

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Beautiful area for a hike! Fresh and clean smelling (nice break from the city) abs open. We came here on a Monday around 10:30am and there was plenty of parking. There also weren't a lot of people, so we were able to keep a safe distance for about 98% of the hike. There are also quite a few parking lots to choose from. Near the parking lot, we were able to pause and hear some woodpeckers, which was very relaxing. Level: not an intense hike. Can turn back at anytime as well in case anyone gets tired. read more

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I was quite surprised, dare I say gobsmacked, at how popular this so-called wilderness area was when I visited on a Sunday. The location kinda felt remote to this San Franciscan as it's off 680 east of Fremont, and you have to drive another fifteen minutes down a winding, (mostly) two-lane road to get to this beauteous valley of huge, hairless trees that looked like they sprouted randomly from magic beans. It was the first time I had been here in decades, dare I say centuries, since my last time here. That was when I was an acne-laden adolescent hiking with other acne-laden adolescents in what was then a true wilderness. I believe we ran into Lewis & Clark once we unpacked from my lime green Gremlin. The extensive loop trails were what I remember the most, and those remained intact. My strategy was to follow young families because I figured they'd follow the paths of least resistance. Dumb assumption as those kiddos were fearless. I walked the popular McCorkle Trail which ascends gradually, passes by a few indifferent cows, and offers steep hillside views. I made my way to the more ambitious Eagle View Trail which climbed to the top of the peaks. Guess I should have known from the name that it was going to be an outdoor elliptical machine. When I saw an opportunity for a detour, I took it and it turned out to be the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail. Now that felt like true wilderness because nobody was on it and I kept stepping on unexpected cow patties, who obviously were there recently if you know what I mean. Well, I got a lot of steps in, also flights with all that elevation. It was better than driving my Gremlin. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more

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The views here are spectacular! Came on a Sunday morning and was surprised that there was already quite a bit of people here (plenty of parking so not a worry). Decided to hike the Little Yosemite trail. The trail seems to be around 1.1 mile to where the waterfall is but you can definitely go further as it connects to a longer trail. The trail itself is pretty walkable and reminds me a lighter Mission Peak as the ground is pretty rocky and it has a slight incline. The views though, are amazing. Because the trail is nestled between two "mountain ranges", there are such glorious views of the valley and its crazy to think that this is in the Bay Area! Will definitely come back but will say that I was a little disappointed because there was no waterfall in the part where it is dubbed "Little Yosemite". It's probably because of climate change but will definitely check online to make sure the season is right before coming here the next time around to see the waterfall. read more

Sunol Regional Wilderness Area - Beauty - Parks Near Me - Sunol, California

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This is a pretty nice hike, but barely any shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water! We decided to do the Indian Joe trail to Little Yosemite to challenge ourselves. The hike from parking lot to Little Yosemite is about 2 miles. For the hike that we did, I did a total of 6 miles (according to Strava). I liked the trail that we picked because there weren't a lot of people around, so didn't have to wear masks as much. Once we got to Little Yosemite, there were a lot of people. Some wore masks, some didn't. If you want to avoid the crowds at Mission Peak and still want a good workout, I suggest you go here. If you can, go early! We arrived around 9 and was able to find parking. It was just really, really hot! read more

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Our CO-VID non-hike drive through the park was perfect to pass time during this pandemic. Easy drive to get to this park. Off the freeway not too long for those who get carsick with too many twists and turns (me!). Also it's free right now to get in as the gates were open with no attendant. Here are some pics I took from the vehicle. So if you are worried about the 6 feet social distancing you can still see some pretty views from the car lol! I would like to check this place out once the shelter in place is lifted as it seems like a nice and low key hike. I just like to do small 20 minute ones, although I think you will have to pay to get inside so maybe I might opt for walking around a park instead unless I am planning to do a longer hike or maybe doing a picnic? Great if you have the National park annual pass which lets you get in for free to any National park. read more

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What a wonderful place to spend time in the great outdoors. Sunol Regional Wilderness is a short drive from the freeway but feels totally secluded once you reach it. They have a few parking lots with a visitors center and restrooms. Since it was our first time here we popped into the visitors center to get our bearings and ensure we were headed on the right path. We decided to take the Canyon View trail to Little Yosemite and went back the same way we came in instead of doing the full loop. There is a gravel trail you can take but we just went through the rolling hills for a bit more strenuous hike. The trail was clearly marked and well maintained. There were a few groups we saw during our day but never felt crowded. At Little Yosemite we were pleased that there was still water present after a dry February. If you do the trail counterclockwise, traveling down ohlone road to little Yosemite before climbing up to canyon view trail makes the elevation gain far less strenuous. If you want more of the uphill incline first, go clockwise. read more

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My corgi puppy willow enjoys the trail along the river; short but pretty. On weekends it can get busy. Luckily the parking lot is large. Restrooms at the parking lot. There is a wide paved trail, with some light gravel rocks. I've seen many families come with young children and dogs. Some paths fork out (different trails) so you can choose to the big inclines or not. You can walk off the paved road and at different entrances, there's dirt paths along the river that are easy to do... but there's a part which requires some light maneuvering down the rocks - then some bouldering up to get to the lovely small waterfall part (little Yosemite) . The main paved road circles back to the parking lot so it's a big loop around the hills and river. It's a good place to hike, and it's up to you if you want to make it easy or more difficult depending on the trails you pick. read more

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I would absolutely recommend you check out this hike if you love hiking! Parking is $5 cash on busy days. There are restrooms. I came here with my family last Saturday (in February) around 4pm and was able to hang around until 6ish. We still had sunlight. Plenty of parking was available and we got in free. We chose to do the Little Yosemite trail, didn't make it to the falls since we have little ones. But it was fun!! read more

Sunol Regional Wilderness Area - Hike is fun with kiddos. My boy in the front walked nearly the whole time! - Parks Near Me - Sunol, California

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Favorite hiking spot... always so much to see. Lovely treelined creek, meadows, and more challenging hillside trails. So glad the recent fire stayed relatively contained. read more

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$5 parking during busier periods (limited space, come around 8AM opening time during those periods), bathrooms, and well-paved trails! I hope we get some rain soon, though, as the places towards the beginning of the Little Yosemite trail were the only places that still had a significant amount of water. Incredibly well-maintained, feels very safe, and great trails with varying levels of difficulty. This is a beautiful area for hiking! Hopefully by the next time I'm back, the waterfall won't be dried up anymore. :( read more

Sunol Regional Wilderness Area - water at beginning of little yosemite trail - Parks Near Me - Sunol, California

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The family who hikes together stays together. We came here before but we love it so much, we came back today (1-1-19) to start the New Year on the right track. We tried a more changing trail this time. Because we had a few days of light rain and cooler weather, we thought that going through the Little Yosemite trail would be adventurous. This time around the creek actually had water flowing. We took our dog with us today and it was a bit challenging with all the rocks, creek, and bushes we had the dodge.......not to mention horse or poop. lol There was a lot of picture moments and family bonding was at its strongest. It's very peaceful here. This place I would recommend to beginner hikers to advance hikers. There's plenty to see and do. One of our favorite hiking spots near home. read more

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This is one my favorite hiking or outdoor activity. View, trails, picnic spots, ample parking, free on weekdays, beautiful drive, cows for pictures and lots of birds on good days. We went again today during the stay at home and this time picnic spots were open, hiking trail was open and packed. Restrooms were open and still ample parking. Pack your lunch or snacks, Little Yosemite is just 1 mile but there are more spots up ahead and it's uphill. FYI: teenagers smoking weed today, that was new. read more

This place is beautiful lots of creeks , trails, trees picnic tables....Gets very hot in the summer.Great place for a good hike and picnic the water is super cold !! read more

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An easy hike within Sunol Regional Wilderness Park and not far from home. Sunol's regional park has many other trails but we took the Camp Ohlone Road to Geary Road then to Canyon View Trail which is about 5 miles. I suggest to go clockwise so that you can pass the 'Little Yosemite' waterfalls at the end of your hike! Well worth it after a hot summer day! Note... there is no reception here so know your trails or use AllTrails app! It was nice but on a hot summer day, there was barely any shade to cover from the sun and heat! Make sure to wear a hat and sunblock! The trails are not maintained like on Camp Ohlone Road. I see trucks wetting this road and has utility cars come through so watch out for them. The Canyon View Trails was not maintained at all so I would suggest to wear pants as there is a lot of outgrown branches and spiky weeds that will prick your legs!! It hurt mine!! If you want to walk to the 'Little Yosemite' only, it's only about three miles there and back from the parking area. Be careful climbing down the rocks to the water; it can be slipper or steep. Wear a swimsuit so you can dip in the nice cool waters! It was so refreshing after our long hot hike (we backtracked just to get there)! I climbed up the big rocks to reach the top of the waterfalls! It was an awesome site to see and picture worthy!! Bring you selfie sticks! The rest of the park is ok for picnics since they had tables and plenty of parking spaces. The best time to hike here is during winter or spring for green hills. It's too hot here during summer with no shade. Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunblock, good grip shoes and a hat! Will be back for a swim in the 'Little Yosemite ' only!! ;-) [53/100] read more

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We did little yosemite hike which is 1.1 mile trail(-thats what it says on the board when you enter the gate). As as soon as we entered calaveras rd, the view was amazing. We felt like we are really in yosemite. On left you can see big mountain range and you forget you are few minutes away from city life. We drove all the way to the start of the little yosemite point. There was no mobile service and very little parking, but we waited few minutes and got one spot. If you don't then there is additional parking space if you look back. There are some benches where you can sit and have some family time together under the trees. There are two public restrooms also. After parking, we entered the gate and saw a small stream of water and it looked beautiful. The sound of water stream was so mesmerizing. There were different trails on left and right that people were taking but we just took the main trail. It was just a moderate hike where I saw few people taking strollers also. If you are too complaining, just don't take stroller(-but then you might end up carrying kids on your way back) or just dont bring kids. So, what I mean to say is it is possible to bring kids with strollers (offcourse with big wheels). We hiked all the way to the "w tree". On our way, we saw beautiful scenery, enjoyed big white rocks (-I believe its path of the water stream), beautiful birds. Since, we couldn't find the end of the trail, we just returned back. Overall, it was a very good experience and we will come back to check out other trails. read more

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We went here to check out "Little Yosemite" which is a nice creek with small waterfalls fun for the kids and the whole fam. When you get to the park initially there's two places for parking. You'll come up on the "Flag hill" trail parking first, then maybe a quarter mile further would be the "Little Yosemite" trail parking. We went on a Thursday late morning (around 10:30am) and there were quite a few cars but parking wasn't full. The hike isn't hard but gets hot since there's not a lot of shade. Several times there are small trails that break off and follows the stream, with plenty of shade from the trees, which you can take, but more than likely take you to a dead end if your final place is still Little Yosemite. The actual trail is the wide "road sized" one. I've read reviews on how the falls and water is halfway through the hike (1.1-1.5 miles) which is where we stopped since we were really just wanting to go and check out the water. You just follow the trail and will see an outhouse to the left of the trail, and to your right will be a hike down path to the water once you get there. Going down to the water may be slightly tricky if you have small children, but very doable. There was actually another path to go down to the water and takes you closer to the little waterfalls maybe a hundred feet before the outhouse (after you pass the drainage rails to the right), and that's where some of the people were going since that's where the falls was. But it had less shade, so it's your choice which area you want to hang out in. There's many small places to hang out by the water and shallow enough to let the kids play. They did have signs to beware of snakes and mountain lions at the beginning of the trail so just be aware. Bring plenty of water and snacks, they have trash bins along the trail so you can dispose of it. read more

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We visited for the first time to see Little Yosemite. Little Yosemite is such a hidden LOCAL gem! We live in San Ramon, and this was an easy 25 minute drive from our home to the Visitor Center. If you are meeting other families, it is best to meet them at the Visitor Center. For most there is no cell phone reception, so it's hard to find each other unless you have all been before, or you specify for everyone to meet at the Visitor Center. Our group met up at the Visitor Center, then we got back in our cars to head to a lot down the road that put us closer to Little Yosemite. It's not far, but with several kids in tow, it did help to shorten the distance a bit so the group can spend more time in the water. Once you start your hike, it's probably no more than a 1 mile hike up a slight incline to an unpaved road until you get to the spot where there are large boulders and flowing water. Once you are down by the water, there is a lot of navigating around boulders and water. There were a few younger kids there, but I think 5 and up is best. My son is 7, and it was a good year to take him here for the first time - he was able to do most of the climbing himself. We dressed the kids in swim wear, and it was perfect for them to be able to just get right into the water. My husband had water shoes on, whereas my son refused them since his friends were barefoot. Some of the rocks were "prickly", so I'd say bring water shoes if things like that will bother you. Pack water, lunch and a towel and you'll be set. I loved it and will be back. My guess is spring is the best time to come - the water may dry up or be insufficient for water play late in summer and during fall. read more

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