The best walks and hikes in Sunol Regional Wilderness

Rose Peak (3,817 feet) is the highest mountain of the East Bay Regional Parks system and together with nearby Discovery Peak is the highest legally accessible point in Alameda County. Although not tall by California standards, it is one of the tallest mountains in the Bay Area and high enough to receive dustings of snow several times a year. You can start from Del Valle on the Vallecitos Trail as an overnight hike with camping. If you’re hiking this as a day hike, park near the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center and start on the Sailor Camp Trail. You’ll need an Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Permit for each person in your party. They must possess and carry the permit, which actually doubles as a detailed map and is good for one year. You can get a permit at the Del Valle Regional Park, but your best bet is to order it in advance online: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/ohlone The Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Hiking Permit/Map is required for both day use and camping/backpacking for each person, ages 12 and over. The permit is valid for one year from the date of purchase: In-person Locations: Del Valle Park entrance kiosk, Sunol Visitor Center and/or Sunol entrance kiosk (when staffed), Coyote Hills Visitor Center (Fremont), or at the EBRPD Administration Offices (Oakland). Hours vary for each location. Online: Ohlone Wilderness Permit (1 Year) By Phone: call the Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757, option 2. By Mail: Send your name, address, phone number and check payable to EBRPD to The Reservations Department, EBRPD, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605-0381. If purchasing by phone, online or by mail, the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Hiking Permit/Map should be purchased at least 7 days in advance of your planned trip to allow time for mailing. If under 7 days, you should plan to purchase your Ohlone Permit from one of the locations listed above. Fee for in-person purchase is $2/person/year; by mail/phone/online $4/person/year for first five permits and $3/person/year for each additional permit after five. Overnight camping is at designated campsites only, and requires a reservation. Call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2 to reserve a campsite. Backpacking tent campsites are $5 per person, plus $8 reservation fee per group. https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/sunol/EB/110028/campsites

From this viewpoint, you can enjoy stunning views of rolling hills and valleys. If you come here in the spring, and more specifically late May, you will be able to bask in the full bloom of the wildflowers in the area.

This park is considered to be a mini Yosemite with creeks, boulders and sometimes waterfalls. It costs $5 to get access the site and if you go during peak times, it is normally fairly busy.

The Big Live Oaks are an iconic feature of this hike. You can spot these majestic Live Oak trees throughout the hike. Pause and seek refuge from the sun beneath these majestic trees. As you do, reflect on their age, ranging from hundreds of years old to over a thousand, serving as living witnesses to the region's history and ecological changes.

This natural oasis is the perfect stop if you're willing to pay the $5 entrance fee (cash only). Here you will find lots of small to moderate waterfalls, making the hike around the area not only visually stunning but also very relaxing as the sounds coming from the waterfalls can be heard from every direction.

From this viewpoint you can enjoy stunning views of rolling hills and valleys. If you come here in the spring, and more specifically late May, you will be able to bask in the full bloom of the wildflowers in the area.