The best running trails in Ohlone Regional Wilderness Area

The Ohlone Regional Wilderness Area offers a selection of 16 running routes. These trails are generally challenging, with 8 routes classified as moderate and 8 as difficult, catering to runners seeking a demanding experience.

Yes, you can jog to the scenic Murietta Falls. The Murietta Falls via Ohlone WIlderness Trail — Alameda County is a difficult 12.4-mile route that leads directly to this beautiful attraction, especially impressive after significant rainfall.

Absolutely. Several excellent loop routes are available for runners. For a moderate option, consider the Del Valle Regional Park loop via Ridgeline Trail — Alameda County. Another popular choice is the Ridgeline Trail – Lake Del Valle loop from Livermore, which offers rugged terrain and views of Lake Del Valle.

The area is a vital corridor for diverse wildlife. Runners might spot golden eagles, mountain lions, tule elk, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes. The endangered bald eagle is also present, and seasonal aggregations of ladybugs can be observed in isolated valleys.

Yes, the wilderness offers several stunning viewpoints. Rose Peak, at 3,817 feet, provides 360-degree panoramic views. From the eastern flanks of the Mission Peak area, you can enjoy excellent vistas of Sunol Valley, Valpe Ridge, and Rose Peak in the distance. The trails also traverse rugged ridges and canyons, offering a sense of remoteness.

Spring is particularly beautiful for running, as the expansive grassy uplands become profusely flowered with seasonal wildflowers, offering vibrant displays. While Murietta Falls flows best after significant rainfall, the diverse ecosystems and oak woodlands are enjoyable year-round, though summer can be hot and dry.

While many routes in Ohlone Regional Wilderness Area feature significant elevation changes and are rated moderate to difficult, some shorter, less strenuous options exist. For example, the McCorkle Trail to Camp Ohlone Road loop — Sunol Regional Wilderness is a moderate 3.8-mile route with a more manageable elevation gain, offering a good option for those seeking a less intense run.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Runners frequently praise the challenging terrain, the sense of remoteness, and the diverse landscapes, including oak woodlands and expansive grassy uplands. The significant elevation changes are often highlighted as a key feature for those seeking a demanding workout.

Access to the Ohlone Regional Wilderness Area is typically through connecting regional parks like Sunol Regional Wilderness and Del Valle Regional Park. Parking facilities are available at these entry points, but it's advisable to check the specific park's website for details on parking fees and availability, especially during peak times.

Yes, the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, which is a centerpiece for joggers, connects Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Fremont to Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore, traversing through Sunol Regional Wilderness and the Ohlone Wilderness itself. This allows for extended outdoor adventures and varied running experiences across multiple parks.

The trails offer a diverse and engaging running experience, ranging from mostly rugged paths to sections with less strenuous gradients. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, traversing through oak woodlands, expansive grassy uplands, and rugged ridges and canyons. The 28-mile Ohlone Wilderness Trail alone features over 8,000 feet of elevation gain across its entire length.

For a quicker run, the Badger Cove – Badger Cove loop from Del Valle Regional Park is a moderate 4.8-mile route. It offers a good option for those looking for a shorter, yet still engaging, running experience within the broader wilderness area.