The best walks and hikes in Del Valle Regional Park

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

Del Valle Lake was formed by Del Valle Dam, completed in 1968. The lake, about 5 miles long, has trails meandering along it, offering stunning views along the way. As the name suggests, the lake is tucked in a valley, with plenty of higher vantage points to enjoy the views.

The trail to Murietta Falls is a very challenging run, with a lot of elevation gain, but it is worth it for the wonderful scenery and beautiful falls at the end. The amount of water in the falls will vary depending on the amount of rain there has been.

La Costa Creek flows down the rock wall forming a beautiful waterfall. The falls are a refreshing spot to finish the long hike through the Ohlone Trail, offering beautiful scenery. The best time to hike to there is early spring, after rainy days, to see the green diverse flora and the wildflowers blooming.

The first section of East Shore Trail passes by Arroyo Del Valle River and then goes towards a steep ridge line by the southern Livermore Hills, delivering sweeping panoramic views of the parkland.

Lake Del Valle is an artificial impoundment located in the dry Livermore Valley. The lake is formed by the Arroyo del Valle River and is surrounded by the grassy hills of Del Valle Regional Park. The area has 4395 acres of parkland, offering many hiking trails with views and lake access. There is not much shade in the park, so it is recommended to visit the park during spring, autumn, and winter seasons to avoid high temperatures.

East Shore Trail starts on Arroyo Road, passing by the southern Livermore hills, going along the east side of the lake, and connects with different trails. The trail offers different viewpoints along the way, one of the best ones is on the south part of the lake, offering expansive views of the Lake Del Valle area.

Badger Cove is a small bay on Lake Del Valle. The East Shore Trail is one of the highlights of Del Valle State Recreation Area, and it offers views of the cove from between the trees. The Ridgeline Trail is another path on the property that offers great views of the cove and lake from a higher vantage point.