Sunol Regional Wilderness

Sunol Regional Wilderness

This loop in the 6,858-acre wilderness starts by bridging and paralleling Alameda Creek. You can borrow or buy a self-guided nature trail booklet at the visitor center to identify markers on the Indian Joe Nature Trail (wildflower identification kits and bird lists are also available). The hike will take you up through tranquil wooded canyons, past Indian Joe Cave Rocks, to grassy slopes covered with California poppies, lupine, and wild mustard in spring. The next landmark is Little Yosemite, with misting water cascading over boulders in the gorge, especially heavy in early spring and wet years. If you compare it to the real Yosemite, you’ll be disappointed. But the falls are still picturesque and a wonderful discovery along your hike. You then traverse a ridge and head down a canyon with weathered green serpentine and sandstone outcrops, back through oak woodland, and finish by crossing the creek again. This is also your gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness for Bay Area backpacking. This eTrail also includes suggested nearby attractions, camping & lodging, restaurants, and local outdoor retailers.

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