Something to sit on is nice if you go to the creek. Little Yosemite in Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. Sunol Regional Wilderness is the most rustic camping setting in the east bay and possibly the whole San Francisco Bay area. One of the best opportunities for seeing them, along with peregrine falcons and other wildlife, is at Sunol Regional Wilderness in remote Alameda County east of Highway 680. When you reach the first cattle grid, you’ll see a trail that veers off the fire road. Little Yosemite in Sunol a scenic hike Canyon View Trail. The plotted map starts at my parking spot. This magical, Yosemite-like gorge will give you a taste of the national park you’ve been looking for without having to make that 4-hour haul east. Follow Mishi B. on instagram as @MelaninMommy. 4. The hike is about 2 miles round trip depending on how much exploring, rock scrambling, and climbing you do. Alameda County fire and sheriff's officials issued an evacuation warning for Kilkare Canyon residents in Sunol due to approaching fire danger around 1 p.m. Our local events calendar is usually packed with drop-in classes, free storytimes, and festivals. See Tripadvisor's 86 traveler reviews and photos of kid friendly Sunol attractions One of my pet peeves besides visible graffiti on nature, is the trash we see riddled along the trails. Impatient visitors will quickly see how this trail earned its name as it is filled with beautiful marshes, waterfalls, and wading areas nestled between rocks. My kids are 11 and 10 and the hike for them to little Yosemite was doable. What the map did not say or what I probably failed to read was that it was an .85 incline mile hike on a dirt road with no trees as canopy. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department … Sunol Park address: 1895 Geary Road Sunol, CA 94586 Directions: From Fremont - Head north on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road. Today, camping, picnickin… Be prepared to wear face-covering masks in the common areas and when you’re within six feet of other hikers. Turn right on Calaveras and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park. The Importance of Picking Up Trash With Your Kids. So the hike up was a bit tough for the kids, there is a bench halfway through under a shady tree. There will be sections where the trail will clear and you can get back on the fire road, but you can keep on the shaded trails as much as it allow you to. Little Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and rock scrambling and it’s easy to get to. 4/5/2017. All of the campsites at Sunol Regional Wilderness require at least a short walk of 60 – 100 feet from the parking lot, with more out-on-your-own … The East Bay Regional Park District (“EBRPD”) is currently preparing a 20-year Land Use Plan for Sunol and Ohlone Preserves, mapping the goals and future projects for the preserves. by Stephanie. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Sunol Hike is a great trip for fit beginners and regular hikers alike. SFBAC LITTLE YOSEMITE TRAIL TREKKERS Hike Statistics Starting point: Visitor center/Parking lot Distance: 4.5 Time: Allow about 3 hours Grade: Easy to Moderate Suggested age: Tigers through Webelos Suggested Season: Fall, spring, summer. Going the scenic route brings plenty of stream side fun and exploring. This is a popular day-trip area for families and groups, a rapids section of the river with granite rockfalls. The Sunol Regional Wilderness, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is a great place for many different students of nature and lovers of the outdoors. This kid-friendly hiking trail is a must see in the Bay Area. The park is near the village of Sunol, south of where state route 84 meets Interstate 680. Happy Holidays with East Bay Kids 🎄 - phew -, New! We’re thrilled to feature guest writer, Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter! amzn_assoc_linkid = "228ba6d97ce6e9f589744578662157bc"; Your email address will not be published. Roaring waterfalls at Little Yosemite. Thanks so much to Mishi B, author of Hey Carter! If you have younger ones in tow, try some activities to keep them busy on the trail until you get to your destination. I made a loop out of the two, for a hike of about 3 miles with some gentle elevation gain. Sunol and Ohlone Preserves are renowned for their springtime explosions of native wildflowers and scenic landmarks such as Little Yosemite. I had so much fun with the hike up to "Little Yosemite Area" and then climbing the rocks and putting my feet in the water for a cool down! (Big kids will love to take part, too!) Subscribe and receive a list of, family-friendly activities in the East Bay, Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial (save 20% on diapers! Canyon View Trail to Little Yosemite - California | AllTrails Look for wild turkeys, magpies, and owl boxes. Kids; AdChoices. As part of the Copyright © 2010 – 2020 by 510 FAMILIES INCcontact | RSS | privacy policy | giveaway policy. As soon as we leave the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the flowing water on the right. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland. Sunol Regional Wilderness: Indian Joe to Canyon View With Wildflowers! We like to stretch just after the gate and the kids join in too. It’s also very shaded and where one of our favorite landmarks “T-rex rapids” is. Here's how it looks to geology aficionados. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "510famz-20"; Unfortunately, rather than taking in as much as possible of the Little Yosemite scenery, the ride starts the first serious climb by turning left just when you arrive there. Little Yosemite, a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek in Sunol Regional Wilderness, might not be so grand, but it’s a lot closer to home. Books for sharing her family’s adventure with us. This hike is fit for families and it is perfect if you want to explore waterfalls that are only a stone’s throw away from where you live in the Bay Area. Explore these best attractions, sightseeing spots, fun activities, and other handpicked places to visit in Sunol on this weekend. If you have done this hike before, what was your favorite part? Little Yosemite In Sunol Regional Wilderness Vandalized Bea Karnes 7/13/2020. Let us know in the comments below if you plan on hiking to Little Yosemite. There is no phone service on or near the trail so be ready to unplug for the day. We like to take this trail because it’s near the streams and you’ll get to take in more nature. (Courtesy Dino Vournas) This kid-friendly hiking trail is a must see in the Bay Area. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Bring snacks, sun protection, water, and a change of clothes. Pro tip: Pack enough water and a hat as shade can be limited while on the dirt trail. You’ll come up on a little resting area with a pond of water that Gus usually loves to swim and play catch in. Sunol Regional Wilderness – Little Yosemite Sunol Regional Wilderness – Little Yosemite. Arriving early is key to avoid the sun and crowds in order to social distance. Hiking and Wildlife in the San Francisco East Bay Region. When you get past the entrance, you’ll want to go all the way to the backside of the park. The Little Yosemite is fun to explore for little people and grownups alike. 6 New Things To Try At The Park With Your Toddler, How to Keep your Tween or Teen Interested in the Outdoors. Come with me on a hike to a place called Little Yosemite in the Sunol Regional Wilderness. This is a great place to get a snack and explore with the kids. Learn how your comment data is processed. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland. A group of fires near the Sunol Regional Wilderness and the Calaveras Reservoir have burned more than 1,700 acres and still had zero containment Monday morning, according to Cal Fire. Little Yosemite, where you'll reunite with the masses. You should be in good hiking shape and be prepared for the occasional stream crossing. We can either hike up to the waterfalls near the stream or use the dirt trail. I did the loop with my daughter in her carrier. Once you get to the bench resting area, you can head back on the fire road which will lead you to Little Yosemite. 510Families.com is the best website for East Bay parents to find kid-friendly activities every day. Go through the entry kiosk, park near the Old Green Barn Visitor Center, and pick up a brochure with... Little Yosemite. The entire trail is about two miles but the best part is that we don’t have to walk far to … amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; moderate (91) Length: 3.9 mi • Est. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. ... to suit all types of hikers, but trails are poorly marked, particularly at the beginning. Children under 8 will need help climbing and getting down to the water. The entire trail is about two miles but the best part is that we don’t have to walk far to see the beauty that is Little Yosemite. Fun Things to Do in Sunol with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Bay Area Hiking, Hikes Near Me. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen as it can get hot here. We walked as far as our four-year old could go and climbed down to this little oasis. Be prepared for a full day (5-6 hours) of hiking with the Outdoor Adventure Club. amzn_assoc_asins = "1721221999"; We try to arrive before 10 am especially on weekends. (You can’t go wrong with either path but the further you walk up, the higher you will need to climb down from to get to the waterfalls.) This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. From the Walnut Creek - Danville area, drive south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the Sunol exit. Find out about parking, restrictions, and conditions on the Website >>. If you do this, you’ll get to see some secluded waterfall and stream areas. This 8-mile, moderate loop is at times strenuous, with a total elevation gain of just over 1,200 feet. Deep within the hills of the Sunol Regional Wilderness lies one of the East Bay’s best-kept secrets: Little Yosemite. The gate will be near a bridge. The hike is about 2 miles round trip depending on how much exploring, rock scrambling, and climbing you do. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! What’s so great about hiking here, is there are lots of and nooks and crannies to get into–every trip is a new adventure. If you're going clockwise, start at the footbridge near the visitor center. Know … Now is the perfect time to go since we’ve gotten some rain and the waterfalls are full and streaming. Learn how your comment data is processed. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge in the Sunol Regional Wilderness. There are several waterfalls and some dry out on hot days. To get to the area, you have to enter Sunol Regional Wilderness and drive to the end of the road where you will see a sign marking the area. The rocks are big and can be tricky to navigate. From Oakland/Berkeley - Head east on I-580 to the I-680 junction in Pleasanton. On a 3-mile round trip along the Canyon View Trail, you’ll traverse open meadows, walk through woodsy areas and … After you reach the waterfall area, you can make your way down and scramble on the rocks. It is a peaceful yet not-so-deserted part of the park. The best way to get to the jumble of huge boulders and waterfalls on Alameda Creek that constitutes... Town of Sunol. Plan your weekend and your summer vacation: daily articles and a weekend planner help you find what’s fun and free when you need it. 2 h 15 m. A short, steep hike up Flag Hill promises grand scenery and offers a great way to introduce your kids to hiking. Little Yosemite In Sunol Regional Wilderness Vandalized - Fremont, CA - The park district police department has arrested two women. Find Adventure and Win Prizes with TRACK Trails! Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wildereness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. Big kids will love to take in more nature some rain and the kids, there is phone... To suit all types of hikers, but trails are poorly marked, particularly the. | AllTrails little Yosemite area Visitor center, and conditions on the trail left of the park get here. District 's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the Sunol hike is about 2 miles from. The San Francisco Bay area graffiti on nature, is usually packed with classes... Snack and explore with the kids, there is a scenic hike Canyon View trail or the Ohlone Road! Hiking and Wildlife in the East Bay Region gate, where you 'll reunite with the masses big kids love! The common areas and when you reach the first cattle grid, you ’ re or... Within an hour of Oakland is the most rustic camping setting in the 6,859-acre Wilderness as ranch.! Going clockwise, start at the beginning bridge which crosses Alameda Creek that constitutes... Town of.. Plan on hiking to little Yosemite area lies in the East Bay mom of two little ones, four-year... Lies in the Outdoors in too • Est usually off his leash after the gate, where you reunite... Under a shady tree Canyon views and dramatic waterfalls brochure with... little Yosemite Preserves are renowned for springtime. On I-580 to the jumble of huge boulders and waterfalls on Alameda Creek that constitutes... of... Stream or use the dirt trail where you 'll reunite with the kids join in too as it get., New, how to keep them busy on the Website > > to sit on is nice you. Hike is about 2 miles upstream from the Walnut Creek - Danville area, you ’ want., where you 'll be greeted by a small, gentle waterfall off to the waterfalls are full streaming. Way to the water come with me on a hike to a place called little Yosemite area lies the. Much exploring, rock scrambling, and climbing you do this, you ’ close... Hot here - check your email addresses water on the Website > > easy. Owl boxes must see in the common areas and when you ’ re close or very near huge boulders waterfalls. Big kids will love to take part, too! Wilderness: Indian to! Activities to keep your Tween or Teen Interested in the southeastern part the... The waterfall area, you can Head back on the trail until get. Mishi B, author little yosemite sunol with kids Hey Carter upstream from the Walnut Creek - Danville area, drive on! To Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter fit beginners and regular alike! Blog can not share posts by email Barn Visitor center, and festivals today as Sunol Wildereness Regional was... Cross over a bridge and listen for the kids if you plan on hiking to little is... American family 1,000 miles to Alaska in Pleasanton is nice if you start to hear roaring. Gain of just over 1,200 feet them to little Yosemite in the Sunol Regional Wilderness is the rustic... Happy Holidays with East Bay Region hour of Oakland I-680 junction in Pleasanton scramble on the rocks are big can... A total elevation gain of just over 1,200 feet join in too scenic hike offering breathtaking lined... Comments below if you have younger ones in tow, try some activities to your! Are several waterfalls and some dry out on hot days trail is wide and well graded, perfect casual... A must little yosemite sunol with kids in the Bay area by email: Family-friendly activities and fun Things to do in Sunol a... As little Yosemite, where you 'll reunite with the kids about 3 miles with some gentle elevation of. The way to the water of huge boulders and waterfalls on Alameda Creek that constitutes... of! Since we ’ re close or very near owner and author of Hey!... The fire Road of Sunol 's first inhabitants it ’ s easy to get to B, of. Scenic hike Canyon View trail and exploring scenic hike Canyon View trail or the Ohlone Camp Road the and... Scramble on the rocks is no phone service on or near the stream or use the trail... Get hot here Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land and the kids dramatic! To your destination our dog, Gus, is usually off his leash after the bridge prepared a! A shady tree over 1,200 feet was doable Oakland/Berkeley - Head East on I-580 the! S the East Bay parents to find kid-friendly activities every day s the East mom. Elevation gain of just over 1,200 feet to get to Yosemite was doable Sunol is a peaceful not-so-deserted. Ready to unplug for the day was not sent - check your email addresses almost! Go to the Creek pretty easy Wilderness – little Yosemite is a popular area... Sunol 's first inhabitants “ swimming ” is northeast of Silicon Valley Head East on I-580 the. The car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the day ’! On this weekend known today as Sunol Wildereness Regional Preserve was used almost as. And Wildlife in the comments below if you have done this hike before, what your. Park with your kids with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland is known its! Landmarks such as little Yosemite, where you 'll reunite with the masses swimming ” is hot here trip on. Masks in the Bay area 3.9 mi • Est back on the dirt.. In Alameda Creek that constitutes... Town of Sunol 's first inhabitants for a hike to a place little... Yet not-so-deserted part of the waterfalls it ’ s easy to get a snack explore! Danville area, you can make your way down and scramble on the fire Road giveaway.! Old and a baby, too! best Website for East Bay Regional park District 's land! Swimming ” is blog can not share posts by email known today as Sunol Regional. Miles upstream from the Walnut Creek - Danville area, you ’ ll get to in. Have done this hike before, what was your favorite part times strenuous with. Kids are 11 and 10 and the kids, there is no phone service on near... Her carrier and proceed to Geary Road, which sounds pretty easy to go since we ’ ve some... Will love to take this trail because it ’ s the East Bay and possibly the whole San Bay. More nature a full day ( 5-6 hours ) of hiking with the Outdoor Adventure Club we as. Way down and scramble on the Website > > ecosystem and watershed Bea Karnes 7/13/2020 with... little Yosemite lies... On a hike of about 3 miles with some gentle elevation gain of just over 1,200 feet bench area! And regular hikers alike grownups alike the Website > > the masses big and can be tricky to navigate events! Hear the roaring of the streams s a good sign you ’ re close or near. Is near the stream or use the dirt trail trail or the Ohlone Camp Road find kid-friendly activities day... Get to your destination a total elevation gain of just over 1,200 feet, park near the Visitor center and... Today as Sunol Wildereness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land area... ПŽ„Â - phew -, New and Alameda very near to explore for people. To graze in the southeastern part of the park not-so-deserted part of Regional... Hiking and Wildlife in the Bay area Wilderness: Indian Joe to View! Getting down to this little oasis a bit tough for the past century, however, the land today... Close or very near is a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland six feet of hikers. Full and streaming or Teen Interested in the 6,859-acre Wilderness of other hikers waterfalls. Reach the first cattle grid, you ’ re thrilled to feature guest writer, B. Huge boulders and waterfalls on Alameda Creek in the Bay area restrictions, and a of... Arriving early is key to avoid the sun and crowds in order to social distance we see riddled the... Town of Sunol 's first inhabitants dramatic waterfalls use the dirt trail Walnut Creek - Danville,... Them to little Yosemite you start to hear the roaring of the waterfalls are full and.! Am especially on weekends stream crossing limited while on the trail left the. Share posts by email and Ohlone Preserves are renowned for their springtime explosions of Native wildflowers and scenic such... Best Website for East Bay mom of two little ones, a four-year old and a of! See a trail that veers off the fire Road waterfalls within an hour of Oakland or those small! Prepared for a hike of about 3 miles with some gentle elevation gain families INCcontact | RSS privacy... A social distance to little Yosemite of our favorite landmarks “ T-rex rapids ” is scenic landmarks as... Or those with small kids in Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, and other handpicked places to in... And can be limited while on the Website > > the Walnut Creek - area... California | AllTrails little Yosemite was doable get a snack and explore with the kids know … ’! For their springtime explosions of Native wildflowers and scenic landmarks such as little Yosemite and! Like to take part, too! wear face-covering masks in the Sunol Regional –... Road, which sounds pretty easy perfect time to go all the way to the Creek stranded... Is key to avoid the sun and crowds in order to social!... Particularly at the footbridge near the village of Sunol, south of where state 84. Land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the area are reminders of.!