Little Yosemite Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol

Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from park headquarters. It is an especially attractive portion of this creek. Its gorgeous waterfalls and pools seem to attract cub scouts like a magnet.

Hike Statistics

Distance: 4.5 miles

Time: Allow about 3 hours for the hike and activities.

Grade: Gentle rise in elevation. A few moderate slopes for short distances.

EastBay Parks: Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol, CA

Hike Description

The Canyon View Trail is an excellent hike for Cub Scouts and a great way to get to Little Yosemite. The trail begins near the Visitor Center, at the bridge that crosses the creek. After crossing the bridge, turn right and head upstream. The Canyon View trail is well marked.

The trail goes up a ridge (or two) and proceeds along the hillsides that border the creek. Along the way, you'll see some nice views of the creek and canyon. About halfway, the trail drops down into Jacobs valley. Stay on the trail until you get to Cerro Este Road and turn right (toward the creek) and follow the road to Little Yosemite. When you get to the outhouse on Camp Ohlone Road, cross the road where you will find a path that will take you down the very steep sides of the creek's banks, to the ancient piles of boulders called Little Yosemite.

This is a perfect place for boys to study rocks and have lunch. Remember collecting specimens is not allowed. Watch for poison oak.

Hikes can return the same way they came, or via the Ohlone Road for a different view of the park. To return via Ohlone Road simple climb back up the bank to the road (stay on the trail), downhill. Notice how different the vegetation is here by Alameda Creek, compared to the Canyon View Trail. Eventually you will cross a bridge, pass a gate and find yourself in a remote parking area. Stay on the paved road all the way back to the Visitor Center.)

Historical and Natural Features

The original inhabitants in the Sunol Valley were the Ohlone Indians and reminders of them can be seen in the acorn pounding bedrock mortars found in the park. For the past half century, the land known today as Sunol Regional Wilderness was used almost exclusively as ranch land.

Alameda Creek is the county's largest stream and hosts an attractive community of trees including alder, willow, sycamore and bay laurel. The nearby valley abound with coastal live oak, blue and valley oak, elderberry, madrone, and California buckeye. During spring, the hills come alive with a variety of colorful wildflowers. A wildflower identification kit may be checked out at the visitor center.

Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from park headquarters. It features giant heaps of metamorphic boulders, the results of ancient rock slide (see "Guided Tour Through Parts of Sunol Regional Wilderness" available at Headquarters for a dollar). The gorgeous waterfalls and pools here seem to attract cub scouts like a magnet. It is important to know that there is no swimming allowed in Alameda Creek in the Little Yosemite area.

For more information, see this heading under the Flag Hill hike.

Administration

East Bay Regional Park District
2950 Peralta Oaks Ct.
PO Box 5381
Oakland, CA 94605-5369
(510)635-0135 (General Info)
(510)862-2244 (Sunol Regional Wilderness Headquarters) Call this number to reserve the "School Camp" for your group.