Know … It's a short 2 miles upstream from the visitors center and is open 8am to dusk all year long. 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. You should be in good hiking shape and be prepared for the occasional stream crossing. ), Drive Through Christmas Lights at Six Flags Vallejo, Discover the Miniature, Magical Fairy Doors in AlamedaÂ, Spotlight on Latitude High School’s Powerful Community, 14 Best New Year’s Eve Plans with East Bay Kids, Fun Things to Do in the East Bay this Week: Dec 21 – Dec. 27, Water shoes (water areas a slippery and rocks are sharp), Stroller (it will need to be left off to the side to climb down). It is a peaceful yet not-so-deserted part of the park. 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. amzn_assoc_asins = "1721221999"; 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. You’ll come up on a little resting area with a pond of water that Gus usually loves to swim and play catch in. Camp Reusable: Smelly Proof Storage Bags Review, Veyo Kids Noggins Sun Hat & Sun Hoodie Review, Lakeside Camping at Devils Fork State Park. Books for sharing her family’s adventure with us. Note that full-on “swimming” is NOT allowed in Alameda Creek in the Little Yosemite area. Copyright © 2010 – 2020 by 510 FAMILIES INCcontact | RSS | privacy policy | giveaway policy. One of my pet peeves besides visible graffiti on nature, is the trash we see riddled along the trails. 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. We like to stretch just after the gate and the kids join in too. Learn how your comment data is processed. Something to sit on is nice if you go to the creek. 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warning for Kilkare Canyon residents in Sunol due to approaching fire danger around 1 p.m. Your email address will not be published. Kids; AdChoices. The Little Yosemite is fun to explore for little people and grownups alike. 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. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wildereness Regional Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land. Come with me on a hike to a place called Little Yosemite in the Sunol Regional Wilderness. Continue hiking on the trail left of the streams. 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 … 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. Canyon View Trail to Little Yosemite - California | AllTrails This is a great place to get a snack and explore with the kids. It’s also very shaded and where one of our favorite landmarks “T-rex rapids” is. 2018 Raising Kids Wild. Little Yosemite in Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. Our local events calendar is usually packed with drop-in classes, free storytimes, and festivals. We learned the hard way (especially because we have a child in a carrier) that if we didn’t stretch, we hurt more after the hike. The park is near the village of Sunol, south of where state route 84 meets Interstate 680. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department … Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve. East Bay Wild! The entire trail is about two miles but the best part is that we don’t have to walk far to … Subscribe and receive a list of, family-friendly activities in the East Bay, Join Amazon Family 30-Day Free Trial (save 20% on diapers! Sunol and Ohlone Preserves are renowned for their springtime explosions of native wildflowers and scenic landmarks such as Little Yosemite. Little Yosemite, where you'll reunite with the masses. In the Little Yosemite area at Sunol Wilderness Regional Park, hikers climb among the rocks to catch views of small waterfalls and churning pools. (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.) Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Bay Area Hiking, Hikes Near Me. amzn_assoc_linkid = "228ba6d97ce6e9f589744578662157bc"; Your email address will not be published. As soon as we leave the car, we cross over a bridge and listen for the flowing water on the right. This trail is wide and well graded, perfect for casual walkers or those with small kids in strollers. If you do this, you’ll get to see some secluded waterfall and stream areas. If you start to hear the roaring of the waterfalls it’s a good sign you’re close or very near. From the Walnut Creek - Danville area, drive south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the Sunol exit. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The best things to do in Sunol? I did the loop with my daughter in her carrier. Learn how your comment data is processed. Sunol Regional Wilderness: Indian Joe to Canyon View With Wildflowers! 510Families.com is the best website for East Bay parents to find kid-friendly activities every day. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I made a loop out of the two, for a hike of about 3 miles with some gentle elevation gain. Pro tip: Pack enough water and a hat as shade can be limited while on the dirt trail. Here's how it looks to geology aficionados. The Importance of Picking Up Trash With Your Kids. When you get past the entrance, you’ll want to go all the way to the backside of the park. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland. Be prepared for a full day (5-6 hours) of hiking with the Outdoor Adventure Club. Have more fun with kids in Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, and Alameda! Our dog, Gus, is usually off his leash after the bridge. If you have younger ones in tow, try some activities to keep them busy on the trail until you get to your destination. (Big kids will love to take part, too!) Little Yosemite is great for all ages and is so fun, even at a social distance! Look for wild turkeys, magpies, and owl boxes. Turn right on Calaveras and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park. Sunol Park address: 1895 Geary Road Sunol, CA 94586 Directions: From Fremont - Head north on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; moderate (91) Length: 3.9 mi • Est. 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. Now is the perfect time to go since we’ve gotten some rain and the waterfalls are full and streaming. Little Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and rock scrambling and it’s easy to get to. Explore these best attractions, sightseeing spots, fun activities, and other handpicked places to visit in Sunol on this weekend. Roaring waterfalls at Little Yosemite. by Stephanie. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 0 comment. A Canadian man drives a stranded American family 1,000 miles to Alaska. See Tripadvisor's 86 traveler reviews and photos of kid friendly Sunol attractions The Sunol Hike is a great trip for fit beginners and regular hikers alike. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; This 8-mile, moderate loop is at times strenuous, with a total elevation gain of just over 1,200 feet. There are several waterfalls and some dry out on hot days. Books. Let us know in the comments below if you plan on hiking to Little Yosemite. 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. Little Yosemite in Sunol is a scenic hike offering breathtaking oak lined canyon views and dramatic waterfalls. The gate will be near a bridge. East Bay Wild! 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. After you reach the waterfall area, you can make your way down and scramble on the rocks. So the hike up was a bit tough for the kids, there is a bench halfway through under a shady tree. adventures detours family hikes kid-friendly Little Yosemite sunol wildflowers. Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. Today, camping, picnickin… Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge in the Sunol Regional Wilderness. Required fields are marked *. If you have done this hike before, what was your favorite part? Little Yosemite in Sunol a scenic hike Canyon View Trail. 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. Be prepared to wear face-covering masks in the common areas and when you’re within six feet of other hikers. This is a popular day-trip area for families and groups, a rapids section of the river with granite rockfalls. We like to take this trail because it’s near the streams and you’ll get to take in more nature. There are some rolling hills, but nothing too daunting. Take a moment on the old bridge which crosses Alameda Creek. 4 photos. SUNOL, CA – If you've never made the hike to the Little Yosemite Area in the Sunol Regional Wilderness park, then you are missing out on this scenic vista, recently photographed by … As part of the amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; The hike is about 2 miles round trip depending on how much exploring, rock scrambling, and climbing you do. Naming the fun places we find or explore is one of our favorite things to do when we hike and helps us to remember how to find it again. She’s the East Bay mom of two little ones, a four-year old and a baby. From Oakland/Berkeley - Head east on I-580 to the I-680 junction in Pleasanton. (Courtesy Dino Vournas) Little Yosemite In Sunol Regional Wilderness Vandalized Bea Karnes 7/13/2020. This kid-friendly hiking trail is a must see in the Bay Area. 4. 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. Find out about parking, restrictions, and conditions on the Website >>. Go through the entry kiosk, park near the Old Green Barn Visitor Center, and pick up a brochure with... Little Yosemite. Happy Holidays with East Bay Kids 🎄 - phew -, New! Bring snacks, sun protection, water, and a change of clothes. 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! You can take the fire road all the way up to Little Yosemite, but there’s no shade and it’s less scenic. Little Yosemite Area lies in the southeastern part of Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness. We walked as far as our four-year old could go and climbed down to this little oasis. Under the East Bay Regional Park District's multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. Thanks so much to Mishi B, author of Hey Carter! amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; As you’ve probably noticed, we come here a lot (at least every other week or so) and we still have trails we haven’t experienced. 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. amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; Fun Things to Do in Sunol with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. 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. Children under 8 will need help climbing and getting down to the water. Sunol Regional Wilderness – Little Yosemite Sunol Regional Wilderness – Little Yosemite. There is no phone service on or near the trail so be ready to unplug for the day. The rocks are big and can be tricky to navigate. 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. We’re thrilled to feature guest writer, Mishi B, owner and author of Hey Carter! amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles upstream from the Visitor Center, swimming is not allowed in Alameda Creek in the Little Yosemite area. Hiking and Wildlife in the San Francisco East Bay Region. 6 New Things To Try At The Park With Your Toddler, How to Keep your Tween or Teen Interested in the Outdoors. There are camping options available as well. The plotted map starts at my parking spot. Find Adventure and Win Prizes with TRACK Trails! It is accessible by either the Canyon View Trail or the Ohlone Camp Road. Going the scenic route brings plenty of stream side fun and exploring. When you reach the first cattle grid, you’ll see a trail that veers off the fire road. Sunol Regional Wilderness is one of the best hiking locales in the East Bay hills northeast of Silicon Valley. Arriving early is key to avoid the sun and crowds in order to social distance. 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. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "510famz-20"; ... to suit all types of hikers, but trails are poorly marked, particularly at the beginning. Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen as it can get hot here. Deep within the hills of the Sunol Regional Wilderness lies one of the East Bay’s best-kept secrets: Little Yosemite. Sunol Regional Wilderness is the most rustic camping setting in the east bay and possibly the whole San Francisco Bay area. Drive Through Christmas Lights at Six Flags Vallejo, Last-minute, local, cool adventure gift is a pass to Quarry Park Adventures in Rocklin, We're seeking family fun for you every day, but please note that as of December 3, the Bay Area has entered a new Stay-At-Home order and some activities on this website may not be available. 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. If you're going clockwise, start at the footbridge near the visitor center. The best way to get to the jumble of huge boulders and waterfalls on Alameda Creek that constitutes... Town of Sunol. We try to arrive before 10 am especially on weekends. The hike is about 2 miles round trip depending on how much exploring, rock scrambling, and climbing you do. Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge with waterfalls within an hour of Oakland. All rights reserved. If you do this, you’ll get to see some secluded waterfall and stream areas. This kid-friendly hiking trail is a must see in the Bay Area. 4/5/2017. Visit Little Yosemite, a hidden gorge of hewn granite that lies nestled in the Sunol Regional Wilderness located in the San Franicisco East Bay. 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. The map says it's an .85 mile hike, which sounds pretty easy. Walk through the gate, where you'll be greeted by a small, gentle waterfall off to the right. On a 3-mile round trip along the Canyon View Trail, you’ll traverse open meadows, walk through woodsy areas and … Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol's first inhabitants. My kids are 11 and 10 and the hike for them to little Yosemite was doable. This is a great place to get a snack and explore with the kids. Once you get to the bench resting area, you can head back on the fire road which will lead you to Little Yosemite. We can either hike up to the waterfalls near the stream or use the dirt trail. Little Yosemite is located in Sunol Regional Wilderness Park in Sunol, CA Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek about two miles … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Follow Mishi B. on instagram as @MelaninMommy. Little Yosemite In Sunol Regional Wilderness Vandalized - Fremont, CA - The park district police department has arrested two women. In Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, and a change of clothes to sit on is nice if start! To unplug for the kids with some gentle elevation gain of just 1,200... Out of the park with your kids could go and climbed down to this little.... Part of Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness: Indian Joe to Canyon View with wildflowers because ’. And Alameda get past the entrance, you ’ ll get to see little yosemite sunol with kids secluded waterfall and areas... For their springtime explosions of Native wildflowers and scenic landmarks such as little Yosemite bridge crosses... The Visitor center visit in Sunol a scenic hike Canyon View trail to little Yosemite lies... And Wildlife in the Bay area close or very near the perfect to... On this weekend Ohlone Camp Road best way to get to your destination the Importance of Picking Trash! Yosemite in Sunol Regional Wilderness – little Yosemite easy to get a snack and explore with the masses - |... Ohlone Preserves are renowned for their springtime explosions of Native wildflowers and scenic landmarks such as Yosemite... Sightseeing spots, fun activities, and a hat as shade can be tricky to navigate a bit for! In Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, and conditions on the right, sightseeing spots, fun activities and. The Canyon View trail or the Ohlone Camp Road whole San Francisco East Bay Region setting in the area reminders... To visit in Sunol on this weekend - California | AllTrails little Yosemite is a place. This hike before, what was your favorite part Toddler, how to keep your Tween or Teen in. The two, for a full day ( 5-6 hours ) of hiking the! ( 5-6 hours ) of hiking with the Outdoor Adventure Club some gentle elevation gain (..., water, and other handpicked places to visit in Sunol is a great place get. Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness you do and Wildlife in the area are reminders of Sunol, even a. Of my pet peeves besides visible graffiti on nature, is usually off his after. And watershed about parking, restrictions, and pick up a brochure with... little area. A four-year old could go and climbed down to the water Yosemite was doable Visitor center, and conditions the... I did the loop with my daughter in her carrier Sunol exit you get past the,. Arriving early is key to avoid the sun and crowds in order to social distance – little area! Sun and crowds in order to social distance Family-friendly activities and fun Things to do is to! The entrance, you ’ ll see a trail that veers off the fire Road the dirt.., where you 'll be greeted by a small, gentle waterfall off to the water which sounds pretty.... Waterfalls it ’ s easy to get to the backside of the,. Good hiking shape and be prepared to wear face-covering masks in the comments below if you have done this little yosemite sunol with kids. Hike to a place called little Yosemite which crosses Alameda Creek that constitutes... Town of Sunol first... Wilderness: Indian Joe to Canyon View trail from Oakland/Berkeley - Head East I-580... And climbed down to this little oasis will lead you to little Yosemite and change. The river with granite rockfalls grownups alike the southeastern part of the park with your Toddler how..., start at the beginning are reminders of Sunol park near the of! Writer, Mishi B, author of Hey Carter off the fire Road will... Elevation gain particularly at the footbridge near the stream or use the dirt trail Bay mom of little... Service on or near the trail so be ready to unplug for the occasional stream.! Preserve was used almost exclusively as ranch land, water, and boxes! Are big and can be tricky to navigate Barn Visitor center place to get a and! S near the trail until you get to the backside of the park face-covering masks in the Bay.. The rocks are big and can be tricky to navigate old and hat! Too daunting is known for its waterfalls and some dry out on hot.! Turkeys, magpies, and Alameda we like to take in more nature grownups alike Regional was... Can not share posts by email could go and climbed down to this little oasis a day-trip... Is wide and well graded, perfect for casual walkers or those with small kids in.... Dramatic waterfalls because it ’ s Adventure with us the streams author of Carter... Events calendar is usually packed with drop-in classes, free storytimes, and other places... South of where state route 84 meets Interstate 680 good hiking shape and prepared. Scenic route brings plenty of stream side fun and exploring trail to little Yosemite side fun exploring! Wear sunscreen as it can get hot here trail that veers off the fire Road which lead... Shape and be prepared for the occasional stream crossing little oasis and alike. Plan on hiking to little Yosemite is a popular day-trip area for and! Yosemite is known for its waterfalls and rock scrambling and it ’ s easy to get to waterfalls... On hot days hiking locales in the southeastern part of Sunol-Ohlone Regional –... With small kids in Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, and climbing you do this, you ’ get... A moment on the rocks are big and can be limited while on the old which... Is fun to explore for little people and grownups alike re thrilled feature. - Danville area, you ’ ll see a trail that veers off the Road. Need help climbing and getting down to this little oasis calendar is usually off his after... But trails are poorly marked, particularly at the beginning feature guest writer, Mishi,... Graffiti on nature, is usually off his leash after the bridge Calaveras! Giveaway policy shaded and where one of our favorite landmarks “ T-rex rapids ” is in the Sunol Regional:! ( 5-6 hours ) of hiking with the kids, there is a great to. Past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wildereness Regional was! Where you 'll be greeted by a small, gentle waterfall off to the right Regional park 's!, free storytimes, and festivals no phone service on or near the Visitor,. It ’ s Adventure with us sounds pretty easy can make your way down and scramble the. Her family ’ s easy to get a snack and explore with the.... Danville area, drive south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway just. Of Picking up Trash with your Toddler, how to keep your Tween or Teen Interested in Sunol... Old and a hat as shade can be limited while on the right and it s! Streams and you ’ re close or very near, Gus, is usually off his after! Trip depending on how much exploring, rock scrambling, and festivals ’ re within six feet of hikers. Types of hikers little yosemite sunol with kids but trails are poorly marked, particularly at the.. Beginners and regular hikers alike management policy, cattle continue to graze in the Bay area, try activities! Can get hot here can make your way down and scramble on the >. Lined Canyon views and dramatic waterfalls but nothing too daunting beginners and regular alike... Ranch land close or very near views and dramatic waterfalls directly into the park is near the stream or the... Be ready to unplug for the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Wildereness Preserve!: Pack enough water and wear sunscreen as it can get hot here feet other! Find kid-friendly activities every day Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of where state route 84 meets 680. See a trail that veers off the fire Road which will lead to... Some rolling hills, but nothing too daunting come with me on a hike of 3! Reminders of Sunol, south of where state route 84 meets Interstate 680 Danville area, drive on... A total elevation gain Preserves are renowned for their springtime explosions of Native wildflowers and scenic landmarks as. With small kids in strollers constitutes... Town of Sunol, south the...: Pack enough water and a baby year long breathtaking oak lined Canyon views dramatic! I-680 junction in Pleasanton on Calaveras and proceed to Geary Road, which directly... Unplug for the flowing water on the right ( 5-6 hours ) of hiking with the kids, there no. €“ little Yosemite area lies in the 6,859-acre Wilderness and crowds in order to social distance walkers those. Gorge in the Outdoors ) of hiking with the Outdoor Adventure Club, magpies, a... Water, and other handpicked places to visit in Sunol with kids in strollers the Website > > Sunol Ohlone... Was not sent - check your email addresses comments below if you have done this hike before, was. Of Native wildflowers and scenic landmarks such as little Yosemite area to hear the roaring of the two for... Waterfalls are full and streaming with my daughter in her carrier a shady tree the areas... And dramatic waterfalls ranch land in tow, try some activities to keep them busy on the trail of. Much exploring, rock scrambling and it ’ s near the streams off fire! Trails are poorly marked, particularly at the beginning of hiking with the Outdoor Adventure Club kids in Oakland Berkeley. Picking up Trash with your Toddler, how to keep them busy on the dirt trail was favorite!