Along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail by Jim Van Slyke

Ohlone Wilderness Regional Preserve

Hours

Feb. 1-Mar. 8: 8am-6pm, Mar. 9-May 8: 8am-8pm, May 9-Nov. 1: 8am-9pm, Nov. 2-Jan. 31: 8am-5pm

Fees

Trail Permit Fee: $2/person/year, $4.00/person/year by mail | Parking: See Del Valle Regional Park, Sunol Regional Wilderness and Mission Peak Regional Preserve | Dogs: Dogs are allowed during daytime only. Fee paid at Sunol or Del Valle entry point.

Phone

(510) 544-3246
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, extension 4547

Internet & Cellular Access

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WiFi

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Water Availability Update

All water is non-potable (filter, treat, or boil for human consumption).

  • Eagle Springs - Water available
  • Backpack Camp - Water available
  • Doe Camp - Water available
  • Maggie's Half Acre - Water available
  • Boyd Camp - No Water available (use Stromer Springs)
  • Stromer Springs - Water available
  • Stewart's Camp - Water available
Updated March 18, 2024.

You have to hike or ride horseback to see this magnificent 9,737-acre parkland, accessible only by way of the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. Its centerpiece is 3,817-foot Rose Peak, just 32 feet lower than Mount Diablo. Surrounding Rose Peak are grassy ridges, profusely flowered in season. The abundance of wildlife includes golden eagles, mountain lions, and tule elk. 

    To Reach The Park

    Attractions

    The region is home to very few people, but it shelters abundant wildlife. Creatures not often seen near metropolitan areas live in these lands, including the endangered bald eagle, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, and a herd of Tule Elk.

    The landscape includes oak and bay woodlands, grassy uplands carpeted with springtime wildflowers, and wilderness ridges and peaks.

    Hiking and Horseback Riding

    The remote and beautiful wilderness areas of the Ohlone Wilderness are accessible only through the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. The Ohlone Trail traverses 28 miles of mountains and canyons in southern Alameda County and is open to hikers and equestrians. Trail bicycles and motor vehicles are not permitted.

    The Ohlone Trail passes through the Ohlone Wilderness and three regional parks: Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Fremont, Sunol Regional Wilderness near Pleasanton and south of Sunol, and Del Valle Regional Park. It also passes through two watershed areas leased from the San Francisco Water Department.

    It is very important to stay on the trail corridor in these leased areas and obey directional signs along the way. Trespassing off-trail into non-leased water department lands may result in citation and may jeopardize future public use of the leased lands.

    Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Hiking Permit (REQUIRED)


    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. Learn more and purchase online.

    Camping

    A separate camping reservation is required if you plan on staying overnight at one of the designated campsites along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. Camping reservations must be made at least TWO days in advance by calling the Reservations Department at 1-888-327-2757, option 2 (10:00am-3:00pm Pacific time, Monday-Friday except holidays).
    Separate camping reservations can also be made at Del Valle Regional Park (outside of the Ohlone Wilderness at the north end of the Ohlone Trail). Overnight parking, with a reservation and permit, is allowed in the Del Valle, Sunol, and Mission Peak parking lots. Please visit our Camping page for additional information.

    Current Water Availability

    Backpack water comes from natural springs and may not be available.
    All water is non-potable (filter, treat, or boil for human consumption).

    • Eagle Springs Camp (Mission Peak)
    • Boyd Camp (Ohlone Wilderness)
    • Doe Canyon Horse Camp (Ohlone Wilderness)  
    • Maggie’s Half Acre (Ohlone Wilderness)  
    • Stewart’s Camp (Ohlone Wilderness)  
    • Sunol Backpack Camp (Hawk’s Nest)

    Upcoming Events