Hikes in Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve

Sunol Regional Wilderness is one of my favorite parks to visit in spring when hills are lush green and many wildflowers are on display. The park has several memorable trails and points of interest. Flag Hill in the west offers spectacular valley views. Maguire Peaks Loop is quite interesting. Indian Joe Creek Trail meanders next to a creek. Many other trails give a feeling of expansiveness.

Maguire Peaks

Maguire Peaks lie in the northern section of the park. Two short routes start from two different points along Welch Creek Road. Parking requires permit, which can be obtained from the visitor center, which lies a few miles south (see trail map).

5.2 miles
1000 ft
The shorter loop is from the '0.72 mile Marker' (see trail map).
6.4 miles
1400 ft
The longer loop is from the '1.6 mile Marker' (see trail map).
Short Routes through Flag Hill

Flag Hill Trail is a fairly steep trail that quickly leads up to Flag Hill. Views from Flag Hill are quite spectacular: green rolling hills in spring are a joy to absorb. The first 1.1 miles climbs up about 1000 ft, making it a good cardio workout. From Flag Hill, there are many options to complete a loop. All options are equally good for valley views.

4.4 miles
1100 ft
Indian Joe Creek Trail is quite pretty, especially the section that meanders next to a creek.
8.0 miles
2100 ft
This route goes through both Vista Grande (awesome valley views) and the Little Yosemite Area, which has picnic spots.
6.0 miles
1700 ft
Vista Grande, as the name suggests, offers grand valley views. The section along Indian Joe Creek is also awesome.
Short Routes without Flag Hill

Routes without Flag Hill have gentler slopes. Two options are to climb up the hills in the north via Indian Joe Creek Trail, or explore the area in the south-east: Little Yosemite Area.

5.1 miles
1400 ft
Gently graded hike with awesome valley views in Sunol
Long Loops

The loops below are fairly challenging, as they go through steep hills. All of the routes are equally gorgeous in spring, when hills are lush green.

11.1 miles
2800 ft
A vigorous hike with several steep sections and quite a bit of elevation gain.
12.4 miles
3500 ft
This loop covers almost all of the major trails in Sunol.
Mission Peak

Mission Peak lies to the west of Sunol Wilderness, reachable by a 10-mile route. This hike entails walking along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, which requires a permit from the entrance kiosk.

10.4 miles
2100 ft
This route is longer, but much gentler than the popular route from Stanford Ave in Fremont.
8.6 miles
2100 ft
Point to point from Sunol to Ohlone College, which is two miles north of the Stanford Ave trailhead, the most popular starting point for hikes to Mission Peak.
8.6 miles
2100 ft
A point to point hike from Sunol to Stanford Ave trailhead. Awesome valley views and lush green hills in spring.
16.4 miles
4200 ft
A challenging route with two climbs. First, reach Mission Peak from Sunol, then climb down to Stanford Ave trailhead. Then climb again to Mission Peak and return to Sunol.
8.1 miles
2100 ft
A point to point hike from Sunol to Stanford Ave trailhead. Awesome valley views and lush green hills in spring.
Ohlone Wilderness

The 28-mile Ohlone Regional Wilderness Trail passes through Sunol. In the east, this trail leads to Rose Peak, which offers 360-degree views for hundreds of square miles.

19.6 miles
4200 ft
A long, challenging hike to Rose Peak.