You have to hike or ride horseback to see the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Preserve’s magnificent 9,737-acre parkland, accessible only by way of the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. It is part of the expansive East Bay Regional Park District, one of the most dog-friendly park districts in California. The centerpiece is 3,817-foot Rose Peak, just 32 feet lower than Mount Diablo, surrounded by grassy ridges that fill with wildflowers in season. The abundance of wildlife includes golden eagles, mountain lions, and tule elk.

The trail traverses 28 miles of mountains and canyons in southern Alameda County and is open to hikers and equestrians. It 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. The route also crosses two watershed areas leased from the San Francisco Water Department. Staying on the marked trail corridor through these leased areas is essential—trespassing off-trail into non-leased water department lands can result in citations and may jeopardize future public access to these lands.

The Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Hiking Permit, required for both day use and overnight camping, costs $2 per person per year. You can purchase permits at the Sunol and Del Valle entrance kiosks, at the Coyote Hills Visitor Center in Fremont, at the Park District administration offices at 2950 Peralta Oaks Court in Oakland, or by mail for $2.50 per person per year. Permits are required for anyone 12 and older.

Hours vary seasonally: February 1 through March 8 (8am-6pm), March 9 through May 8 (8am-8pm), May 9 through November 1 (8am-9pm), and November 2 through January 31 (8am-5pm). Dogs are allowed during daytime only and are not permitted after dark due to coyotes in the area. Parking is available at Del Valle Regional Park, Sunol Regional Wilderness, and Mission Peak Regional Preserve depending on which trailhead you use.