Bedrock mortars used by Native Americans for pounding acorns that were found in the area are reminders of Sunol’s first inhabitants. For the past century, however, the land known today as Sunol Regional Wilderness was used almost exclusively as ranch land.
Under the East Bay Regional Park District’s multi-use land management policy, cattle continue to graze in the 6,859-acre wilderness. Today, camping, picnicking, hiking, back-packing and equestrian trail rides attract thousands of park visitors a year. Visitors should bring drinking water because there is no drinking water in the park.
Hikers who cross into the San Francisco Water Department lands that connect Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness and Del Valle Regional Park must carry the Ohlone Wilderness Trail map/permit. Each person age 12 years or older is required to have their own permit.
Hikers must sign in at trailheads as they enter these lands. The permit/map is available for a small fee at Sunol and Del Valle entrance kiosks, at Coyote Hills Visitor Center, and also available by mail. Send your name, address, phone number and fee amount to Ohlone Wilderness Trail, EBRPD, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, P.O. Box 5381, Oakland, CA 94605.
Naturalist-led activities include walks, hikes, camping, backpack and horseback programs and various other adventures. Visit the Old Green Barn Visitor Center for information about these programs and the self guiding Indian Joe Nature Trail. Please do not short cut trails in steep areas, or slide in the grass on hillsides or banks. Erosion is ugly and expensive to control.
Check the park’s website for park hours, parking and dog fees. Gates are locked at night. The park is subject to closure or fire restriction during fire season (June through October).
