Between Mission Peak and Del Valle, the only way into one of the East Bay's most remote parks is a long trail.
The park
The park district says the 9,737-acre Ohlone Wilderness is reachable only by the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, on foot or horseback. Its centerpiece is 3,817-foot Rose Peak, just 32 feet lower than Mount Diablo, surrounded by grassy ridges that flower in season. Wildlife includes golden eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, deer and a herd of tule elk. Wikipedia says the trail runs about 29 miles, connecting Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore, Sunol Regional Wilderness and Mission Peak in Fremont. It crosses two areas owned by the San Francisco Water Department, where users must stay on the trail. Bikes and motor vehicles are not allowed.
History
Wikipedia says the land was home for generations to Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people. Its predecessor, Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness, opened in 1962 with 6,858 acres.
Before you go
The district says a trail permit is no longer required starting in 2026. Parking is at Del Valle, Sunol or Mission Peak. As of Oct. 28, 2026, water is available at camps including Eagle Springs, Doe Camp, Maggie's Half Acre and Boyd Camp, but all of it is non-potable and must be filtered, treated or boiled. Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Nov. 1, then 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dogs are allowed during daytime only.