Little Yosemite - Sunol Regional Wilderness

Little Yosemite is a day-hike gem. It is an easy walk for families and those who want to explore the beautiful hills of the Sunol Regional Wilderness.

The Sunol Regional Wilderness is located less than an hour from San Jose, California. Visitors can easily park and walk up the gentle incline of the Camp Ohlone Road. Kids of all ages will love the old wooden bridge at the start of the hike. The trail offers several side trails to Alamada Creek where families can explore. The area is also dog friendly and it is common to see some happy pooches also enjoying the open space with their humans.

The Camp Ohlone Road continues for about a mile up a small valley to a very picturesque gorge. This is the Little Yosemite area. A small sign near some picnic tables announce the location. A pit toilet is available if needed.

Often, new visitors expect the dramatic waterfalls and immense granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park. But, this is not the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Approach your first visit with expectations reflective of the surrounding area. Anticipate gentle rolling hills and oaks woodlands; in this setting is a small beautiful canyon of richly colored boulders, shade trees, small waterfalls and the wonderful sounds of tumbling water.

Several areas near the creek are good for a picnic or just relaxing. Walk up the trail from the picnic area for about five minutes. This area is often overlooked, but when the creek has ample water this gentle valley is pleasant for exploring and letting young kids run around.

In late summer the warmth of the season has diminished the creeks water flow but do not let this deter your visit. It is still a great place to visit. While exploring Little Yosemite do not forget about the rest of Sunol Regional Wilderness. It has miles of trails, several backpacking camps and some great interpretive programs at the Visitor Center.

Spring is a wonderful time to explore Little Yosemite; this is when the images in the video were taken. For the visitor who appreciates this place it is easy to understand why this small gorge full of natural color and the sound of falling water is called Little Yosemite.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• california
• sunol
• east
• bay
• parks
• little
• yosemite
• glyphguy
• family
• hike
• outdoor
• hiking
• nature
• outdoors

[yosemitevacations]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[BadKittySassyFitness]

Here is the link to the article as promised. :) danville.patch.com/articles/cr­oss-training-with-the-family-h­ike-little-yosemite

[SanRamonValleyFitnes]

Hi! I would love to link to your video for a small column I am writing for the Danville Patch on taking your fitness off the beaten path. :) Hope that is OK! I will upload the link to the column when it is released later this week. :)