Outbound Collective logo

Sunol, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Sunol, California, offer top-notch scenic views and outdoor adventures. One must-visit is the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, a challenging 28-mile hiking trail that boasts a variety of natural features. As you hike, you'll encounter beautiful landscapes filled with rolling hills, oak trees, and abundant wildlife. The trail also offers stunning views of the San Antonio Reservoir and the Livermore Valley. For a shorter hike, the Little Yosemite area offers a 2-mile trail alongside a creek, with small waterfalls and large boulders. Other outdoor activities in and near Sunol include fishing in the Alameda Creek and bird watching, with over 100 species of birds reported. Remember to pack your hiking boots and binoculars for the best experience.

Top Spots in and near Sunol

  • Sunol, California

    Hike the Pleasanton Ridge Trail

    4.3
    6.4 mi / 1443 ft gain
    Pleasanton Ridge Trail is a 6.4 mile loop. The loop is shared by dog walkers, trail runners, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. From the ridge your viewpoints will include Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay.  This hike from the Foothills Staging Area is an excellent introduction ...
    Read more
  • Pleasanton, California

    Courdet Trail and Schuhart Trail

    5.24 mi / 1122 ft gain
    This is a 5+ mile out and back trail through the hills in the South Bay. The beginning of the hike has a steeper incline and then becomes more gradual later on. There is a beautiful views of the South Bay that are enjoyable in the day, but are fantastic in the evening. Some areas of the trail hav...
    Read more
  • Fremont, California

    Lake Elizabeth Loop

    3.0
    2.1 mi / 69 ft gain
    Lake Elizabeth is located in central Fremont.  It offers a nice break from the city streets and can be enjoyed by walkers, joggers, and bikers alike.  It is a park for all ages.   Other attractions include volleyball nets, multiple playgrounds, and aqua adventure park, geese, and peddle boats. ...
    Read more
  • Fremont, California

    Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail

    4.2
    6.16 mi / 2116 ft gain
    Breathtaking views of the Bay Area are your reward for making this climb to the top of Mission Peak. It’s a 3-mile trek to the top of the peak and then back down the same way. This is a moderate hike that provides a nice workout – so be prepared. Park at the Stanford Avenue entrance gate. There ...
    Read more
  • Sunol, California

    Little Yosemite via Canyon View Trail

    4.0
    3.01 mi / 705 ft gain
    Please note this is a fragile ecosystem and watershed. There is NO swimming allowed in Alameda Creek and trespassing is prohibited on Water Department lands that are not accessible to the public. You can learn more about the restrictions and the area at ebparks.org.  After entering the kiosk you...
    Read more
  • Livermore, California

    Hike the East Shore Trail Loop

    3.7 mi / 1040 ft gain
    This hike is best done during the spring, fall, or winter when moderate temperatures make the hike more comfortable. Be warned that this hike has a large elevation change despite being less than 4 miles. Starting at the Arroyo Road Staging Area, take the East Shore Trail east, heading towards a s...
    Read more
  • Livermore, California

    Del Valle Regional Park

    4.0
    Looking for a quick summer escape filled with stand up paddling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and picnics? Look no further than Del Valle Regional Park. Consistently considered one of the best campgrounds in the Bay Area, the centerpiece of Del Valle is a 5-mile long lake that allows swimming, fish...
    Read more
  • Livermore, California

    Hike to Murietta Falls

    4.0
    12 mi / 4175 ft gain
    Get ready for one of the toughest, lung busting hikes in the east bay with over 6-miles and 4,000ft of climbing in one direction. When you make it to the hike, it's also important to realize that without recent rain, there many not actually be a waterfall. With that said, you're still getting in ...
    Read more
  • Livermore, California

    Paddle Lake Del Valle

    4.0
    Lake Del Valle is a reservoir located in Livermore, California. The lake has boat motor boats, pedal boats, patio boats, canoes, and row boats available for rent. There is a dock and rental  house in the marina.The lake is also a popular destination for picnics, barbecues, and camping. Parking fi...
    Read more
  • San Jose, California

    Catch a Sunset at Alviso Marina County Park

    3.0
    9 mi / 72 ft gain
    This tranquil 20.6 acre park is open year round from 8am to sunset. It’s the gateway to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. It is filled with boardwalks, trails, and all kinds of wildlife. I went here with the sole intent of catching a pretty sunset after a long week.  I g...
    Read more
  • San Jose, California

    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock

    5.0
    1.94 mi / 240 ft gain
    North Rim Trail to Eagle Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near San Jose, California.
    Read more
  • Castro Valley, California

    Lake Chabot Regional Park Loop

    4.0
    8.65 mi / 1263 ft gain
    Looking for a fun day on a lake, but don't want to drive too far? We recommend heading out to the East Bay where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. This moderately challenging hike remains scenic throughout the 8.5 mile trek around the lake, and offers many opportunities fo...
    Read more
  • 3160 North Shoreline Boulevard, California

    SUP Shoreline Lake

    3.0
    Shoreline Lake features a big lake, many hiking and biking trails, and lot of picnic areas in Mountain View, CA. Kayaks, SUP, and various boats can be rented from the boat house. This is a great place to enjoy the water no matter what season it is. There are large grassy areas for kids to run and...
    Read more
  • Livermore, California

    Condor, Volvan, Stone Corral, Coyote Loop

    4.5
    4.38 mi / 620 ft gain
    This regional preserve is perfect for day hikes. There are also designated campsites and even a backpack campsite. Horses and dogs are welcome in the preserve. There are many different clearly marked trails that one can choose from. A good 4.5 mile loop is to start at the Park Residence entrance...
    Read more
  • Moraga, California

    Bollinger Creek Loop Trail

    1.43 mi / 213 ft gain
    Las Trampas Regional Wilderness offers an extensive trail system for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The trail is open year round and dogs are allowed. The Las Trampas and Bollinger faults spread apart to reveal a wonderful wilderness area with ancient remnants of beaches. The entir...
    Read more
  • Danville, California

    Summit Mount Diablo via Rock City Trail

    5.0
    7.8 mi / 2299 ft gain
    Although steep in sections, this trail is a wonderful workout and hikers are more than rewarded for their efforts. The Rock City Trail is a direct route to the summit of Mount Diablo, and the park is an ecological treasure dear to the hearts of Bay Area residents. The best views are on clear days...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in Sunol

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Pescadero, California

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
La Selva Beach, California

Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday

Guides, Insights and Stories from Sunol

How to Eat Healthy on the Road

How to Eat Healthy on the Road

Noël Russell

5 Basic Tips for Vanlife Newbies

5 Basic Tips for Vanlife Newbies

Noël Russell

Weekend Excursion: 72 Hours in San Francisco

Weekend Excursion: 72 Hours in San Francisco

Josiah Roe

5 Calf-Crushing Trail Runs in the San Francisco Bay Area

5 Calf-Crushing Trail Runs in the San Francisco Bay Area

The Outbound Collective

The 10 Best Campsites near San Francisco

The 10 Best Campsites near San Francisco

The Outbound Collective