.Visiting ‘Little Yosemite’

I’m always looking for new walks or hikes in or near the Bay Area, and, luckily, it’s hard to exhaust the options. It’s also hard to believe that until now, after so many years of hiking on so many different trails, I still hadn’t been to “Little Yosemite,” also known more recently as Alameda Creek Overlook, in the Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve. So, on a perfect spring day with temperatures in the low ‘70s and a solid-blue sky, while also figuring the time would be ideal since the creek should be high after an abundant rainy season, I finally visited Little Yosemite. And what a great way to spend around an hour. The gorge and waterfall—as well as the relatively short gentle trail of about one mile leading up to it—couldn’t have been a more enjoyable hiking experience. 

After exiting highway 680 at the Calaveras Road/Highway 84 turnoff, it was a pleasant country drive of approximately five miles heading south on Calaveras Road and then turning left on Geary Road to reach the Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve. Normally there’s a $5 entrance fee, but they weren’t collecting when I arrived (I’ll want to pay double next time!). The parking lot at the end of the road, which is closest to the trailhead, was full, but there was plenty of parking in the lot just before it.

To the right of the posted park map was the entrance to the trail, Camp Ohlone Road, and soon this wide trail crossed a large sturdy footbridge over Alameda Creek. As I looked down from the bridge and saw the volume of water, the creek looked to me more like a river, but at other times of the year I expect its size might be more creek-like. After the bridge, the trail would parallel the river, though not right next to its bank, for the mile up to Little Yosemite.

There were no extensive flower displays since I was there too early for peak wildflowers, which were later than usual this particular year. But little patches were coming up here and there.

After approximately three quarters of a mile, I began to hear the roar of rapid waters behind and below the trees on my right, and the anticipation it invoked continued until, soon enough, I arrived at Little Yosemite.

What a gem! But why the namesake after the famous national park? I guessed that with the steep canyon wall and large boulders at the base of the falls, someone must have imagined this spot as a micro version of Lower Yosemite Falls.

Wanting to get closer, I took the side path leading down to the water. The path was short but steep, with a lot of loose dirt, and in some places, I had to grab an available rock or bush with my hand or even get on all fours to be on the safe side. But it was easy enough to navigate with caution. Once down at the river, there were various rocks to sit on and take in the scene—the cascading falls, the meditative sound of the river rushing through the rocks, and a deep inviting pool (though no wading or swimming is allowed due to endangered species)—all made particularly special because I was the only one there. It’s always a pleasure to share nature with others, but to have a beautiful place to oneself can be a special gift.

Only one small glitch. Just before I started to climb back up to the main trail, I spotted a large plastic bottle wedged in between a couple of rocks, which made me wonder once again, as I’ve so often wondered before: why would anyone who appreciates nature and scenic places ever litter? If I’d had a day pack to carry the bottle back to the trailhead, I would have, and in fact I later felt slightly guilty that I hadn’t grabbed the bottle, carefully made my way up the side path with it, and carried it out. Next time, I might bring a day pack on the unlikely chance that it’s still there or some other piece of litter has taken its place.

On my return walk, retracing my steps back to the trailhead, I took another of the several side paths off the main trail and found myself in another lovely spot by the river, quieter and more tranquil in this section with the river wider and flowing more lazily. And again, despite there being quite a few hikers on the Camp Ohlone Road trail, I had the place to myself.

For a short out-and-back hike of around an hour assuming a leisurely pace with stops, Little Yosemite/Alameda Creek Overlook in the Sunol Regional Wilderness Preserve is an excellent choice, especially in the spring, but at any time of year. And this wonderful wilderness park, easily reachable in the East Bay, offers many other trails, including an alternate route to Little Yosemite. In fact, next time I visit Little Yosemite, I’ll take the slightly longer route via the McCorkle, Canyon View, and Cerro Este Road trails, then return via Camp Ohlone Road, making the hike a loop instead of out-and-back.

Park information: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol