Sunol Regional Wilderness, 6-8 miles

Sunol Regional Wilderness is one the crown jewels of the East Bay Regional Park system, home (in part) to the Ohlone Wilderness. This hike will take us up Flag Hill for a panoramic overview, continuing up to the Cerro Este overlook, then descending and returning via McCorkle and Canyon trails. Also possible to include a visit to Little Yosemite (waterfall/pool), which may be worth a visit if we get rain this week. This would add a couple miles to the route.

Trail route: Canyon Trail-Flag Hill Trail-Flag Hill Road-High Valley Road-Cave Rocks Road-Cerro Este Road-McCorkle Trail-Canyon Trail.

Hike rating: Moderate to challenging. There is a fair amount of elevation gain/loss on the route.

COWS: We may encounter them. If you have a known chaser (like my young, easily excited Shepherd, Ananda), please be aware and leash your dog while passing by. Hikers out front can help by warning the hikers coming behind if there are cow sightings. As well as it being a park rule to not let dogs harass the cows (listen up, Ananda!), I have been charged by aggressive cows, especially when there are young ones in the herd, and dogs that chase run the risk of getting kicked or trampled.

Hiking pace: average to brisk (avg. 2.5 miles/hr). I will stop for brief water/rest breaks and for a 15-20 min. snack/lunch break about midway through. Please be sure to carry PLENTY of water for yourself and your dog(s); minimum 2-3 liters, more if you or your dog(s) are guzzlers. There is no water available on the trail route. (Streams/creeks are not reliable sources in drought conditions.)

Everyone is free to hike at their own pace. If you are unable to keep up with the general group pace, or forge out ahead or fall behind, the organizer will not be on the lookout for you. You can request (or will be given) a map at the entry kiosk.

Please be on time. We will wait no more than 10 minutes after the posted start time for latecomers. This park is very popular on weekends so you may have to park in another lot farther from the visitor center lot where we will meet.

There are parking & dog fees at this park, typically $5.00 per car, $2.00 per dog. After the entry kiosk continue to the Green Barn visitor center and parking area on the left. Look for a bunch of people with a bunch of LEASHED dogs (please keep your dog leashed in the staging area, until we are on the trail). Water, toilets, and maps available at the staging area.

Please read liability disclaimer:

We understand that your "Yes" RSVP to this event means you accept the following:

1. ​I acknowledge that the group organizer and assistant organizers for this group are NOT guides or trip leaders. We have no training or qualifications as guides or trip leaders. Wag n Trails is a social group for organizing dog hikes. Every hiker is responsible for themself, their dog(s), their guest(s) and any event that occurs to or because of them.

2. I agree to abide by the rules of the park where the hike is held. (The rules of the East Bay Parks are listed on the meetup group pages.)

3.​I acknowledge that I and other participants may be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury to me, my dog(s) and/or guests, or someone outside of the group or some other animal, including permanent disability and death. I understand that these risks may be increased through my own actions, or through the negligent action or inaction of Wag N’ Trails participants, its members or other representatives. If I bring/invite a guest who has not released liability through the meetup group, I agree that I am solely responsible for their and or their dog(s) including their actions and safety. It is highly recommended that each participant sign up for an event through the meetup site.

4.​I hereby RELEASE and DISCHARGE from liability Wag N’ Trails, the group organizer and hike organizers, their officers, members/other participants, sponsors, and employees; and owners and lessors of facilities used by Wag N’ Trails, from any and all liablility claims, demands or causes of action that you now have or may have in the future, for injuries, damages, death and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or part out of the activities advice or information contained herein, even if caused in whole or in part by their negligence.

5.​California Civil Code section 1542 states; “A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor.” I specifically waive the terms of that section, and agree to Release claims that I may not yet know of, or which may be based on events that have not yet occurred.

6.​If I am allowing children under the age of 18 or any guest, to participate in this hike, I agree on their behalf to the terms of this Release. I agree that if, notwithstanding this Release, I, the minor, or anyone on the minor’s behalf, or my guest, makes a claim against any of the persons or entities Released, I will indemnify those persons and entities and hold them harmless against all expenses, damage or costs, including attorneys fees, arising out of that claim.

7.​You further agree that if you or someone under your supervision uses the information on this website you assume all risks of injury, damage, and economic loss, without limitation, and release providers from all liability therefore.

8.​Organizers choose locations and routes but it is up to you to decide whether the event is appropriate for you to attend. Ultimately you are responsible for your own safety.