Just a reminder to start with that you need the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail Permit for each person for this hike. You can buy one online or even at the park entrance gate. Check the East Bay Parks website for more information.

Last year we hiked up Rose peak from the Sunol visitor center, therefore decided to hike from the Del Valle Regional Park this time. The Sailor Camp Trail which is part of the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail, starts just from the Rocky Ridge parking lot. ‘Ohlone Trail’ is very much visible so one cannot miss the trail head. Couple weeks earlier we went up the same trail, when we hiked to Murietta Falls. Unfortunately there was no water though we were fortunate to walk on some snow that was remnant from a hail couple days earlier.

The park gates open at 6.00 am unlike the Sunol visitor center (I remember we waited until 8.00 am).  But by the time we started it was 7.30 am and the day light was already breaking in early as the DST kicked in later that night.

A little more than the first couple miles of the hike past the Boyd camps, winds up quickly and brutal up to 2000+ ft elevation before the trail  gradually ascends throughout hitting another 3000+ elevation. The trail continues passing Schlieper rock (3080 ft) towards the junction where we headed to the Murietta falls to the right. One cannot miss the serene Johnny’s pond just by the corner and we noticed that few folks were taking a snack break. As the area around this is relatively flat so nice ambience to sit and spend sometime if you will. We continued towards the left as that would bypass the Marietta Falls and the Stewart’s camp. We met few backpackers on this trail and that is expected because of the wilderness, spring time  and some beautiful camping grounds. 

After almost another hour and half at about 11.30 am, we reached the familiar Rose Peak (3817 ft). It was nice to be there once again and just couple of folks were there when we reached. Weather was perfect as this hike otherwise can be extra strenuous during late Spring and summer. After having our packed lunches and clicking a few snaps we headed back the same way except that we did a small loop by going around Maggie’s camp that added an extra mile. We were contemplating doing a detour via Stewarts camp and Murietta falls but that would have added another extra couple of miles and we decided to keep it within 20 miles as planned. Throughout the hike we were able to pass by small water bodies which will surely dry out in next couple months. 

Heads up for those who would like to try this, please be mindful of the elevation and the distance. It should be fine if you have been hiking a few long hikes and continuing with some form of training to keep yourself fit. 

Just a note that the hike from the Sunol visitor center seems to be a little more strenuous, at least for myself. But again it does not matter as either way you are in for an enduring and exciting hike.