Rose Peak

Bay Area Challenge Overview > The Peaks > Rose Peak

Rose Peak sounds like a sweet little hike, but don't let the name fool you. This is one tough hike. While the summit is 3,817′, you'll climb 5,000′ over the course of this out-and-back hike of nearly 20 miles.

And though you'd never know it from the photos of rolling hills and cows grazing, there are some really steep sections. This is the most challenging hike in the bunch.

Did you know?

Rose Peak sits along the Ohlone Trail, which actually runs past Mission Peak as well.

Rose Peak Basics

• Summit elevation: 3,817′ (1,163 m)
• Vertical gain: 5,000′
• Hiking mileage: 19.5 miles
• Location: Ohlone Regional Wilderness

Hiking Rose Peak

Rose Peak can be reached via two main routes: either the Del Valle Regional Park to the east or the slightly easier route beginning in the Sunol Wilderness to the west. Most of the route is on the Ohlone Trail, which requires a permit that also happens to be a really nice, durable map — and your permit is good for an entire year.

Trail Guides

Here are detailed trail guides to give you the information you need about each route:

• Hiking to Rose Peak via Del Valle Regional Park – via our sister site SoCalHiker
• Rose Peak from Del Valle Lake – via Gurmeet Manku
• Rose Peak from Sunol Wilderness – via Gurmeet Manku

Travel Time

• Drive time from San Francisco: 1 hour, 18 minutes (57 miles)
• Drive time from Oakland: 55 minutes (49 miles)
• Drive time from San Jose: 1 hour (43 miles)
• Get turn-by-turn directions to Del Valle on Google Maps

Local Tips

• There is usually spring water available at several of the campsites along this route. Check with the ranger beforehand and filter or treat before drinking. There are signs directing you to the water at each camp area.

Latest Rose Peak Trip Reports

These hike logs will give you a feel for what the current conditions are, and the experience from other Six-Pack of Peaks challengers.