SUNOL REGIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVE/MAGUIRE PEAKS

SUNOL REGIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVE/MAGUIRE PEAKS

Hike Date:  Saturday, December 13, 2025

Leader:  Ron Gasparinetti

Leader Email:  ron@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  650-759-5345

Rating: Level 4.5

Mileage:  10.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 2310' 

Description:  We’ll start our hike at the Sunol Wilderness Visitor Center with the Indian Joe Creek Trail. This is a pleasant trail along the creek for which the trail is named. You’ll appreciate the shade of the oak trees as we make our initial 700’ ascent leveling off at the Highland Valley Rd.Trail. Most of the hike is exposed with wide open views of local reservoirs and north to Mount Diablo. This hike crosses grasslands, dives into oak forests, and traverses several ranches.  There are a few precarious sections (especially if the ground is moist) and the final ascent to the top of the peaks is short but challenging. While a significant portion of this hike is on dirt fire roads, there will be impressive views all around us and great photo opportunities for rolling amber/green hills, Mount Diablo,.....and cows. This is East Bay grassland hiking at its best!  Dogs are welcome but leashing should be considered for the few sections that could prove dangerous to them or other hikers. Alltrails Link of Proposed Route  

Bring / Wear:  Lots of water for a vigorous hike; lunch, sun protection-most of this hike is exposed. Poles would be useful for a few steep sections or if it’s drizzly.

Weather Policy:   Hike will be postponed if heavy/steady rain is forecast 

Ready to join the hike?  Here are the meeting options:

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street.                             SF Meeting Time:  8:45 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.                          East Bay Meeting Time:  8:30 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

Not a member of the SFHC and want to join this hike? Contact the hikeleader so we know you're joining us and to arrange for ride-sharing (if needed).  Non-members are required to sign a release of liability form before participating in the hike.

NOTE: I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers.  If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have a ride arranged ahead of time Please note Carpool Fees below. 

Trailhead Meeting Location: Sunol Wilderness Visitor Center  1895 Geary Rd, Sunol 94586.   Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:15 AM (The hike will begin shortly thereafter)

Total RT driving distance: Whole Foods San Francisco - 120 miles

Rockridge BART Station Oakland - 82 miles

San Francisco - $16

Rockridge BART - $11