Alameda Creek Overlook, Sunol CA


• 4-star hikes
• 3 mile options
• Easy | Gain 420 to 460 feet
• Sunol, CA | San Francisco Region
.
Two hikers, clad in outdoor gear and carrying backpacks, walk along a winding dirt trail that cuts through rolling green hills. The terrain is vibrant with lush grass, speckled with wildflowers and dotted with scattered trees, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. The path meanders through the landscape, gradually revealing distant mountain ridges partially veiled by a soft haze. The hikers appear engaged in their journey, their postures relaxed yet purposeful. Beyond the hills, a dense forest stretches towards the horizon, its foliage a mix of deep greens and lighter shades reflecting the sunlight. Overhead, the sky is a brilliant blue with a few wispy clouds drifting lazily, completing the serene yet adventurous scene.
Hiking up the McCorkle Trail on a verdant spring day.

There are two preferred routes from the base of Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve to the popular Alameda Creek overlook and waterfall. We've mapped both approaches, each offering its own character and advantages.

The longer route begins near the Sunol Wilderness Visitor Center and follows the full length of Canyon View Trail before returning on Camp Ohlone Road. This option provides the full experience of the Canyon View Trail's varied terrain. The shorter alternative starts at the end of the park road, ascending directly on McCorkle Trail before joining the Canyon View Trail at its midpoint.

Both McCorkle and Canyon View Trails deliver elevated vantage points across Sunol Wilderness, and we find no compelling reason to favor one over the other. Each path provides its own perspective on the surrounding landscape and rolling hills.
⬤ 4★ McCorkle Trail Route   2.6 mi loop, easy, gain 420 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?
⬤ 4★ Canyon View Route   3.1 mi loop, easy, gain 460 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions
 $  East Bay Park fee

The return journey along Camp Ohlone Road, however, lacks the appeal of the hill trails. This wide, flat route offers little visual interest compared to the more engaging terrain of the named trails. For future visits, we plan to opt for an out-and-back approach within the hills themselves. An out-and-back of either hill trail route will cover around 3 miles and 600 ft gain.

The small, rocky waterfall at Alameda Creek Overlook is dwarfed by a high dramatic canyon wall to the south. Views from the trail are limited, and to get a closer look will require some scrambling. The overlook is very popular with visitors, and you can often find people wading in the water, despite signs forbidding wading and swimming in the interest of protecting local wildlife.

A wide, rocky path stretches through a rugged, mountainous landscape under a clear sky. Jagged rock formations rise on either side, their surfaces weathered and textured with deep crevices and layered striations. The terrain is dry and arid, with sparse vegetation clinging to the edges of the trail—small shrubs and tufts of grass pushing through cracks in the stone. Shadows cast by the rocks create depth, emphasizing the uneven ground and the gradual incline of the path as it winds deeper into the mountainous terrain. In the distance, more towering rock formations frame the horizon, their peaks softened by atmospheric haze, evoking a sense of solitude and adventure. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the stark beauty of the scene, drawing attention to the textures and contours of the natural landscape.
Resist the temptation to wade in the waters.

We recommend extending your hike via the 'W Tree' spur trail, which adds one extra mile and no additional elevation gain, but explores deeper up the Alameda Creek Canyon as far as the landmark tree shaped as the letter 'W'. Spring offers the best hiking conditions, with verdant hills and mild temperatures, though these trails remains accessible year-round with proper preparation.

Aside from some partial shade on early parts of the Canyon View Trail, the trails offer no respite from the sun on cloudless days. Summer temperatures can reach the mid-90s, making sun protection and adequate hydration essential.

A rolling landscape with lush green hills stretching into the distance. A narrow dirt path winds gently through the grassy terrain, bordered by scattered trees with full, leafy canopies. In the foreground, a few trees stand prominently, their branches casting dappled shadows on the ground. The background features undulating hills covered in dense vegetation, fading into the horizon beneath a clear, bright blue sky. The scene evokes tranquility, open space, and the peacefulness of rural nature. Let me know if you’d like refinements to better suit your vision.
Canyon View Trail looking back towards Flag Hill.

In the left image, a tree with sprawling branches forms a distinct 'W' shape, standing against rolling green hills. Sunlight filters through its leaves, casting shadows on the grassy terrain. A meandering path cuts through the landscape, leading toward distant hills beneath a bright blue sky. In the right image, a rocky waterfall cascades down a rugged formation. Water tumbles over jagged rocks, creating small, foamy pools before continuing downstream. Moss and vegetation cling to the surrounding stone, adding texture and life to the scene. The backdrop is defined by more rock formations and natural growth, evoking a secluded, tranquil atmosphere.
The 'W' tree marks the turnaround. | Water flowing in the creek.

A winding gravel path stretches through a vibrant, sunlit landscape of rolling green hills. The foreground features two people walking along the path—one carrying a child on their shoulders—creating a sense of connection and movement. The terrain is lush, with rich grass covering the ground and large trees standing tall with full, leafy canopies. Dappled sunlight filters through the branches, casting soft shadows. The scene opens into a vast countryside, where distant hills are dotted with more trees, their silhouettes blending into the horizon beneath a clear blue sky.
Camp Ohlone Road is a long, but easy return.

Tangents:
• Official: Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve
• AllTrails Public: McCorkle Route, Canyon View Route
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us


California Waterfalls: McWay Falls
California Waterfalls
Trails to some of California's greatest waterfalls.
Best hiking trails and rail trails in California
Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.
Mastodon Icon   Bluesky Icon   Facebook Icon   Flipboard Icon   RSS Feed Icon
Subscribe for new trail reviews

Non-commercial and ad-free. Copyright © 2025 Stuart Green all rights reserved. Content provided without warranty of accuracy.
About Trailspotting