Gary-Summer: February 7, 2019

Thursday, February 7, 2019

February 7, 2019 - Little Yosemite

Title: February 7, 2019 - Little Yosemite
Hike Info : Description : Extra Photo's : Animals

Trail head: Sunol Valley Regional Park

Hike Info:

Type: Hiking

Trail: Canyon View Trail, Geary Road

Destination: Little Yosemite

Distance: 5.06 miles 1

Start Time: 10:15

End Time: 2:18

Elevation Rise: 1,329'

Descent: 1,329‘

Maximum Elevation: 854'

GPS Tracks

¹The GPS was not working properly. There was no track for the first mile and a half. Also the elevation never showed up. The mileage and elevation is based upon Google Earth’s calculations. The times are my approximate start and stop times.

Description:

Not that Little Yosemite! Last year we discovered another Little Yosemite. This one is in the Sunol Wilderness. While it is not as spectacular as the Yosemite, it is a pleasant find.

We were to go backpacking Thursday and Friday but between the predictions of rain for Friday and appointments scheduled, we decided to do a day hike. Andrea suggested going to Little Yosemite. Sounds about right. But we discovered that we had two different trails in mind. We shall see how we do about which to go on. Her’s is a 7+ mile look of over a thousand feet gain. Mine is 5+ with about 600+ of gain. With how I have been lately, I have some serious qualms of the longer more strenuous trail.

Crossing the Alamedda

We plan to get to the parking lot around 10:00. But we were both a few minutes late. The visitor center is closed, so after taking care of a few things we head out. We cross over the green and then cross a bridge over Alameda Creek. We come to the start of the Canyon View Trail.

The first quarter mile is pretty easy, then we start our climb. The thing about these trails in this Wilderness area is that there is little grading of the trails. So we just go up to the top of a ridge, then climb along its spine with maybe a short downhill and start it all over again. I make steady progress, but I am hoping that we are getting close to the top of the hill. My lungs particularly are being well used. The legs ache, but seem to be OK with the climb.

Cirrus Clouds

We get to the McCorkle Trail. This is about halfway to Little Yosemite. Now it gets easier as we are mostly going downhill. With the recent rains, the hills are all green with new grass. The air is clear and a few mountains a ways away are topped with a fresh coating of white. It is a good time to be out hiking.

Looking down into the Sunol area

We come to the spot where last April we joined this trail-can tell because of the fence. We know that right beneath us is Little Yosemite. But we decide to continue on the Canyon View Trail until it meets Camp Ohlone Road. Not much exciting to report, just pleasant walking-except we did venture off onto a cow path for a short distance.

The "W" Tree

There is a short, sharp descent into a small, unnamed creek bed. Only thing notable is that on each side of the trail is poison oak. We hit the Camp Ohlone Road and decide to continue on up it a ways. There is an interesting tree shaped like a “W”. So it is a little wonder that there is a sign saying the “W” Tree which is beside the “W” Tree Creek. After a half of a mile walking along the road, we come to a rock outcropping which Steven and Andrea climb. David and I walk a hundred yards farther and come to the other end of the McCorkle Trail. Also a trail marker indicates that we have almost come to the end of the park area. So we head back.

Little Yosemite

Walking down the road is a lot easier than before. I am able to even loiter and take a few pictures and then catch up. We stop at Little Yosemite and have lunch. I note that I am thinking of going back via the road. Some have talked about heading up to the McCorkle Trail and making that loop. But everybody decided to head back down the road.

Alameda Creek

I will admit the road is not very exciting. We meet a few people walking their dogs, also a few trucks which are servicing the project up at Calaveras Dam. But we walked pretty well, relaxed. Even a bit slow for me.

Around 2:00, we got back to the main part of the Sunol Park area and by 2:15 was back at the car. A pretty delightful family hike. Now to decide what to do.

Sherri’s cousin likes Niles Ice Cream Sweets and Eats. Sherri and I split a brownie sundae. Totally rich, totally enjoyable. I will say that I it did affect the tummy some-not that it was bad. But just caused me to feel a bit like I will never have to eat again. And this is with about eating only a third of the sundae. Enjoyable, but be careful is the moral of this story. Andrea is returning to Oakland and we go back to Mountain View. A good day.