Hike 2 · 50-Miler Prep Series · April 4–6, 2026
Fremont to Lake Del Valle — three days across the Diablo Range through Mission Peak, Sunol Regional Wilderness, and Del Valle Regional Park.
📍 CalTopo Route Map ↗Route Summary
The trip begins at the Ohlone Wilderness Trailhead near Fremont, climbing steadily away from the city into the open hills of Mission Peak Regional Preserve. The first several miles are the most sustained climb of the entire trek — gaining elevation steadily through grasslands and scattered oak groves.
As the group climbs higher, views open dramatically across the Santa Clara Valley and San Francisco Bay, often with hawks and vultures riding thermals overhead. After cresting the high ridgeline, the trail rolls through several smaller climbs before descending into the wooded valley where Star's Rest Camp is located.
⚠ Saturday snacks and lunch are carried in individual backpacks. Bear cans are needed for overnight storage only (dinner + dessert in the SAT layer).
🏔 Night 1 Camp
Star's Rest Camp
Tucked away in a shaded canyon with large oak trees. Quieter and more sheltered than the exposed ridges earlier in the day.
Day two is shorter in distance but involves steady climbing eastward along the Diablo Range ridges. Rolling terrain with a few steeper segments — overall pace is moderate compared to Day 1, but gain-per-mile is the highest of the trip.
This stretch passes through open ranchland. Hikers will likely encounter grazing cattle along the trail. Stay calm, walk slowly around herds, give wide berth.
Views are expansive — wide panoramas of the East Bay hills and the distant Central Valley on clear days.
⚠ Distribute all snacks before leaving camp. Double Gatorade day — hydration is critical on the highest elevation gain section.
🏔 Night 2 Camp
Maggie's Half Acre Camp
One of the more popular backcountry camps on the trail. Sits in a relatively open meadow surrounded by low hills — can be breezy but offers outstanding stargazing on clear nights.
The final day begins with gentle ridgeline travel before the trail gradually turns downhill toward Lake Del Valle. A series of rolling hills then commits to a longer descent into the lake basin.
This stretch provides some of the best views of the trip as hikers approach the lake, with sweeping vistas of the reservoir and surrounding hills.
The trail exits near the Ardilla Group Camp area along the shore of Lake Del Valle, where the landscape transitions from backcountry wilderness to developed park facilities.
📍 Drinking water, bathrooms, and picnic areas at Lake Del Valle on exit. Celebrate with a meal in Livermore or Pleasanton!
🏁 Exit Point
Lake Del Valle · Ardilla Group Camp Area
Del Valle Regional Park — reliable tap water, bathrooms, and parking. Shuttle car or pickup point.
Trail Safety
Permits required
Required for ALL campsites in the Ohlone Wilderness. Carry confirmation — rangers check.
Poison oak
Common throughout East Bay hills. "Leaves of three, let it be." Wear long sleeves on brushy sections.
Ticks
Common in grassy areas in spring. Tuck pants into socks. Full-body tick check every evening before bed.
Livestock
Active grazing on Day 2 ranchland. Stay calm, walk slowly around herds, give wide berth.
Sun exposure
Long exposed ridgelines all 3 days. Hats, sunscreen, sun shirts mandatory.
Water sources
All natural sources must be filtered or treated. Seasonal only — no guarantee. Carry 2–3 L leaving trailhead.
Cell coverage
Intermittent on trail. Move to higher ridgeline to improve signal. Note GPS coords at each camp.
Bear canisters
Required for all food storage overnight. Pack bear cans as soon as you arrive at camp.