Quiet trailheads, free parking, and one big permit change that just dropped.
Big news first: as of January 1, 2026, the East Bay Regional Park District dropped the day-use permit for the 28-mile Ohlone Wilderness Trail. Backpacking reservations still required, but casual day hikers are off the hook. Combine that with a handful of regional preserves most San Ramon families drive past every week, and you’ve got a full spring of weekend escapes without leaving the Tri-Valley.
1. Las Trampas Wilderness — 18012 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. The trailhead is literally at the top of Bollinger. 6,050 acres, 5,778 of wilderness. The Elderberry + Rocky Ridge View + Devil’s Hole + Sycamore loop runs about 6.3 miles with ~1,900 ft of climb, topping out at the 2,024-ft Rocky Ridge. Weekend Sherpa calls the summit views “a hiker’s nirvana” — on a clear day, you can see from Mt. Tam to the Dumbarton Bridge. Dogs allowed on most trails, but not inside Devil’s Hole.
2. Bishop Ranch Open Space — 2761 Morgan Dr., San Ramon. 806-acre ridge-top preserve tucked right next to the subdivisions. The full loop is 5.1 miles, ~1,223 ft of gain, open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Weekend Sherpa’s line: “a good morning workout for those who would rather trade the StairMaster for a solid uphill climb.” Free parking. Leash or voice control where posted. Solid spot for a pre-work grind or a dog walk.
3. Morgan Territory — 9401 Morgan Territory Rd, Livermore. 45-minute drive on a winding country road, and that’s the whole point. The Bob Walker Ridge Loop (Condor + Volvon + Blue Oak) is 3.4 miles, ~374 ft gain. Save Mount Diablo puts it plainly: “you may not come across many other hikers.” 90+ wildflower species in April and May, including the Diablo sunflower that only grows in these foothills.
**4. Sunol Regional Wilderness — 1895 Geary Rd, Sunol.
** Home of Little Yosemite, a mini-gorge on Alameda Creek. The Canyon View Trail loop is ~4.4 miles, ~488 ft gain. $5 parking on weekends, $2 per non-service dog. Arrive before 9:30 a.m. to get the main lot. Gateway to the now-permit-free Ohlone Trail…