February Hike – Little Yosemite, Sunol Regional Wilderness

Date: Sunday, Feb 16, 2014 - Date Changed !
Time: 9:30am (Arrive by 9:15am for flag ceremony and Scout Promise)
Location: Little Yosemite, Sunol Regional Wilderness, Sunol
Meeting Point: Parking lot near the Old Green Barn Visitor Center
Attire: Class A or B
Awards: Trail Trekkers Cub Scout Patch/Progressive Hike Award.
Parking Fee: $5
RSVP: Evite
Contact: Hiking Chairs - Teresa and Ajay

Little Yosemite is a scenic gorge with gorgeous waterfalls and pools.

Details
The Canyon View Trail is an excellent hike for Cub Scouts and a great way to get to Little Yosemite. The trail begins near the Visitor Center, at the bridge that crosses the creek. After crossing the bridge, turn right and head upstream. The Canyon View trail is well marked. The trail goes up a ridge (or two) and proceeds along the hillsides that border the creek. Along the way, you'll see some nice views of the creek and canyon. About halfway, the trail drops down into Jacobs valley. Stay on the trail until you get to Cerro Este Road and turn right (toward the creek) and follow the road to Little Yosemite. When you get to the outhouse on Camp Ohlone Road, cross the road where you will find a path that will take you down the very steep sides of the creek's banks, to the ancient piles of boulders called Little Yosemite.

This is a perfect place for boys to study rocks and have lunch. Remember collecting specimens is not allowed. Watch for poison oak.

Hikes can return the same way they came, or via the Ohlone Road for a different view of the park. To return via Ohlone Road simple climb back up the bank to the road (stay on the trail), downhill. Notice how different the vegetation is here by Alameda Creek, compared to the Canyon View Trail. Eventually you will cross a bridge, pass a gate and find yourself in a remote parking area. Stay on the paved road all the way back to the Visitor Center.)

Getting there:
Go south on I-680 and exit at Calaveras Road/Highway 84 just south of the town of Pleasanton. Turn left onto Calaveras Road and proceed to Geary Road, which leads directly into the park.

January Briones Hike recap

Thank you to all the Scouts who made it to our Pack Hike at Briones Regional Park. The Scouts hiked up the Deer Creek Trail and back down along the Abrigo Valley Trail. The total trip was about four miles long. Patches will be handed out at a future Pack Meeting. Parents should check their son's handbook as the hike may qualify for advancement toward accomplishments like the Hiking Belt Loop. We hope to see even more Scouts at our next hike on February 9th. An Evite will be sent and hike information will be posted here next month.

Sincerely,
Hiking Committee

January Hike – Briones Regional Park

Date: Sunday, January 19, 2013
Time: 9am (Meet at 8:50am for Flag ceremony and Scout promise)
Location: Briones Regional Park
Attire: Class B
Award: Highlander patch and the Briones rocker patch
Fees: $3 per vehicle (when kiosk is attended)
Meeting Point: Bear Creek Staging Area
Contact: Hiking Chairs Ajay Hampapur & Teresa Noble

How to get there
Bear Creek Staging Area: From Highway 24, take the Happy Valley Road exit and go north. Turn right at Bear Creek Road, take the 1st right onto Briones Valley Rd (37.925776, -122.162733).

Parking
Make an immediate left after the kiosk and park in the lower lot.

Details
The Briones Regional Park Hike is at least three miles with some moderate uphill in the beginning and an easy down hill on the last half. There is a nice picnic area at the half point with portable bathrooms and tables for the boys to take a break. The hike will start at the Bear Creek Staging Area. We will have the flag ceremony and scout promise at 8:50am and the hike will start at 9:00am.