Exploring new places has become a second habit for our family during this pandemic. When the lockdown shelter-in-place had initially started, one of the main concern was how do we address our boredom. Going on hikes as a family was not an option as we have a wheelchair user and rough terrain was not accessible. We then started our lockdown trips exploring local spots. Surprised we were. Never realized the hidden gems that were all around us. Niles canyon drive and the sleepy old town of Sunol is one such beauty.
The drive along Niles Canyon, Alameda Creek, and Sunol Regional Wilderness is breathtaking. The route starts from the historic Fremont Niles District to the quaint town of Sunol and back to Fremont via Foothill Road. There is a railroad too which follows the same route down the canyon from Niles to Sunol which is the Niles Canyon Railway. For more details check out https://www.ncry.org.
As you drive through the Niles Canyon road the first stop is the Old Niles Canyon Park which marks the beginning of Niles Canyon drive from Fremont. This is a nice little park (also a staging area) from where you can start your hike or Bike to the Alameda Creek Trail. This place is very beautiful with a view of a picturesque clean stream surrounded by hills. This place is so quiet that you can hear the water flowing peacefully over the rocky pebbles. A very relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle. There are very few parking spaces, maybe about a dozen with a couple of accessible parking ♿️. There are wheelchair accessible restrooms ♿️ available at this site. But restrooms are closed at this time due to the pandemic. Just grab a picnic, sit, and enjoy the view away from the city.
After a quick stopover at Niles Canyon Park, we drove towards the historic little town of Sunol. The drive from Fremont to the little town of Sunol is very scenic with breathtaking views. The route cuts through the hills with a stream running alongside. In springtime, the hills are lush green covered with different types of spring flowers giving the valley a completely new look. There are multiple pullover spots to park and enjoy the breathtaking views all along the way.
The sleepy little town of Sunol is nestled between Fremont and Pleasanton. This charming Historic town has a post office, Railway station, Garden, and a few elegant cafes and Bistro. Once you enter the town you will come across Sunol Glen Unified School. A pre-K-8 school that has a very cozy neighborhood feel. If you keep following the signs for Main street there is a three-way intersection where Sunol’s Historic Post Office is located. Just outside the post office, there is a bronze statue of a black dog, in memory of one of the former mayor’s pet, Bosco. Opposite the post office on Main Street, there is a restaurant called Bosco’s Bones and Brews which was formed in the memory of Bosco. Niles Canyon Railway Station is near the intersection of Kilkare and Foothill Roads. The railway office is also a museum. Just across the railway station is Sunot depot Gardens which is only for the passengers of the Niles Canyon train. At the center of the main street, the village has a beautifully decorated friendly Italian bistro with a mouth-watering menu and a gorgeous patio. This is a good place to stop for a quick bite after a bike ride, hike and even after a long drive.
After our stop at the Downtown Sunol, we continued our drive on Main street and turned right on Foothill Road. This drive on Foothill road is a memorable one through the woods overlooking the Vineyards on your right and an equestrian ranch on your left. Pullover and park your car at a suitable spot to click pictures.
This road will take you to the Foothill staging area where you can start your hike or bike to the trails of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park for more Canyon Views. The foothill staging area has a few picnic tables and a lot of parking places. Continue the drive on foothill road and you will come across beautiful houses scattered on both sides. Some of them have a private Vineyard too. It gives the place a different charm and character. You can keep driving on Foothill road towards Pleasanton or turn on Castlewood drive towards the Golf Course and over the little stream and follow I-680 to return back to Fremont. You can also continue your journey across I-680 and continue on Calaveras Blvd to Sunol Regional Wilderness and drive the longer loop enjoying the breathtaking views of Calaveras Reservoir. The drive through the hills is very scenic and the lake is very pretty. Motorcyclists and bikers also enjoy this drive. Be very careful while driving as parts of the road are very narrow.
♿️ Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️
- The Niles Canyon Staging area is completely wheelchair accessible. It has a couple of Accessible parking and a portable accessible restroom. The Alameda creek trail is also wheelchair accessible. Some parts of this trail may be unpaved. You can just park your car and enjoy the beauty
- Sunol downtown is Completely wheelchair Accessible. The Niles Canyon Railroad Depot is wheelchair accessible. The cars on the train have some steps but a wheelchair lift is used to board the train.
- there are a couple of accessible parking spaces in front of the post office on Mainstreet.
- Accessible public restrooms at the Train Depot is available
- The foothill staging area of Pleasanton Ridge park has a paved portable wheelchair accessible restroom and accessible parking. There is one picnic table that is wheelchair accessible. The trails in the park are all multi-use dirt trails that are more suitable for an electric wheelchair.
♿️ Social Distancing tips ♿️
These lockdown trips are all done keeping social distancing and safety in mind. At no point should these be compromised.
- Always wear your face mask even if you are not getting out of the car.
- Avoid crowded areas if you are stepping out of the car
- Always remember to carry gloves, hand sanitizer, water, food.
- Do not forget to use the restroom before leaving from your house as it is safer to not use outside restroom during this period
- Remember to wipe your crutch or mobility scooter handle or the wheelchair wheels every time you go outside
- Do not leave your items unattended.
- Do not open your car windows in crowded places
Old Foothill Road, Pleasanton, California
Niles Canyon Road, Fremont, California
Sunol, California
