Eagles' View Trail

Make no bones about it, the Eagles' View Trail makes for a fantastically fur-friendly afternoon hike! This pawesome path is located in the beautiful Sunol Wilderness, just outside of Freemont, CA. The 1.5-mile out-and-back route can be easily completed in an afternoon, but if you and your pooch want to explore the rest of what the wilderness has to offer, you two can pitch your tent at the Sunol Backpacking Camp. Be sure to make a reservation at least five days before your trip! You’ll find parking at various locations in the preserve, but keep in mind that you’ll need to fork out an extra two dollars for your pup’s ticket on top of your parking fee.

Sunol Wilderness is well-regarded in hiking circles for its spectacular scenery, and the Eagles' View Trail is no exception. The route runs through the "Valley of the Giants", taking in grassland, wooded oak wonderland, and chapparal along the way. Four-pawed fitness freaks should feel right at home -- the trail climbs some steep slopes. You might decide that the view from the top is worth it, though! Expect stunning vistas of the wilderness area, the Calderas reservoir, and the South San Francisco Bay Area (hence the name). 

Eagles' View makes for a nice hike at any time of the year, but it’s extra special in spring, when the California poppies and other wildflowers burst into a ka-Fido-scope of color! The October tarantula-mating season draws many visitors to the park, but if you have a serious aversion to our arachnid-American friends, you might want to stay away while the little guys go at it.

Though Eagles' View might be a short trail, the punishing inclines and occasional loose terrain mean that it’s certainly not for the unfit of heart or unsure of foot. Laid-back lapdogs and older furry friends might want to check out some of the easier trails in the park, like the Canyon View Trail through Jacob’s Valley. In terms of facilities, you’ll find pit toilets in most of the parking lots. Remember to bring waste bags and water for your doggo, and have a furrific hike!