BARTable by bike: Niles Canyon

Difficulty: Intermediate

Terrain: Short route (mostly flat); Long route (hilly- includes a steep, winding ascent and descent)

Cautions

• Mission Boulevard is quite busy. It has a wide bike lane but be careful when turning left onto the road. You may want to do a two-stage turn (go straight across the intersection on the green, then wait for the green on Mission).

• Traffic on Niles Canyon Road moves fast. Most of the road has a wide shoulder but there are a few places where bridges or guardrails make it narrow. It is safest early in the morning before things get too busy. Support Supervisors Valle and Haggerty in their efforts to build a bike trail through the canyon.

One of the most dramatic gorges in the Bay Area, Niles Canyon is a beautiful place to ride. A natural water gap which drains the Livermore Valley, the deep canyon was carved by Alameda Creek as seismic activity uplifted the coast range over millions of years. This ride begins more or less atop the Hayward Fault, and touches the Calaveras Fault in Sunol. Niles Canyon and Palomares occupy the space between the two.

This gap was chosen as the pathway for the original Transcontinental Railroad, and that rail system, originally built in 1866, is now commemorated as the Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District. On some Sundays the Pacific Locomotive Association operates passenger rides between Sunol and Niles as the Niles Canyon Railway.

The gorge has long been a transportation corridor. Ohlone people had trails through the canyons to their settlements near present-day Sunol, and during the Mission era it was the path of the El Camino Viejo between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Now, the canyon hosts CA-84, and fast auto traffic usually makes the road unpleasant for cycling. Much of the route has a wide shoulder, but there are some bridges and guardrails where it gets quite tight.

How to get there

Exit the Fremont BART station to the East Plaza. Go around the bus station to the traffic light on Walnut Avenue and turn left. Take Walnut to Mission Boulevard (turn left), and then turn right on Sycamore Street after crossing the creek.

For the long route, turn onto Palomares Road, about halfway to Sunol, and climb the very steep section near the railroad trellis. This route ends at Castro Valley BART, which is best accessed from Norbridge Avenue; turn left off busy Castro Valley Boulevard and cross Redwood Road at the light; the station is on the left.

Short route

Enjoy a gradual climb from Fremont to Sunol. Stop off at a swimming hole; and grab a snack in Sunol.

Things to see

Niles Canyon Railway

This excursion railroad runs along the historic route of the first Transcontinental Railroad. A diesel or steam train will take you through the canyon in a classic rail car. Check the NCR web site for dates the train is running.

Sunol Water Temple

The Sunol Water Temple was built to attract tourists to the canyon, and to note the importance of three water sources in the valley; Alameda Creek, Arroyo de le Laguna, and an artesian well. These formed part of a water system which supplied much of San Francisco’s water before the completion of the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct. Now managed by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, the park is closed until at least 2022 for construction, but you can still go up to the gate and see the temple. 

Alameda Creek

Alameda Creek passes through Niles Canyon on its way from the Livermore Valley to the bay. There are several spots along the road with water access for fishing or swimming.

Long Route

Starts the same as the short route, but also includes Palomares Road, a lovely and challenging ride through a rugged canyon, where you’ll have the opportunity to stop at one of several farm stands or wineries.

Things to see

Farms and wineries

Palomares heads through rural Contra Costa County, and on most days there are a number of farm stands and wineries which are good spots for a stop or a picnic.

• Chouinard Vineyard and Winery (Saturday & Sunday) often has live music in the tasting room with no cover charge.

• Stonybrook Canyon Farm (Saturdays only) is a historical apple orchard with a wide range of produce during the summer months.

• Westover Winery (Saturday & Sunday) features over 40 types of port.

Castro Valley Farmer’s Market (Saturdays)

The route ends at Castro Valley BART, where the Castro Valley Farmer’s Market sets up on Saturdays from 9am-1pm. Get in your morning ride and finish up with some nice fresh produce.