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10 Great East Bay Parks for Spring Wildflowers

Where to see beautiful spring blooms of wildflowers just a short drive from SF
By - posted 5/1/2025 No Comment

The East Bay Regional Parks are awash with colorful spring wildflower blooms.

As winter turns to spring the east bay parks transform into a beautiful sight as wildflowers begin to bloom from about the end of March through beginning of May.

Check out their new Wildflowers in Your Parks webpage dedicated to this favorite springtime sight.

By preserving open spaces and safeguarding the land through effective management of invasive species, the East Bay Regional Park District helps ensure the survival of beautiful native flowers.

10 Great East Bay Parks to see Beautiful Spring Blooms

Each year from about the end of March to the beginning of May, a rich diversity of wildflowers bloom in Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve and the Ohlone Wilderness.

Wildflower Hikes 2025

Arrive early to ensure the park is open before reaching capacity. Sunol Wilderness will close the entry gate when no more parking lots are full and reopen when parking becomes available. Program space will be limited, and sign-ups will occur on the day of on a first come, first served basis at the visitor center.

Saturday, March 29 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM

Wildflowers of Sunol Valley
Sunol Valley provides the perfect landscape to showcase spring’s greatest gift—wildflowers. Explore the trails and embark on a treasure hunt for wild wonders.

Sunday, March 30 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM

Springtime in the Serpentine
California’s state rock, serpentinite, creates unique soil conditions that support native wildflowers. Enjoy a hike through the trails in search of early blooms and scenic views.

Saturday, April 5 | 9:00 – 11:30 AM

Women in Wilderness: Wildflower Hike
Build community and deepen your love for nature during this guided wildflower hike. A space to connect with people and place.

Sunday, April 6 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Perennials at the Peak
Journey from the valley floor to a park peak and experience the diverse array of wildflowers across different elevations—from rocky outcrops to lush grasslands.

Saturday, April 12 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM

Wildflowers and Wonders
Spring in Sunol is spectacular. Join us to explore the trails, find early wildflowers, and enjoy stunning seasonal scenery.

Saturday, April 12 | 9:30 – 11:30 AM

ASL Wildflower Wander
Celebrate wildflower season with a guided hike for the Bay Area’s Deaf community. A naturalist-led walk with professional ASL interpreters will highlight the beauty of Sunol in spring.

Sunday, April 13 | 9:00 – 11:30 AM

Watershed Wildflowers
Hike along Alameda Creek and discover one of the Bay Area’s largest watersheds, learning about the abundant blooms it supports.

Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Flowers and Fire Hike
Walk through the 2024 Creek Fire burn area and see what blooms have emerged from the ashes. Learn about the ecological role of wildfire on this 3-mile hike.

Sunday, April 20 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wildflower Bioblitz
Help find, identify, and record wildflowers during this BioBlitz. Learn how to spot common blooms with interpretive staff—no prior experience needed.

Saturday, April 26 | 9:00 – 11:30 AM

Serpentine Splendors
Discover California’s state rock on a 2-mile round-trip hike. Visit a serpentinite outcrop and learn what makes it a hotspot for wildflower growth.

Saturday, April 27 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Wildfire and Wildflowers
Explore the aftermath of the 2024 Creek Fire and witness how nature recovers. This hike reveals the floral regeneration that follows fire disturbance.

Saturday, May 3 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM

Birds and Blooms
Explore the relationship between wildflowers and their avian pollinators. Observe bird activity and the floral beauty they help support.

Sunday, May 4 | 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Bedrock Blooms
Join a 3-mile meander through Sunol and learn how the park’s geology supports spectacular wildflower displays.