Lake Del Valle Marina

Only the southern portion of Del Valle's western shore has any trails, but once you get away from the swimming section and the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center, the western shore trail is peaceful and gives you a better understanding of the flora and fauna of southern Del Valle Reservoir - which is different from the areas to the north of it. This section of the West Shore Trail is called the Deer Jaw Trail and goes north from the Rocky Ridge Visitor Center, along the shore of the lake, to a canyon. The trail is about one mile long.

The visitor center is open weekends June 1st through September 30th; 10:00am-5:00pm. The visitor center is on the lake's west side and contains exhibits and information about the history of Del Valle and surrounding wilderness. Campers and park visitors are encouraged to visit and talk with naturalists and student aides about the park and the lake, and to take part in the programs that happen during the summer. Campfire programs at the campground amphitheater begin Memorial Day weekend; campers and park visitors can join naturalists for an evening around a campfire, with activities including songs, stories, games, and marshmallow roasting. Park visitors can also enjoy a scenic boat tour of the lake with naturalist staff.

The one-mile Sailor Camp Trail goes up a large ridge in the far south of Del Valle. After one mile, you need a permit to continue into the Ohlone Regional Wilderness, which, although part of the East Bay Regional Parks District, is a separate park and is not in Del Valle Regional Park. Permits can be obtained at the Del Valle Park southern entrance if you do want to continue into Ohlone Regional Wilderness, which (to cross) is more than twenty miles over numerous mountain ranges and mountain peaks. The Ohlone Wilderness Trail, the only major trail in the Ohlone Wilderness, goes to Sunol Regional Wilderness and the city of Fremont.

On the far side of the Cedar Camp Pond is a wonky bridge that leans treacherously toward the pond. It can be reached by walking through a group of bushes and then going around the back of the lake to get onto the bridge. When it comes to walking on the bridge - do so at your own risk! It is not in good condition and is at such an angle that it is hard to walk on. Nowadays, the bridge just punctures one side of the pond and serves no purpose as an actual bridge.

There is a trail network in southeastern Del Valle that leads from the East Shore Trail into the ridges above it. The East Ridge parking lot (at the ridgetop, along Del Valle Road) and the marina are both staging areas near this trail network, and several of the turn-offs along the southern section of the East Shore Trail lead upwards towards the East Ridge. Cutting into the ridge are several canyons that the eastern trails pass through, including Hidden Canyon. This region of the park is good for those who want a taste of Diablo Range cowboy country.

An abandoned cabin building can be seen in the far eastern section of Del Valle Park. It is a small, wooden cabin that is next to a creek.