Niles Canyon - a Local Scenic Drive from Fremont to Sunol, California

Living in the Bay Area, California has many perks, and one of them is Niles Canyon. This beautiful hidden gem is a curvy road from Fremont's Niles District to Sunol and Livermore. From Fremont, you will want to drive down Mowry Ave, towards the hills, until it ends at Mission Blvd. Turn left on Mission and take it down to the next light. Turning left will take you into the heart of Downtown Historic Niles, and if you turn right from Mission, you will drive down Highway 84/Niles Canyon Road through beautiful Niles Canyon. (Click here for an aerial map.)

If you are tired of the stop lights and traffic of city life, and just need to get away, then this is the perfect drive for you. If you are in Fremont and have an extra hour to kill in between your kids soccer games, a nice relaxing drive through Niles Canyon is perfect. Any time of year is a perfect time for this scenic route through the beautiful rolling hills of this hidden gem. This is also a popular bicycle route, so keep an eye out for the riders; either in groups or solo.

The train tracks on either side of the road seem to play tag with you. One minute they are to the left, and the next minute they are sneaking off to the right, behind a hill. Keep an eye out and you will find the Niles Canyon Railway hidden in the mountainside. This railway only operates on Sundays and does not charge a fee, but donations are greatly appreciated. The donations accepted are $5.00 for kids ages 4-12, $8.00 for seniors, $12.00 for ages 13-adult and children 3 and under ride free. The donations are what keep the Niles Canyon Railway running. To see their full schedule, and learn more about this non-profit, volunteer run organization, click here.

Just after railway, Niles Canyon Road splits into a fork. Taking the right fork will get you back to Interstate 680, but take the left fork and you will be travelling down another tree and mountain lined road. This road, Pleasanton Sunol Road, will take you through its namesakes. You travel from Sunol, through Pleasanton and end up in Livermore. Turn around, drive back and enjoy the scenery. This whole trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This is a great little vacation in between soccer matches, baseball games or bowling leagues.

During the summer, the hills are a beautiful golden brown, but in the winter, especially after a good rain, the hills are a gorgeous emerald green. Take your camera no matter the season and you will have beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. I love to travel through this canyon. I am frequently in Fremont and insist on taking this side trip just for the relaxation it brings. Try it for yourself!

Sources:
Personal Experience
www.mapquest.com
www.ncry.org/