Cathedral Backpack Camp

For Californians, especially those residing in the bustling San Francisco Bay Area, finding an authentic and challenging wilderness experience without venturing too far from home is a true gem. Cathedral Backpack Camp, nestled within the rugged beauty of the Ohlone Wilderness Trail near Sunol, offers precisely this. This isn't a drive-up campground; it's a destination for the dedicated backpacker, promising solitude, stunning natural surroundings, and a genuine escape into the East Bay hills.

Cathedral Backpack Camp is one of several primitive campsites along the expansive Ohlone Wilderness Trail, managed by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). It's known for its relatively secluded feel and the rewarding trek required to reach it. While it may be considered a "nice option if Eagle site isn't available" – referring to another popular backcountry site in the area – Cathedral holds its own unique appeal, particularly for those who appreciate a less frequented spot in nature.

Here, you won't find the conveniences of developed campgrounds. Instead, you'll discover a place where the sounds of the wild dominate, and your ability to be self-sufficient is paramount. It’s an ideal setting for honing your backcountry skills, enjoying quiet contemplation, and truly disconnecting from the digital world, all within a surprisingly accessible wilderness area.

Cathedral Backpack Camp is located within the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, with its general address associated with Sunol, CA 94586, USA. This places it within the Sunol Regional Wilderness, a vast and scenic preserve managed by the East Bay Regional Park District in Alameda County.

Accessibility to Cathedral Backpack Camp is exclusively by foot. There are no direct vehicle access roads to the campsite itself. Hikers typically begin their journey from the main Sunol Regional Wilderness entrance, where overnight parking is permitted with a valid wilderness permit and camping reservation. The hike to Cathedral Camp is considered rigorous, typically a "three-plus-mile hike" from the main parking area, with significant elevation changes.

The trail leading to Cathedral Camp is part of the extensive Ohlone Wilderness Trail network, known for its steep, oak-dotted hillsides. While the lower sections might be gravel roads, reaching the uppermost sites, like Cathedral, often involves a "really steep half-mile climb." It can also be accessed via longer and hillier trails, such as the McCorkle Trail, for those seeking a more challenging route.

A crucial aspect of accessibility is the mandatory Ohlone Wilderness permit. This permit is required for anyone 12 years and older for both day use and camping/backpacking within the Ohlone Wilderness. Additionally, a separate camping reservation specifically for Cathedral Backpack Camp is required. These permits and reservations must be obtained in advance from the East Bay Regional Park District, often requiring a few days for processing if mailed, or can be obtained in person at visitor centers.

Due to the backcountry nature, cellular service is generally unreliable. Visitors should carry detailed topographical maps, a compass or GPS device, and be prepared for variable weather conditions and strenuous hiking.

As a designated backcountry campsite, Cathedral Backpack Camp offers very limited services, emphasizing a primitive and self-reliant camping experience. Campers must arrive fully prepared and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Primitive Campsites: Cathedral is one of seven widely separated sites within the Sunol backpack camping area. It's described as being "in a dense grove of trees that lines a little brook," providing natural shelter. The site reportedly accommodates up to 5 people, though some suggest it might only be large enough for one tent.
• Water Source (Untreated): Water can be filtered from a "creek down the hill" or a "collection trough found near the entrance to the camps." The East Bay Regional Park District officially states that water in the backpack area is supplied by developed springs, which are subject to drought conditions. All water from these sources is non-potable and "must be filtered, treated, or boiled for human consumption" before drinking. Always check with park staff for current water availability before your trip.
• Pit Toilets: Unlike fully primitive sites, Cathedral Camp does have an outhouse "right in the campsite." However, it's worth noting that this particular outhouse might also serve other nearby campsites, potentially leading to some shared use.
• No Campfires Allowed: Ground fires are prohibited at Cathedral Backpack Camp and throughout the Sunol backpack camping area. Campers must provide their own fuel for cooking (e.g., portable camping stoves).
• No Trash Disposal: There are no trash bins or disposal services. All trash, including food scraps, must be packed out by the camper. "Pack it in, pack it out" is strictly enforced.
• No Picnic Tables or Developed Pads: While some backpack camps might have remnants of tables, it's best to assume Cathedral offers no constructed amenities like picnic tables or leveled tent pads. Campers should be prepared to set up their camp on natural ground.
• No Cell Service: Due to its remote location, reliable cell service should not be expected. Visitors should have alternative communication and navigation methods.

In essence, Cathedral Backpack Camp provides a basic spot to pitch a tent and access untreated water, requiring campers to bring everything else they need for a wilderness stay.

Cathedral Backpack Camp offers a unique set of features that appeal to those seeking a more challenging and secluded outdoor experience within the Bay Area's East Bay Regional Parks.

• Secluded Woodland Setting: The camp's location "in a dense grove of trees that lines a little brook" provides a private and intimate wilderness feel. It's "well sheltered from wind," offering a cozy and protected spot for overnight stays.
• Access to Water: The availability of water from a nearby creek or collection trough (though untreated and requiring filtration) is a significant feature for backpackers, reducing the amount of water they need to carry in. Checking current conditions with park staff is essential.
• Proximity to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail: As a campsite directly on this renowned trail, it offers immediate access to extensive hiking opportunities, allowing campers to explore miles of scenic backcountry.
• Primitive, Authentic Experience: For those who truly want to disconnect from modern conveniences, Cathedral provides a genuine primitive camping experience, fostering self-reliance and a deeper connection with nature.
• Relative Solitude: While "Eagle's Aerie" is the most popular site, Cathedral can be a "nice option if Eagle site isn't available," suggesting it might offer more solitude and fewer crowds compared to other popular backpack camps.
• Beautiful Natural Environment: The surrounding Ohlone Wilderness is characterized by oak-dotted hillsides, rolling grasslands, and seasonal wildflowers (especially in spring), providing a picturesque backdrop for camping and hiking.
• Pit Toilet Availability: The presence of an outhouse directly at the campsite, while shared with a nearby site, offers a more convenient and environmentally responsible waste disposal option than entirely unimproved backcountry sites.

As a backcountry campsite, Cathedral Backpack Camp does not have a direct phone number or on-site staff. All management, reservations, and information for Cathedral Backpack Camp and the Ohlone Wilderness Trail fall under the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD).

Address: Ohlone Wilderness Trail, Sunol, CA 94586, USA (This address points to the general trail area, not a specific office at the camp.)

For all inquiries, including obtaining the mandatory Ohlone Wilderness Permit and making a camping reservation for Cathedral Backpack Camp, you must contact the East Bay Regional Park District directly.

East Bay Regional Park District Reservations Phone: 1-888-EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2. Reservations staff hours are typically Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM Pacific Standard Time.

For general information about Sunol Regional Wilderness or to check current water conditions for backpack camps, you may also call the Sunol Regional Wilderness office directly. It is highly recommended to verify contact numbers on the official EBRPD website (ebparks.org) as they can occasionally change.

Remember that backpacking reservations must be made at least two business days (48 hours) in advance via phone, as same-day reservations are not available. Always confirm fire restrictions, water availability, and trail conditions before your trip.

For Californians, particularly those in the densely populated Bay Area, Cathedral Backpack Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity for a truly immersive and challenging wilderness experience right in their backyard. This makes it an exceptionally suitable choice for locals seeking a genuine escape from urban life without the need for extensive travel.

Cathedral is ideal for experienced local hikers and backpackers who are prepared for a strenuous trek and appreciate primitive camping. It provides a perfect setting to hone backcountry skills, test endurance, and fully embrace self-sufficiency. The ability to filter water from a nearby creek (after proper treatment) adds to the authentic wilderness experience, and the presence of a pit toilet offers a convenience not found in all primitive sites.

Its strategic location within the Ohlone Wilderness Regional Trail means easy access to a vast network of hiking opportunities, allowing locals to explore diverse ecosystems and enjoy expansive views of the East Bay hills. For residents who value solitude, a deep connection with nature, and the satisfaction of earning their campsite through physical effort, Cathedral Backpack Camp delivers a truly rewarding adventure. It’s a testament to the fact that profound natural beauty and challenging outdoor experiences are readily available to Californians, making it a cherished spot for those in the know.

Cathedral Backpack Camp

Sunol, CA 94586, USA