Sunol Area Fossils

To get to the site take the Castlewood Dr./Sunol exit from Highway 680 and turn right if coming from the north; or turn left and go through an underpass if coming from the south. Proceed to and turn left at Pleasanton-Sunol Road. Drive approximately 1.2 miles; the site is on the left side of this road. You will see a railroad cut and some turn-outs for parking. At this site you will find extinct sand dollars from the Astrodaspis brewerianus species and clams from the Pecten raimondi, plus other types of shells as well. This is a Briones Sandstone formation - Upper Miocene (5-10 mya). You'll need some hard rock tools (rock pick/hammer, chisels or screw driver).

Before or after the collecting consider enjoying a trip on the Niles Canyon Railway.