Friday Five
If there was ever a time to get into hiking, this summer is it. Now, I know what some of you may be thinking — I, too, once thought hiking was not something I’d just casually do on a weekend. But don’t worry, I’m not talking about intense rock climbing or backpacking out in the wild for hours. I’ve discovered a kind of hiking that just involves a long leisurely walk by rolling green hills. To those walking mindlessly around the block on your conference calls, we all know that you’ve been getting your steps in everyday anyway. Why not change the scenery and drive down to one of the 26 open space preserves in South Bay? We’ve narrowed down five of our favorites.
Sign up for The Bold Italic newsletter to get the best of the Bay Area in your inbox every week.
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County
If you ever feel like singing aloud, “The hills are aaliiiveee,” Russian Ridge’s the place for you. This open space preserve boasts over 3,000 acres of gorgeous green hills that are sprawling with wildflowers in the spring. But even when the flowers aren’t blooming, the open space preserve is still worth a visit. You’ll get a chance to spot multiple varieties of wildlife, such as the butterflies that often have been spotted in the summer, birds of prey such as eagles and hawks flying over the grasslands, and coyotes that guard the ridges. For an easy vista, hike less than a mile to Borel Hill to get a 360-degree view from the highest point in San Mateo County.
Fremont Older Open Space Preserve in Santa Clara County
What I love about Fremont Older is that it has something for everyone — the mountain bikers, the dog owners, the casual hikers, and even the equestrians. This open space preserve offers trails for mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, and leashed dogs. Just an hour’s drive out of the city, enjoy views of Seven Spring Canyon as you walk along trails lined with the 🌾 emoji come to life. For the beginner hikers, the one-mile Hunter’s Point loop, which ends at a 900-foot hilltop with views of the Santa Clara Valley, is the one for you. Pro tip: treat yourself at one of the many bubble tea shops in neighboring Cupertino afterwards.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve in Half Moon Bay
This 4,700-acre preserve with its towering redwoods is guaranteed to make you feel small — in a good way. Located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz mountains, this open space preserve has more than 24 miles of hikes for more moderate to advanced hikers. The nine-mile Purisima Creek & Whittemore Gulch Hike, with a 1,600 feet elevation, is not for the fainthearted. The ridge views and the sounds of the rushing creek along the way, however, will make it worth your time.
Rancho San Antonio Preserve in Los Altos
A classic South Bay hike, Rancho San Antonio is certainly a popular hiking spot. Prior to the shelter in place, the attraction of this preserve is certainly the Deer Hollow Farm, a working farm where visitors can come the farm animals such as goats, sheep, and cows. While the farm is closed during this time, multiple wildlife like mountain lions, turkeys, and deers reportedly can still be spotted at Rancho. Hike up the Stephen E. Abbors trail (previously called the PG&E trail) and follow the electrical towers up Black Mountain to treat yourself to views of the western foothills.
Picchetti Ranch Preserve in Cupertino
Spoiler alert: This hike, if you choose, may end at a winery. Now, if that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will. This open space preserve was originally the grounds of an old winery and farm. Take the 1.9 mile easy Zinfandel Trail through the fern-filled forest, large oak trees, and madrones. You’ll be treated to majestic views of Stevens Creek Reservoir before getting on the grounds of the historic Picchetti Winery. Unfortunately, the winery is closed for onsite wine tasting for the time being. They are still open for to-go wine sales, however, so nothing’s stopping you from supporting a small business and purchasing a bottle of wine for your dinner after? After your hike, you deserve it.