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Trip Report: Long Ridge Open Space Preserve

On a warm August day, Loralei and I were looking for a short, moderately strenuous hike not far from San Jose.  We had stuff to do, it was hot, and honestly didn’t feel like suffering in the heat!  The trail we decided on was in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. Located outside San Jose in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Long Ridge offers wide sweeping views, ridgetop meadows, and plenty of forest.  It fit the bill perfectly for what we were...

Hiking The Land Of Medicine Buddha Loop

On a late summer day, Loralei and I set out to do a hike that neither of us had done, and was a little different than most trails you’ll find! Starting at a Buddhist retreat called the Land of Medicine Buddha, this trail is definitely different than most hikes you’ll find! The trail itself was the Medicine Buddha Loop outside Santa Cruz CA, and it’s pretty unique.  The name might give it away, but there’s a pretty predominant Buddha theme...

sam mcdonald park

The Heritage Grove Loop Trail in Sam McDonald Park

Located deep within the depths of the Santa Cruz Mountains in a quiet and rarely visited area lies Sam McDonald Park.  While you may not have heard of it, Sam McDonald is a hidden gem.  Outshined by its larger and more famous neighbors like Big Basin and Henry Cowell, Sam McDonald benefits from smaller crowds, quieter trails, and a more serene experience! One of the best hikes in the park, The Heritage Grove Loop, takes you through the varied environments...

sierra vista open space preserve

A Day Hiking in Almaden Quicksilver County Park

On a beautiful spring day, my girlfriend Loralei set out to do a moderate day hike nearby San Jose!  We had a few different options, but ultimately settled on a loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park called Webb Canyon, New Almaden, Cinnabar, Mine Hill, Randol and Prospect #3 Loop! It was an amazing spring day, and it was actually a little warm out, but this hike made for a great short day on the trail!  There are tons of great...
henry cowell redwoods state park
windy hill open space preserve

Trip Report: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

On a cool but crystal clear Sunday afternoon in March, I set off to complete a hike that had been on my radar for quite awhile.  With views promising to impress, spanning nearly the entire Bay Area, I was excited to get to the summit of Windy Hill at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve! Miles/Elevation: 6.2 miles 1,400 feet About Windy Hill Open Space Preserve: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is a part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,...

rancho san vicente open space preserve