Bay Area

Category

monte bello open space preserve

Trip Report: Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop

Situated along a high ridgeline in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve overlooks the entire Bay Area and has an awesome set of trails.  Open to hikers as well as mountain bikers, expect to find wide open views while hiking along open ridgelines and through wooded valleys. On a brilliant February day, I decided to hike the Monte Bello Preserve Loop.  The full loop comes in at 6.5 miles with about 1400 feet of elevation gain.  Not...

bear creek redwoods trail view
view from the summit of the hike

Trip Report: Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve

With the California winter finally set to arrive and rain on the horizon for the foreseeable future, I had to take advantage of a beautifully sunny Saturday.  With the forecast calling for about 60 degrees and sunshine, my mind set to figuring out where to go, and I can assure you Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve wasn’t even on my radar. Miles/Elevation: ~6 miles ~1400 feet vertical gain Idea 1: Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve My first thought was actually a...

north ridge trail
Castle Rock State Park

Trip Report: Attempted Castle Rocks Lower Loop

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2020, I decided I would go hike a trail I had not done in a park that I’ve really enjoyed.  It was a beautiful day; the sky was blue, temps were in the mid 60’s, and there was the slightest breeze.  What actually ended up happening was not at all what I expected, but it all worked out in the end.   Miles/Elevation: Planned: 6.5 miles, 1200 feet vertical gain Actual: 8 miles, unknown vertical...

Trip Report: Alum Rock Park, South Rim Trail

Looking for a great short day hike within easy reach of San Jose and the broader Bay Area?  Alum Rock Park in San Jose California is a great option for a day visit with miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and fascinating history.  Founded in 1872, this park is built around the former mineral spa that exploited the many natural mineral springs in the area.  From the late 19th century through the 1930’s, the park and its springs attracted many...