Santa Cruz Mountains Trails

Wine Tasting Hike in Monte Bello Open Space

2011-11-15T15:47:00.000-08:00

On November 14 I joined a group of friends for a hike from the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve parking lot on Page Mill Road to the Ridge Vineyard about a mile beyond the opposite end of the preserve.

The route can cover from 10.2 to 13 miles, depending on which route you take. We took the longer route, via the White Oak Trail, Canyon Trail, Indian Creek Trail, and Monte Bello Road Trail. You can add on about 9/10 mile by taking the Waterwheel Creek Trail. The award-winning Ridge Vineyard is on Monte Bello Road about a mile beyond (southeast) of the preserve boundary. Our return hike was the most direct way, which is about 5.1 miles.

The vineyard sits atop a ridge with spectacular views of the Santa Clara Valley to the east. There are picnic tables set amid grape vines where we enjoyed our potluck lunch. We bought some wine and some of us tasted wine in the wine tasting room. The vineyard is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

2011-10-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today I lead my Foothill College class on a scenic and eventful 5.6-mile ramble through Almaden Quicksilver County Park, south of San Jose. The weather was as perfect as it gets, and we saw acorn woodpeckers, a striped skunk, a tarantula, deer, and several redtail hawks.

Our hike began at the Hacienda entrance on Almaden Road next to the town of New Almaden. We charged uphill on the Mine Hill Trail, then continued on the Randol Trail to the Day Tunnel Trail. From there we headed west on the Great Eastern Trail and then back on the Mine Hill Trail. After a short detour to the Powder House, where the miners used to keep their explosives we continued south on the Mine Hill Trail and on to lunch at the San Cristobal Mine. After exploring a short distance into the mine and watching a tarantula, we continued to the Castillero Trail to an overlook where we examined the Rotary Furnace where cinnabar was heated to release its mercury. After sampling some delicious bay nut brownies I made, we headed north to English Camp and then downhill on the English Camp and Deep Gulch Trail to where we started.

Cinnabar was mined from New Almaden from 1845 until 1972, when the price of mercury plummeted as substitutes were found for this toxic metal. It is the oldest mining area in California, and was the world's second largest producer of mercury. Despite 127 years of intensive mining, and the deforestation and environmental degradation that was the result, this area is remarkably natural. It is amazing how fast human structures fall apart and disappear after they have been abandoned.

After the hike, we stopped at the New Almaden mining museum at Casa Grande in the town of New Almaden. The museum was recently renovated and is worth a visit. It is open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

TO GET THERE... There are four entrances to this park. To reach the Hacienda entrance from Highway 85, take Almaden Expressway south and turn right on Almaden Road through the community of New Almaden. Look for a big parking lot and entrance on the right side of the road.

Ano Nuevo State Reserve

2011-10-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

My Foothill College class enjoyed a pleasant, though mostly overcast day, at Ano Nuevo State Reserve on the southern San Mateo County coast.

Ano Nuevo is famous for its elephant seals, which are the largest members of the seal family. Most people visit from December to March during the mating and pupping season. Male elephant seals arrive in early December to establish breeding hierarchy and are followed in late December by the females, who join the harems of dominant males. From December 15 through March you must be on an organized tour.

This fascinating peninsula is worth visiting all year, and in fact, can be most enjoyable when most of the seals and their hordes of admirers are gone. There are elephant seals at Ano Nuevo nearly all year. In October the juveniles arrive to strengthen their bones by moving around on land for a month or so. We saw several hundred juvenile seals, mostly males, hanging around the beach at North Point. Some of the older juvenile males were engaged in mock combat to prepare for the mating battles to come when they reach maturity.

There is a lot more to see at Ano Nuevo than elephant seals. We also saw California sea lions on the island, two cavorting sea otters, and lots of pelicans and other birds. We stopped at an Indian shell mound to discuss how the native people thrived in this abundant place. We walked about 5.5 miles over mostly level terrain, some it sandy. Then we had lunch at Cove Beach before heading back to the parking lot.

TO GET THERE... the main entrance is on the west side of Highway 1 about 19 miles north of Santa Cruz and about 23 miles south of Half Moon Bay.

Pescadero Creek County Park

2011-10-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 8 I lead my College of San Mateo class on an adventurous field trip to Pescadero Creek County Park, deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Past field trips to this park took us along the Tarwater Trail Loop through the east side of this park. I thought it was time to explore the west side of the park.

After meeting at Sklyonda (Skyline Boulevard/Highway 84 intersection), we carpooled to our trailhead on Wurr Road, which is between San Mateo County Memorial Park and Pescadero Creek County Park. We then took a loop that included the Old Haul Road, Pomponio Trail, and Shaw Flat Trail, which took us back to the Old Haul Road. We hiked a short distance up a side trail which was too steep. I will leave that one out in the future, though it was a great aerobic workout. We ate lunch at the Shaw Flat Trail Camp, which is one of two trail camps in this park, and one of the few trail camps in the Santa Cruz Mountains that allow camp fires.

This loop, minus the steep side route, is about 5.5 miles. The biggest challenge was crossing Pescadero Creek twice. There are no bridges on this route, and the water level in the creek was higher than expected due to unseasonable rain last week. Some people got wet feet or else took off their shoes and socks to wade across the creek.

Though this park has been heavily logged, we came across some large and ancient redwoods. We also saw a maypole in Worley Flat, lots of banana slugs, and some crawdads in the creek. The consensus was that despite the wet creek crossings this is a worthy field trip destination. In the future I will urge students to bring sandals or water shoes for the creek crossings.

TO GET THERE... From Skyline Boulevard, take La Honda Road (Hwy 84) west. Past the town of La Honda, turn left on Pescadero Road toward San Mateo County Memorial Park. Turn left on Wurr Road and park at the parking lot just beyond the bridge over Pescadero Creek.

A Butano State Park Ramble

2011-10-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

On October 1, 2011 I lead my Foothill/De Anza class on a wonderful 5.12-mile loop hike at Butano State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is hard to overstate the charm of this cool, green canyon park. Because of its location on the west side of the range, far from population centers, Butano is one of the most remote parks in the Bay Area.

Our hike began on the park road, which becomes a dirt road past the gate. We then turned uphill on the Goat Hill Trail and then headed east on the Doe Ridge Trail. Just east of where this trail intersects the Olmo Fire Road we stopped for lunch on the ridge top where we enjoyed views into the Little Butano Creek Canyon and the Gazos Creek Canyon. We examined the dense cones of the Knobcone Pines that grow atop the ridge.

Many banana slugs, some mating, were seen that day.

TO GET THERE... from Highway 1 in southern San Mateo County, take Pescadero Road or Gazos Creek Road to Cloverdale Road. The park is about 5 miles south of Pescadero. There is a parking fee.

The Berry Creek Falls Loop

2011-06-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

The 11.5-mile loop hike from Big Basin Redwoods State Park headquarters to Berry Creek, Silver, and Golden Falls is considered by many to be the best hike in the Bay Area. Take an entire day and enjoy the waterfalls and remote old-growth redwood groves, stopping often to appreciate the wonderful variety of scenery. Big Basin has the best display of large redwood trees in the Bay Area, far superior to the more famous Muir Woods.

I usually do this hike in late March or early April, when the falls are at their peak. This year, however, I hiked the Skyline-to-the Sea Trail/Berry Creek Trail/Sunset Trail loop on June 21, the longest day of the year. Because of unusual heavy rain on June 2 and 4, the falls are still going strong. Because the temperature was in the 80's we cooled off under Silver and Golden Falls. Access to Berry Creek Falls is restricted to protect vegetation. I hiked with my friend Keith and his kids, Steven and Mariah.

If you have some extra energy, take the .6-mile Redwood Trail loop near park headquarters. It will take you to some of the biggest trees in the park, including The Father of the Forest, which is probably the biggest tree in the Bay Area.

TO GET THERE... from Skyline Boulevard take Highway 9 southwest and turn west on Highway 236 at Waterman Gap or at Boulder Creek. The hike begins at the "Redwood Trail" sign next to the parking lot.

portola Valley Trails

2011-05-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Portola Valley is an affluent community with a wonderful trail system that combines residential and wild land areas. On and near the San Andreas Fault, this land is a pleasant patchwork of woodlands and grassy meadows. It is particularly enticing in the Spring when the grasses are green and the wildflowers are in bloom. This land is forested mainly with oak, madrone, and bay.

On Saturday, May 21, I lead my CSM class on a field trip that started at the parking lot along Alpine Road at the intersection of Willowbrook. We combined the Old Spanish Trail with the Toyon Trail. We stopped for lunch at the large sag pond, on a main fracture of the San Andreas Fault, at the intersection of the Old Spanish Trail and the Lake Trail. Because of the cool, moist Spring, we saw many wildflowers, including columbine, flax, blue dick, globe lilly, winecup clarkia, and one beautiful spotted coral root orchid (see photo). Our route covered about 5.5 miles.

TO GET THERE... From Highway 280 take Alpine Road south and park near its intersection with Willowbrook Drive.

Early May on Russian Ridge

2011-05-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

I hiked twice in the past week in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. The first two weeks of May is the perfect time to visit this ridge top preserve because of the extraordinary abundance of wildflowers. On Monday, May 2 I hiked with some friends on a warm and sunny day. The next Saturday, May 7, the weather had turned cool and foggy for my College of San Mateo field trip. On my May 2 hike we saw a long-tailed weasel running through the grass (see attached photo).

From the parking lot on Alpine Road just west of Skyline Boulevard you can take a scenic 4.8-mile loop by combining the Ridge Trail, Hawk Trail, and Ancient Oaks Trail. This route combines spectacular views (on a clear day) with oak woodlands. Be sure to ascend Borel Hill, the highest point in San Mateo County, for the view. You can expand this route by entering Coal Creek, Skyline Ridge, and Monte Bello Open Space Preserves.

TO GET THERE... from Skyline Boulevard park at the parking lot at the intersection of Skyline and Alpine Road. You can also park at the vista point along Skyline Boulevard about 1.5 miles north of Alpine Road.

Pescadero Creek County Park

2011-05-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Pescadero Creek County Park has so many hiking opportunities it is necessary to make numerous excursions to really get to know this park. The park itself covers 6,486 acres of forest and mountains. You can also take trails into adjacent Sam McDonald County Park, San Mateo County Memorial Park, and Portola State Park. There is also a trail that links this park to Big Basin State Park.

On Saturday, April 30 I lead my Foothill-De Anza College class on a 4.8-mile outing from the Tarwater Trailhead on Camp Pomponio Road. We headed downhill on the Tarwater Trail, pausing at a huge old fire-scarred redwood, and then continued to the remains of the Moore, Fisher, & Troupe lumber mill, built in 1915, where we examined an iron boiler that was left behind. We then checked out the Tarwater Trail Camp and then enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the banks of Pescadero Creek. After lunch we continued on the Tarwater Trail Loop and stopped to see where tar is seeping out of the earth in Tarwater Creek. We also stopped at the site of a pioneer homestead, where one building and a row of pear trees remain. We saw lots of beautiful Douglas iris and mule ear flowers along the way.

TO GET THERE...From Highway 280 take Page Mill Road west (uphill) to Skyline Boulevard, where it turns into Alpine Road. Continue on Alpine Road and turn left (south) on Camp Pomponio Road, which takes you to the trail head parking lot. To find Camp Pomponio Road look for a sign to the County Correctional Facility and to Pescadero Creek County Park.

A Spring Hike at Santa Teresa County Park

2011-04-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

Santa Teresa County Park, in southern San Jose, is a great place for an April hike. I took my College of San Mateo Peninsula Parks & Trails class there on Saturday, April 23. We met at the Pueblo Group Picnic Area and then walked a 4.5-mile loop that included Hidden Springs Trail, Ridge Trail, Coyote Peak Trail, the Coyote Peak Loop, the Rocky Ridge Trail, and the Mine Trail. We ate lunch and enjoyed beautiful views from atop Coyote Peak. The trail up to Coyote Peak is quite steep in places.

The Rocky Ridge Trail follows a serpentine outcropping with beautiful wildflowers that are adapted to growing in the inhospitable serpenitine soil. Associated with earthquake faults, serpentine is high in magnesium and low in nitrogen and phosphates, which inhibits the growth of most plants, including the non-native grasses that dominate most of the open fields in the Bay Area. By stunting the growth of these non-natives, serpentine allows native wildflowers such as goldfield, poppies, creamcups, and linanthus to thrive.

Santa Teresa County Park has more than 14 miles of trails for hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails. It has group picnicking, a field archery range, and an eighteen-hole golf course.

TO GET THERE... from Highway 85 or 101 take Bernal Road exit and head west.

Calero County Park

2011-04-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

April is the perfect month to explore Calero County Park. On the dry, east side, of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this steep and rugged park becomes hot and dry by the middle of May.

On Saturday, April 16 I lead my Foothill-De Anza class on a 5.8-mile ramble through Calero, with lots of great views, wildflowers, gnarled old oaks, a flock of wild turkeys and a coyote. From the main entrance off McKean Road, we we hiked up the Los Cerritos Trail to the Pena Trail and then walked a figure-8 route that combined the Javalina Loop Trail with the Figueroa and Vallecito Trails. We enjoyed sweeping views of the Calero Reservoir to the north, the Santa Clara Valley to the east, and Mount Umunhum and Loma Prieta to the west.

TO GET THERE...from Highway 101, south of San Jose, take Bailey Avenue west, and McKean Road south to the park entrance.

Hidden Villa Hike

2011-04-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, April 9 I lead my College of San Mateo class on a 5.5-mile hike around Hidden Villa and into Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Hidden Villa is a 1,60o acre private non-profit farm and wild land preserve in Los Altos Hills which is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am until sunset. It closes during the summer for summer camp for children 7-16 years old.

First, we toured the organic garden, cow barn, poultry palace and piggery, the White Barn and White House, both built in 1860, and then the home of Frank and Josephine Duveneck, built in 1930.

From there we started our grand excursion on the Long Bunny Loop , the Creek Trail, The Ewing Hill Trail, The Black Mountain, Hostel Trail, and the Toyon Trail. Parts of this route are rather steep, but worth the effort. The creeks are flowing, the wildflowers are blooming, and the views are splendid.

Frank and Josephine Duveneck purchased this property in 1924. They willed that upon their deaths it be open to the public for educational and recreational purposes under the authority of the Hidden Villa Trust.

The Waterfalls of Uvas Canyon

2011-04-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

Late winter and early spring is a great time to see the waterfalls in Uvas Canyon County Park. On April 2 I lead my Foothill-De Anza College class on a 4.5 mile outing on the Waterfall Loop Trail, the Contour Trail, the Alec Canyon Trail, and the Triple Falls Trail. We stopped along the way to enjoy the surging waters plunging over Black Rock Falls, Basin Falls, Upper Falls and Triple Falls.

The weather was dry and cool; and because of heavy rain a week earlier, there was plenty of water in the creeks. However, we almost didn't get to the trail head. Because of a mudslide onto Croy Road, just east of the resort community of Sveadal, only one lane was open. A sign at the beginning of Croy Road said that the road was only open to residents. I almost instructed our class to turn around and go to Calero County Park instead. But then a driver going in the opposite direction said that the road is open and that we could get through. We then proceeded with no difficulty. The moral is that you shouldn't believe everything you read on a sign.

To reach Uvas Canyon County Park from Highway 101, take Bailey Avenue west, and then go south on McKean Road/Uvas Road, and then head west on Croy Road to the park.

A Rainy Day Hike

2011-03-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Because of rainy weather, only nine students from my College of San Mateo Peninsula Parks & Trails class showed up at the Page Mill Road/280 park & ride lot for the field trip on Saturday, March 26. A vote was taken and it was decided to go to nearby Arastradero Preserve for a short hike instead of doing the scheduled hike at Uvas Canyon County Park.

Despite the rain and muddy trails, we had an enjoyable two hour ramble, which included an exceptional view of a coyote. With proper apparel, a walk in the rain can be a most enjoyable experience. Remember this: there is no bad weather, just unfortunate wardrobe decisions.

Pomponio's Cave

2011-03-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Jose Pomponio Lupugeym (1799-1824) was an Miwok Indian rebel, and leader of an outlaw band he called "Los Insurgentes". He was brought to Mission San Francisco de Assisi (Mission Dolores) as a young child from the Bolinas Bay area, and was raised by the Franciscans to be a loyal Spanish subject.

Instead, Pomponio became rebellious, and questioned why the Spaniards should rule over the native people of California. He escaped mission life, and found other disaffected Indians to join his band. They raided missions, pueblos, and ranchos over a wide area, as far south as Mission Soledad, and as far north as Mission San Rafael. He was captured and executed by firing squad in 1824.

In 1823 is it known that Pomponio made his headquarters in a cave in a remote canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains. A Santa Clara News article dated November 12, 1869 identified his cave as being near a waterfall in Devil's Canyon, in what is now Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. This canyon is steep and dangerous, and there is no trail. A friend and I explored this area and investigated several caves in the sandstone rock outcroppings. One cave in particular meets the description of the Ponponio's hideout. It is next to a waterfall, has a flat floor, and is large enough for a band of outlaws to take shelter. There is no way to prove it, but this is the best candidate I have found. Photos are included..

Illegal Marijuana Plot Found While Hiking

2011-02-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

Last week a friend and I explored a remote and rugged part of Long Ridge Open Space Preserve called Devils Canyon. The way into this canyon is steep and treacherous. Deep in the canyon we stumbled across a marijuana garden that was probably abandoned last Fall.

To make the marijuana difficult to identify from the air, the forest was cleared in several small sections. Plastic hose delivered water from Peters Creek. A pickax, saw, backpack, pesticides, and a sack of fertilizer were nearby.

Illegal marijuana cultivation is a real environmental and public safety issue in our local parks. Anyone who stumbles across one of these clandestine plots can be in real danger. This is most likely to happen if you hike cross-country, especially from Spring to Fall.

Illegal marijuana plots result in damage to native vegetation, terracing of hillsides, impounding of streams, and garbage accumulation. It can take years for the land to heal. If you come across one of these plots, leave as quickly as possible and then contact the appropriate public land agency.

Fall Colors at Monte Bello

2010-11-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

My De Anza class field trip visited Monte Bello and Los Trancos Open Space Preserves today. We combined the Stevens Creek Nature Trail in Monte Bello with the Franciscan Loop, in Los Trancos, to examine the San Andreas Fault, Stevens Creek, oaks, bay trees, oak galls (see attached photo), and banana slugs. We also saw lots of fall foliage.

When you think about fall colors, New England probably comes to mind; not California. But the Bay Area has its own brand of Autumn beauty. On our hike today we witnessed the big leaf maples at their best (see attached photo), as the leaves reach their maximum shade of yellow before falling to the ground and turning brown. Even more colorful is a plant that most people despise. It is, of course, poison oak, and it turns the most intense shade of red imaginable this time of year (see attached photo).

The good news about poison oak is that you can enjoy the vibrant red of its leaves without succumbing to an unpleasant period of itching and scratching simply by avoiding physical contact with it. The urushiol oil, which causes allergic response in most people, does not travel through the air, unless you inhale smoke when the plant burns. So enjoy poison oak with you eyes only.

My College of San Mateo and De Anza College classes are finished for the fall. They will resume in Spring of 2011. See you then.

Portola State Park Ramble

2010-10-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

I conducted a tour of about 5 miles with my College of San Mateo class through a redwood forest at Portola State Park and adjoining Pescadero Creek County Park.

We met at the Ramada Day Use Picnic Area, which is beyond the visitors center, and then took a half mile side trip on the Old Tree Trail to the Old Tree. This tree is 12 feet in diameter and 297 feet tall. See attached photo. We then headed downhill on the Service Road to Pescadero Creek. After crossing the creek and checking out what little remains of the Iverson Cabin, we headed uphill to the Old Haul Road. There were so many newts roaming about that we had to watch every step in order to avoid crushing them.

We then walked west on the Old Haul Road and then north on Bridge Trail. We took a short side excursion on the Snag Trail to stop for lunch at the Snag Tree. This ancient dead redwood is twisted like a giant candy cane. See attached photo.

We then headed back to the Bridge Trail, crossed Pescadero Creek, and returned to Portola State Park via the Pomponio Trail.

To get to Portola State Park, take Alpine Road west from Skyline Boulevard and turn south on Portola State Park Road.

The Wilder Side of Wilder Ranch

2010-10-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

Rain didn't begin until the end of my Foothill/De Anza College field trip today at Wilder Ranch State Park. We met at the park headquarters and then carpooled a couple of miles west along Highway 1 to Four Mile Beach. Then we walked about 5-6 miles along the Ohlone Bluff Trail and Old Cove Landing Trail back to the park entrance. A car shuttle makes it possible to explore this spectacular stretch of rugged coast without retracing your steps.

After examining a wave-carved tunnel at Four Mile Beach we climbed up to the coastal bluffs and headed east and around Three Mile Beach. We skipped this beach because the trail access involves scrambling down some steep slopes. It seems counter-intuitive to describe this route as going eastbound. If you examine a map you will see that this park is on a part of the coast that goes east/west, not north/south. When you look out to sea you are actually looking south. On a clear day you can see the Santa Lucia Mountains south of Monterey.

We followed a trail down to Strawberry Beach for lunch. This is a very pleasant little beach, protected from the ocean breezes by cliffs. Because it is the most isolated of the beaches in this park, we had it all to ourselves. At Sand Point Beach we followed a narrow trail to the beach. One part of this route is a little precarious and requires careful footing. Just beyond this beach we saw five sea otters relaxing in the kelp. They were far enough away that binoculars were required to confirm their identity. A short distance farther we gazed down from the coastal bluff to a flat surf-pounded rock with dozens of relaxing harbor seals.

Fern Grotto Beach was our next stop as we entered an ancient sea cave adorned with hanging ferns. Upon ascending back to the bluffs we were treated to the sight of a sea otter swimming below us, close enough that binoculars were not needed.

The field trip was concluded with a visit to the historic ranch buildings, which were the center of the annual Harvest Festival activities. There was live music and demonstrations of nineteenth century technology and agricultural methods. My favorite is the workshop, which is powered by water via a pelton wheel. The shop comes alive with conveyor belts, which run a saw, drill, lathe and electric generator. This event is held every October.

Wilder Ranch State Park is along Highway 1 about 42 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 2 miles west of Santa Cruz.

Tarantulas are on the move

2010-10-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

October is mating time for large harry terrestrial arachnids called tarantulas.

A good place to look for them is in oak woodlands and grasslands such as Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. Last Wednesday, along the Canyon Trail, a short distance south of the sag pond, my friend Don noticed one of these harry fellows along the trail. He picked up the spider and noticed that it was a male, probably on the prowl for a receptive female.

Tarantulas reside in silk-lined tubes in the ground. They ambush their prey, which usually consists of insects and other arthropods. They inject a venom to subdue their prey. The venom is not life threatening to humans.

There are hundreds of species of tarantulas in the world. This one reaches sexual maturity at seven years. Females lay 50 to 2,000 eggs.

An Eventful Walk Along The San Andreas Fault

2010-10-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

My October 2 College of San Mateo field trip to Monte Bello and Los Trancos Open Space Preserves did not exactly go as planned. On our way down the White Oak Trail, Lois seemed to be feeling faint and week from lack of water and sun exposure. After drinking water, she seemed to regain some strength. Several students hiked back up the trail to try to get a cell phone connection to call for help. I thought it would be better to continue downhill into the shade rather than to return uphill in the sun.

We waited at a trail junction that would allow easy access to Skyline Boulevard. Two MPROSD rangers arrived by foot via the White Oaks Trail, followed by a MPROSD truck coming down the trail from Skyline. Two Palo Alto fire fighters rode in the truck. When ranger Dennis Danielson requested that I stay behind, Liz offered to lead the field trip. The fire fighters evaluated Lois and determined that she should go to a hospital for further evaluation. Lois got in the truck along with her friend Anna. I will find out if Lois rode the awaiting ambulance to the hospital or if Anna drove her there.

I then rushed down the trail and soon caught up with the class. We looked at features of the San Andreas Fault and then crossed over Page Mill Road and on to the Fault Trail in Los Trancos Open Space Preserve. The entire route was about 4.5 miles.

I appreciate the assistance and patience of everyone on the field trip.

The Bulls Are Back at Ano Nuevo

2010-07-11T19:57:00.000-07:00

Many people assume that you have to visit Ano Nuevo State Reserve between December and March to see the elephant seals. That is the optimal time to see the giant pinnipeds mate and bear their young. However, some elephant seals are on the beaches all year.

This is the month to see the bull elephant seals come ashore to molt. Unlike other mammals, including humans, seals can't replace their fur and skin gradually through the year. To do that would compromise their insulation and risk hypothermia in the cold waters of the northern Pacific where they feed. Instead, they come ashore once a year to hang out at the beach and take it easy while their new skin grows back.

To see them in the summer you can walk out to the point on your own without a guide. Their will be docents on hand at the observation stations to explain what is going on. As you enter the reserve, you will be given a permit to go out beyond the staging area. Continue on the roped route to North Point, where most of the seals are hanging out. You will hear the cacophony of California sea lions and Northern fur seals on Ano Nuevo Island just offshore, and you can see them if you remembered to bring binoculars.

An extra treat is the bright yellow bush lupines in full bloom. You may be surprised by how many wildflowers are still in bloom.

TO GET THERE... Ano Nuevo State Reserve is on Highway 1 along the southern San Mateo County coast. The entrance is 23 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 19 miles north of Santa Cruz.

A Summer Hike along Fall Creek

2010-06-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is the perfect place for a summer hike because it is forested, shady, and transected by a beautiful spring-fed creek that never lets up all through the dry season.

This 2,335-acre forested canyon, tucked into the rugged mountains northwest of Felton, is technically part Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, though it is geographically separated from the more popular unit of the park south of Felton. The Fall Creek Unit has a much wilder feel, with no picnic tables, campgrounds, visitors centers, or entrance fee.

Fall Creek, issuing from countless springs, is one of the park's most wonderful features. It bounces wild and cold all summer, splashing over granite boulders which make it reminiscent of High Sierra streams. This granite was transported from hundreds of miles to the south by movement of the San Andreas Fault.

You will also encounter limestone, which was created from the shells of countless marine organisms and then uplifted from the ocean floor by the collision of tectonic plates. The South Fork Trail will take you to three granite lime kilns which were built in 1870 by the IXL Lime Company. Nearly all the redwoods in the canyon were cut to provide firewood for the kilns. When heated to 1700 degrees limestone loses its carbon dioxide to become a calcium oxide powder called lime, which is used to make cement.

For an ideal 3.5-mile loop from the Felton-Empire Road parking lot, walk downhill to the creek and then upstream on the North Fork Trail. Then turn left on the South Fork Tail to the lime kiln area. Then continue north on the Cape Horn Trail and follow the North Fork Trail downstream along Fall Creek and back to the parking lot. You can add another 1.6 miles to this route by continuing upstream along the North Fork Trail to the Barrel Mill Site, where you can see some equipment used to make barrel's for transporting the lime.

TO GET THERE... From Hwy 17 at Scotts Valley, take the Mount Hermon Road west toward Felton and turn right on Graham Hill Road. Proceed across Highway 9 in Felton, where it is called Felton Empire Road. Continue about a mile and look on your right for the Fall Creek Unit parking lot.

A Perfect Day at Butano State Park

2010-05-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

The weather was perfect for the final fieldtrip of the second session of my spring 2010 Peninsula Parks & Trail class, which was at Butano State Park. Because of recent rain, the park was moist, green and wildflowery.

We ascended Butano's south ridge by way of the Goat Hill and Doe Ridge Trails. On the way we saw several Spotted Coral Root orchids and many Clintonia in bloom. Upon reaching the Olmo Fire Road we headed east a short distance to a high point where we ate lunch and enjoyed sweeping views of the Butano Canyon to the north and the Gazos Creek Canyon to the south. From just the right spot you could see the ocean.

We then headed southwest on the Olmo Fire Trail and headed north (downhill) on the Goat Hill Trail, and on through the Ben Ried Campground, and back to our cars. There were lots of Douglas iris in bloom along the way. The campground was full, even though the cost of camping is now $35.00 per night.

The next session of my Peninsula Parks & Trails class starts on June 24. We will visit the Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Ano Nuevo State Reserve, and Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve.

A Foggy Ascent of Montara Mountain

2010-05-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today I led my CSM class from San Pedro Valley County Park, in Pacifica, over Montara Mountain, to our awaiting cars on Highway 1 just south of Devil's Slide. The wildflowers were amazing. Flowering plants continue blooming much longer here than in most of the Bay Area because of the cool moist influence of the Pacific. This cool moist influence, in the form of fog, deprived us of the stunning views I wanted the class to enjoy.

When we came to the junction between the Montara Mountain Trail and the North Peak Access Road, we had a choice to make. Should we give up on the view and head west to our cars, or should be take a chance that the summit might be above the fog layer and go southeast to the top? A vote was taken and it was agreed that we would go for the summit.

It was the right choice. As we ascended the North Peak of Montara Mountain, we climbed above the fog and into the bright sun and blue skies. We looked down on a vast sea of fog that stretched westward to the horizon, north all the way to Mount Tamalpais, and east nearly to Mount Diablo. To the south we could see the foggy layer struggle and fail to pour over the Santa Cruz Mountains south of the airport. It was the highlight of the trip both figuratively and literally. The total length of this hike is nearly seven miles, with about 1800 feet of elevation gain.

Skyline Ridge & Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves

2010-05-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, May 8, was a wonderful day to head to the Skyline Ridge area to enjoy sweeping views and lots of wildflowers. Students from my De Anza College class, plus my sister, who is visiting from Oregon, met at the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve parking lot. We visited two ponds, two ridgetops, and saw one of the best ancient Ohlone grinding rocks in the Bay Area.

To do this hike, park at the main parking lot off of Skyline Blvd. Then charge uphill and follow the Ridge Trail, past spectacular views, to Alpine Pond. Just downhill from the earthen dam is the Indian grinding rock. Then cross Alpine Road and up Russian Ridge to Borel Hill, which is the highest point in San Mateo County. From here, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, San Francisco, the bay, all the cities on both sides of the bay, and the ocean.

Russian Ridge is one of the best places in the Bay Area to see wildflowers. They peak in the first two weeks in May. Wildflowers are so prolific here because MPROSD conducts a controlled burn every summer to burn off the non-native grasses and star thistle.

Then head back to Alpine Pond, loop around the pond, and stop at the Daniels Nature Center if it is open. Then head back toward the starting point, but take the extra loop around Horseshoe Lake before heading back to the parking lot. You can see all this in a hike that is only about six miles.

Calero County Park, May 1, 2010

2010-05-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day for a hike at Calero County Park, south of San Jose. The grassy slopes are still green and the wildflowers are plentiful. If you want to enjoy this park at it's Spring perfection you better hurry, because it will be hot and dry in a couple of weeks.

I guided my CSM class on a 6.1 mile figure 8 loop from the McKean Road entrance, south of the reservoir. We hiked from the parking lot up the Los Cerritos Trail to the Pena Trail and headed west on the Javelina Loop. Be aware that some parts of this route are steep. We then headed uphill on the Javelina Loop for a lunchstop among a serpentine wildflower display with views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains. We then paused at the pond at Fish Camp and headed back via the Figueroa Trail.

TO GET THERE... from Hwy 101 southbound take Bernal Road west, Santa Teresa Blvd. south, and Baily Avenue west.

Castle Rock Fieldtrip, April 25

2010-04-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

The weather was perfect for my De Anza/Foothill College fieldtrip to Castle Rock State Park, in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Spectacular views in all directions, rock outcroppings ideal for climbing, shallow caves, wildflowers, and groves of oak, madrone, and Douglas fir make Castle Rock one of my favorite parks. It is also one of the Bay Area's most popular rock climbing destinations because its sandstone formations offer challenging overhangs and an impressive posture on the crest of the range.

An ideal loop begins at the parking lot on Skyline Boulevard. You can avoid paying the $8.00 parking fee by parking along Skyline instead of entering the parking lot. Combine the Ridge Trail with the Saratoga Gap Trail and then take the side trail up to Castle Rock itself, and then a short downhill to the parking lot. Don't miss Goat Rock, which is only accessible with technical rock climbing equipment on the downhill side, but is a fairly easy and safe ascent on the uphill side.

Because the trails on this route are rocky and uneven, sturdy footwear and a hiking stick are recommended.

TO GET THERE... take Skyline Boulevard about 2.5 miles south from its intersection with Highway 9 (Saratoga Gap).

Edgewood Wildflowers

2010-04-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

The wildflowers at Edgewood Park are now at their peak. The serpentine grasslands of this 467-acre park are famous for some of the Bay Area's most spectacular displays of springtime wildflowers. Because of its easy access to the Redwood City area, this is a wonderful place for picnics and short walks that take only a couple of hours out of the day.

The serpentine grasslands, which make up about a third of the park, support seven rare and endangered plant species and the endangered Bay Checkerspot butterfly. Serpentine, associated with fault zones, provides poor soil for non-native plants because of its high toxicity and low water-holding capacity, but encourages the growth of indigenous flowering plants in great abundance. You can now enjoy dazzling displays of goldfields, blue-eyed grass, tidy tips, larkspur, and many more.

Edgewood has about 8 miles of clearly-marked trails. The Serpentine Loop Trail gently circles the central ridge, offering some of the best exhibitions of wildflowers.

Wet Sunday Fieldtrip

2010-04-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

When I arrived at the Almaden Quicksilver County Park Hacienda parking lot the sky was dark, but the ground was dry. Seven students from my De Anza/Foothill hiking class arrived by the 10 AM start time and we discussed the weather. Would it rain, or would the storm pass us by?

The answer to this question came almost exactly as we headed up the Mine Hill Trail. A light rain at first, then heavier, and then heavier again. We enjoyed many beautiful wildflowers along the trail. As the rain grew stronger we found refuge in the San Cristobal Mine, built in 1866, for lunch. It is warm and humid deeper in the mine, but quite pleasant near the entrance. After lunch the rain pelted us in a torrent and the wind gusts convinced me that we should return to the parking lot as quickly as possible.

Because the conditions were not ideal for a fieldtrip, and because most of the students in this class chose to ride out the storm in a warm and dry place, I have decided to conduct a makeup fieldtrip on Saturday, May 8. I will contact the students of the location soon.

Fieldtrips on March 27 & 28

2010-03-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

The weather was ideal for my College of San Mateo fieldtrip to Sam McDonald County Park on Saturday and for my De Anza/Foothill College fieldtrip to Big Basin Redwoods State Park on Sunday. The emphasis for both outings was redwood ecology.

On Saturday we met at the Sam McDonald parking lot and ascended Towne Trail to the Sierra Club hikers hut. On the way we observed a lone coyote hunting in a grassy meadow. Then we descended the Heritage Grove Trail to see old-growth redwoods in the Heritage Grove. There were lots of trilliums in bloom (see photo).

On Sunday we started at Big Basin Redwoods park headquarters and looped around the nature trail, stopping at the Mother of the Forest, which is probably the tallest tree in the Bay Area, and the Father of the Forest, which is probably the biggest tree in the Bay Area. We then charged uphill via the Skyline-to-the-Sea and Howard King Trail and Hihn Hammond Road to the Mount McAbee Overlook, where we enjoyed lunch with spectacular views of the Waddell Canyon, Waddell Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. We then descended by way of the Hihn Hammond Road for a look at one of my favorite swimming holes on Opal Creek on the way back to the parking lot.

For those of you who can handle a longer hike, I suggest taking the 11-mile Skyline-to-the-Sea/Berry Creek/Sunset Trail loop. It is one of the Bay Area's best hikes, with lots of old-growth redwoods, a beautiful series of waterfalls on Berry Creek, and ridgetop views from Sunset Trail. Early Spring is the perfect time to do this hike, when lots of water is still surging over the falls.

Santa Teresa County Park

2010-03-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is shaping up to become an outstanding wildflower Spring. The blossoms first appear in the lower elevation parks such as Santa Teresa County Park, which is at the south end of San Jose. This is one of the first parks to display wildflowers and among the first to lose the main display in May. In late Spring and Summer the hills turn brown and the weather can be hot.

The main reason for Santa Teresa's spectacular wildflower gardens is the presence of serpentine grasslands. Don't miss the Rocky Ridge Trail, which travels a serpentine ridgetop with lots of wildflowers and good views of the Santa Clara Valley, the Diablo Range, including Mount Hamilton, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Serpentine, associated with fault zones, provides poor soil for non-native plants because of its high toxicity and low water-holding capacity, but encourages the growth of indigenous flowering plants in great abundance.

This 1,688-acre park has more than 14 miles of trails for hikers, equestrians, and bicyclists. Leashed dogs are allowed on all trails. From the Pueblo Day Use Area you can enjoy a liesurely 3-mile loop by combining the Rocky Ridge, Coyote Peak, and Hidden Springs Trails. The ascent of Coyote Peak, the highest point in the park, will reward you with views of the entire park and surrounding area. You can add another 2 miles to this loop by continuing on the Coyote Peak Trail and then taking the Ohlone and Hidden Springs Trails.

TO GET THERE... from Highway 85 or 101 take the Bernal Road exit and follow Bernal Road west into the park.

Uvas Canyon County Park Waterfalls

2010-02-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

With all the rain that has been falling lately there couldn't be a better time to see the waterfalls at Uvas Canyon County Park. This Santa Clara County park is in the southern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Morgan Hill.

TO GET THERE... from Hwy 101 south of San Jose, take Bernal Road west, turn left on Santa Teresa Boulevard, right on Bailey Avenue, left on McKean Road (which turns into Uvas Road), and right on Croy Road.

After paying the $6.00 per car entrance fee, park and walk down the road to the Waterfall Loop trailhead. You can combine the Waterfall Loop, Contour, and Alec Canyon trails to form a moderately easy 3 mile loop. Be sure to take the short spur trails to Black Rock Falls and Basin Falls. Upper Falls is at the trail junction with the short path to Basin Falls.

There is one more waterfall in this park that is not on this loop. To visit Triple Falls you will add 1.2 miles to the route described above by turning right (instead of left) when you reach Alec Canyon Trail. Then take the next right to Triple Falls.

If you still haven't had enough exercise, hike the steep ascent to Nibbs Knob, named for a nineteenth century homesteader. This route climbs 1,800 feet in only 1.7 miles. That's steep enough to make you sweat profusely even on a cool day.

This park has a campground with 25 individual campsites and a youth group camping area for non-profit youth groups of up to 40 people, available on a first-com, first-served basis. There are also individual and group picnic facilities. For more information, call (408) 779-9232.

Tom Taber's Spring/Summer College of San Mateo Classes

2010-02-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

Tom Taber has taught his Peninsula Parks & Trails class every year since 1985 through College of San Mateo Community Education. Because of popular demand, this year Tom will offer three sessions of this fun and informative class between late March and late July 2010.
Learn about plants, wildflowers, animals, geology, and history as you discover some of the most interesting and scenic parks and trails in the mountains south of San Francisco. On each 4-6 mile trip we will stop frequently to examine natural and historical features of the terrain and sample some tasty treats made from native edible plants.
We will walk on maintained trails at a liesurely pace. Hiking boots or running shoes are recommended.
You can register online at http://communityed.smccd.edu or by calling (650)574-6149.

SESSION 1:
Enjoy pioneer history and wildflowers at Fremont Older Open Space; old-growth redwoods and scenic vistas at Sam McDonald County Park; and spectacular views, a beautiful pond, and lots of wildflowers at Long Ridge Open Space.
LECTURES: Thursdays, March 25 & April 22, 7-9 PM
FIELDTRIPS: Saturdays, March 27, April 10, & April 24; 10AM-4PM
LOCATION: CSM, Building 18, Room 307
PRICE: $65.00

SESSION 2:
Explore an oak woodland by a beautiful reservoir at Calero County Park; redwoods and ridgetop views at Butano State Park; and spectacular coastal views and wildflowers on Montara Mountain.
LECTURES: Thursdays, April 29 and May 27, 7-9 PM
FIELDTRIPS: Saturdays, May 1, May 15, & May 29; 10AM-4PM
LOCATION: CSM, Building 18, Room 307
PRICE: $65.00

SESSION 3:
We will walk along a beautiful creek, amid second-growth redwoods, to relics of pioneer history at Fall Creek; view elephant seals and other marine life at Ano Nuevo Preserve; and enjoy scenic views and redwoods at Purisima Creek Open Space.
LECTURES: Thursdays, June 24 and July 22, 7-9 PM
FIELDTRIPS: Saturdays, June 26, July 10, & July 24; 10AM-4PM
LOCATION: CSM, Building 14, Room 115
PRICE: $65.00

Tom Taber's Spring 2010 De Anza College Class

2010-01-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

For the first time since 1992, Tom Taber will offer his Hiking the Parks & Trails of the Santa Cruz Mountains class through De Anza College. The class will consist of two evening lectures and three fieldtrips in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains.

The lectures will provide an overview of the geography, geology, climate, ecology, and human history of the beautiful mountain range south of San Francisco and west of the Santa Clara Valley. The fieldtrips will each cover four to six miles, with frequent stops to examine natural and historical features. We will be walking on trails that are in good condition. We will taste native edible plants and learn how the Ohlone people lived.

Our first fieldtrip will be on Sunday, March 28 at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. We will walk through the biggest and most impressive old-growth redwood forest in the Bay Area. Then we will ascend to a ridgetop where we will be rewarded by sweeping views of the mountains and the ocean at our lunch stop.

On Sunday, April 11 we will explore the oldest mining area in California at Almaden Quicksilver County Park. There will be lots of beautiful wildflowers, as well as evidence of mining history along the way.

Our final fieldtrip will be on Sunday, April 25 at Castle Rock State Park. Our route will take us to breathtaking vistas of the San Lorenzo River Valley and on to Monterey Bay and beyond. We will climb on some unusual rock formations and learn how they were formed. There should also be lots of wildflowers to enjoy.

LECTURES: Wednesday, March 24 and April 21, 7:00pm-9:00pm

FIELDTRIPS: Sundays, March 28, April 11, & April 25

LOCATION: Foothill College, Room 3301

PRICE: $65.00

You can register online at http://www.communityeducation.fhda.edu/ or by calling (408) 864-8817

Banana Slugs

2009-12-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

One of the most easily observed denizens of the Santa Cruz Mountains is a bright yellow mollusk which is the largest land slug in North America and one of the largest in the world.

Banana slugs glide through shady forests and along creek beds, eating almost anything organic, including leaves, animal droppings, and fungus. They have even been observed eating soap. They don't, however, eat redwood trees. Breaking off pieces of food with a rasping tongue that is covered with thousands of minute teeth, these slugs can eat several times their body weight each day.

You might wonder how such a slow, brightly-colored, unarmed, and utterly vulnerable-looking creature can survive in the wild. Looks are deceiving, because the banana slug has one very effective defense: slime. This slippery substance is essential for moisture retention and for traction and lubrication when moving; but it is also loaded with caustic and bitter-tasting chemicals that make it unappetizing to predators.

If you see two banana slugs intertwined, especially during the rainy season, you are probably witnessing a very exotic form of mating. These creatures are hermaphrodites, which means that each individual is both male and female. Two slugs fertilize each other during a 12-30 hour period and each leaves pregnant. Eggs are typically laid in the fall and hatch in the spring.

These slugs live about six years. On warm days during the dry season they constrict their bodies to a fraction of their crawling length and retreat into shady places, creek beds, and under logs to reduce dehydration. They thrive in areas of summer fog drip. On the right side of the slug is a breathing hole called a pneumostome. Two sensory tentacles each contain a timy eye.

Sierra Club Hikers Hut

2009-12-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

Last week some of my friends and I spent two nights at the Sierra Club's Hikers Hut in Sam McDonald County Park, near La Honda. The trail to the hut is only 1.5 miles from the main parking lot, but it seems like you are in a much more remote location once you get there. High on a scenic ridge overlooking the Pescadero Creek watershed, the hut is an ideal base for long and short hikes in Sam McDonald and Pescadero Creek County Parks, and on to Portola State Park and San Mateo County Memorial Park.

The Hikers Hut is a simple structure that will accommodate up to 14 people, though that is stretching it in terms of comfort. It has electric lights, electric stove, wood burning stove that really keeps the place warm, pots, pans, silverware, dishes, and sleeping pads. All you need to bring is food and a sleeping bag.

COST:

Sierra Club members: $12 per night weekdays; $20 weekends and holidays.

Non-members: $18 per night weekdays; $25 weekends and holidays.

Children under 10 are $6 per night. Non-profit youth groups: $10 per night per person.

There is a $5 parking fee per vehicle at the Sam McDonald County Park parking lot.

To make reservation call the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club at (650) 390-8411 ext. 393. For more information, check their website at http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/hikershut.asp

Santa Cruz Mountains Trails

2009-12-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Rising just south of San Francisco, through San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and western Santa Clara Counties, the Santa Cruz Mountains offer amazing scenery and outdoor recreation opportunies; all within an easy drive from Bay Area cities.

Consisting of northwest-tending ridges, the Santa Cruz Mountains are part of the California Coast Range. They are about halfway between Oregon and Mexico and are a microcosm of this range. On the cool, foggy, rainy coast side are lush redwood forests that will remind you of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties way to the north. On the inland side, where the climate is warmer and drier, you will find oak woodlands and chaparral, reminiscent of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to the south.

I have been exploring the Santa Cruz Mountains since the 1950's, when there were only a few public parks. Most of my childhood wanderings took me through private property. Back in those days there were few trails, none of which connected one park to another; and there were only two kinds of trail users: those who rode horses and those who walked. I walked.

I have always liked to walk. Walking moves at a pace that allows the details of the world to be seen. Pedestrians don't have to get off of anything in order to bend down close to the ground to examine a flower, or a rock, or a salamander. I have found that the more you know about the native plants, animals, and geology, the more you will enjoy traveling at a slower pace. I also like the sociability of walking. It's perfectly suited for long and stimulating conversations.

Today there are hundreds of thousands of acres of public land in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There are parks and preserves owned by the federal government, the state, counties, cities, special districts, and private institutions. There are more than one thousand miles of trails to enjoy for hikers, equestrians, bicyclists, and runners. This blog is for the benefit of everyone who wants to explore the trails of the Santa Cruz Mountains.