GREAT ESCAPE: Rancho Cañada del Oro Hikes

In addition to the wildflower hikes Gilroy Patch shared with readers recently, lovers of outdoor scenery can find plenty of other fabulous treks at Rancho Cañada del Oro, another area under the jurisdiction of the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority.

What to do here: The first thing you notice about Rancho Cañada del Oro, in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains southwest of San Jose, is how quiet it is, with the occasional bird song or rustle of oak leaves breaking the stillness. This 3,882-acre preserve is a dream come true for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, with beautiful views and a variety of interesting trails. There’s a paved parking lot and staging area with space for horse trailers that was built several years ago, and trails have also been added recently to accommodate mountain bike use. More than 8 miles of connected trails throughout the preserve lead to spectacular views of the Diablo Range and Mount Hamilton.

Why we like it: No matter what your activity level, it’s a great place to visit. For those who feel like lounging, there are picnic tables close to the staging area. If you want to hike, bike, or hoof it with your horse, you have from 6 a.m. to sundown to do that. And for people with limited mobility, there’s a paved whole-access trail that begins at the parking area and meanders a half-mile through a lovely meadow where spring wildflowers are just starting to bloom. Picnic tables that have space for wheelchair users are available along this trail.

And even more to like: Docent-led hikes and special activities are in plentiful supply this spring; for a complete schedule, see the website www.openspaceauthority.com. This Saturday, get a sneak peek at the OSA’s latest addition, Blair Ranch, before it opens to the public. The special access day hike starts at 9 a.m. at the Rancho Cañada del Oro parking lot; registration is required at Eventbrite.com or by calling (408) 224-7476.

Another special hike is “Wings and Bling,” May 10 at 9 a.m., for all you butterfly and flower lovers. The hike along the Longwall canyon trail will be repeated several times during the spring, and no advance signups are needed — just meet the docent at the parking area. The gently paced hike is a good one for families to enjoy together. And the “Starry Nights” stargazing program presented by docent/astronomer Chris Kelly is another family-friendly event, with the next one happening May 14 at 8:30 p.m. Telescopes will be available to share, or visitors are welcome to come an hour early to set up their own at the parking area.

The activities and parking are all free and open to the public. Although there is a restroom at the parking area, there is no drinking fountain; be sure to BYOWB (bring your own water bottle). Also, no dogs are allowed in the preserve — so please leave Fido at home.

About the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority: The OSA was created in the early 1990s as a way to protect some of the county’s open spaces and environmentally sensitive areas. Unlike parks, open space’s first priority is conservation of the land, but there are some minimal recreation facilities in OSA areas, including trails, restrooms and parking. The OSA includes Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve, Palassou Ridge and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, among other properties, each with its own unique characteristics and ecology. Trails and facilities within the preserves are open every day of the year.

Directions and phone: Take Highway 101 to the Bailey Avenue exit west; turn left onto McKean and travel 2 miles to take a right on Casa Loma. Go another 2 miles and the preserve staging area will be on your left. For information and maps, see www.openspaceauthority.org or call (408) 224-7476.