GREAT ESCAPE: Wildflower Hikes

Looking for wildflowers? You’re living in the right place at the right time.

The hills around the Santa Clara Valley are festooned with beautiful blossoms at this time of year. One of the best ways to see the area’s wildflowers is on the free, docent-led hikes offered by the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority at its preserves and protected areas.

What to do there: The wildflower hikes are offered at two locations: Coyote Ridge, east of Morgan Hill, and at Rancho Cañada del Oro, southwest of San Jose. Coyote Ridge, home to several rare and endangered species, is particularly fascinating for plant fans. Hikes will be offered through April 17 and possibly longer, according to Teri Rogoway, OSA’s coordinator of interpretive services. For availability, go to Eventbrite.com and search for “Coyote Ridge.” Reservations are required.

You can choose between the Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday morning hikes at Coyote Ridge, all with beautiful views, but the Saturday hike at 10 a.m. (three miles) is a little easier and shorter than Sunday’s and Wednesday’s at 9 a.m. (five miles with a quick elevation gain). Because it’s an environmentally sensitive area, spaces are limited, and no children under 8 and no dogs are allowed.

“Depending on the weather and how the flowers look, we may extend the hikes into May,” said Rogowa. “But that all depends on whether or not the hillside and top continue to bloom. Once it dries out, it can be very unpleasant for people with allergies.”

At Rancho Cañada del Oro, no reservations are needed for the wildflower hike this Saturday at 10 a.m.— just show up in the parking lot prior to the start time. For questions or assistance, contact Rogoway at 408-224-7476.

Why we like it: Flowers as far as the eye can see — what’s not to like? Beyond that, though, it’s a chance to view some rarely seen endangered plants, like Santa Clara Valley dudleya and Mount Hamilton thistle. Docents will also be able to explain why the flowers grow where they do, and you may see birds of prey, butterflies and other wildlife on your trek. You’ll definitely see wildflowers like California poppies, lupine, goldfields, bird's eye gillia, blue-eyed grass and tidy tips, among others.

And even more to like: There are a wide variety of free activities at Open Space Authority lands; for a complete list, see the website, openspaceauthority.org. Lots of different hikes, a sneak peek at soon-to-be-opened Blair Ranch Open Space Reserve, and stargazing parties are coming up soon. And did we mention it’s all free?

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: Coyote Ridge is inside the Kirby Canyon Landfill. Take 101 north to the Coyote Creek Golf Drive exit; head east to 910 Coyote Creek Golf Dr., Morgan Hill. For Rancho Cañada del Oro, take Highway 101 north to the Bailey Avenue exit west; turn left onto McKean, right on Casa and the preserve staging area will be on your left. For information and maps, see openspaceauthority.org or call 408-224-7476.