If you live in, or are visiting, the SF Bay Area and would like an idea of where to hike when the rains stop, I have the hike for you. Rancho Canada del Oro in Santa Clara County is a hidden gem. It’s less than 30 minutes from the South Bay, yet not many people know of it. It has a good size parking lot, a restroom (not always open), outhouse, and 12 miles of trails. Best of all, the views of the rolling hills and oak trees are quintessential California (i.e., beautiful).
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When to go:
My husband and I hiked there in February after a long period of January rains. The hills were green and lush. And if you’re wondering where to see wildflowers in California, in a month or two this should be a good bet. But beware of hiking there in the summer. It gets very hot and there is no shade. Go early and bring plenty of water.
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Sharing the Trails
The only annoyance was that they have marked a couple of trails as one-way only. I recommend ignoring these signs. The trails are wide and there’s hardly anyone on them. Even if there were crowds of people I think we can all figure out how to pass each other without the county government stepping in on our hiking trails.
We only passed four other hikers in an hour – granted, we were doing a long steep hike – and it was great having the place to ourselves. People on trail bikes passed us a few times (there was plenty of room), but they were always considerate, and we stepped aside to let them pass.
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The Sights and Sounds
The Baldy Ryan Canyon Creek (see map) was actually full and running. Usually it’s barely a trickle. It was nice to hear it gurgle while birds sang in the trees. We saw hawks and turkey vultures overhead, and at one point even spied a Gray Fox.
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It was a terrific 7 mile loop (per our GPS watches) hiking along the Longwall Canyon, up the Needlegrass, and onto the Bald Peaks Trail, then finishing back on the Longwall Canyon Trail.
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I hope I’ve inspired you to try a little-known hiking trail in the SF bay area! For more information, please visit this website.
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Karen , thanks for another great article. Hiking in this time of year is the best.,we will check it out soon.
Tish
Thank you Tish! I agree – winter/spring hiking is great for keeping us cool.
Thanks for commenting!