Rancho Canada del Oro Perimeter Loop

Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve boasts sweeping views of South Bay ridges and farmland. Connected with Calero County Park's roughly 4,500 acres, the preserve offers ample hiking opportunities just south of San Jose.

This 8-mile perimeter loop hike follows the preserve perimeter starting at the Mayfair Ranch Trail. It is a gradual ascent of open and shaded woodlands. After the picnic bench, the trail descends to the creek, and you will be walking alongside the water until you cross the bridge. Head upward to the first junction at Longwall Canyon Trail. Make a left and continue up. This stretch features a beautiful array of wildflowers in the spring.

The views become more spectacular the higher you rise. This part of the hike is the most challenging, however, the shade does provide some relief. If you need it, take a break at the top, which includes a picnic bench. From here, you can see the "cube" of Mount Umunhum, parts of San Jose, vast valleys of hills, and farmland. Continue on the Bald Peaks Trail, which is comprised of open fields and panoramic scenery. To get back to the parking lot, you will need to take the Catamount Trail, which is a steep descent back to the Longwall Canyon Trail. This last stretch is nice and flat, however, during the last 0.5 mile, you may have to remove your shoes if the water is high enough to cross a short section of Llagas Creek.