Rogue Valley + Wildcat Loop

The trailhead for this loop starts a mile from the parking lot at the Deer Hollow Farm in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. This 5-mile hike rises quickly in elevation and has a nice, consistent descent back to the beginning. Starting at Deer Hollow, take the Rogue Valley Trail for 1 mile. From here the trail turns into Upper Rogue Valley Trail and continues for another 1.5 miles. The path along the Rogue Valley Trail is fairly steep and strenuous, gaining 600 feet in little over a mile. 

Both of these trails are fairly shaded with breaks of open sky that get hot quickly. Take the Upper High Meadow Trail connection and follow it a short distance until it crosses Wildcat Loop Trail. From here, take Wildcat Loop up even higher, and soon a series of switchbacks will connect you back onto Rogue Valley Trail. Alternately, you can opt to finish the High Meadow Trail. Both trails will take you back to Deer Hollow Farm. Wildcat Loop has some great views of San Jose, and this descent is gradual and consistent, which is nice for cooling down.