Arastradero Preserve

Enid W. Arastradero Preserve is a good choice for getting outdoors without a long drive up into the Santa Cruz mountains. It is just off Page Mill Road near Highway 280. There are about 12 miles of trail, some flat but mostly rolling hills.

I enjoy the upper trails that are excellent single track for bicycles. Watch for equestrians from the local horse farms and remember horses have the right of way. Then comes pedestrians and then bicycles. The grassy rolling hills are scattered with California live oak and give you some wonderful views of Silicon Valley without needing much elevation.

The highest spot in Arastradero Preserve isn’t much more that 800 feet above sea level, but the vegetation is mostly open with unobstructed vistas looking east. This open space borders my backyard and wild turkey, hawks, and deer are prevalent. Although rare and elusive, be on the lookout for mountain lion, bobcat, and coyote. Best parking access is 1530 Arastradero Road. This is a well-used preserve for locals, so you will often have the safety of others nearby.

Be sure to make a reservation and visit Neely Wine and Spring Ridge Vineyard nearby.