Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is one of the most important preservation organizations in Silicon Valley. They are are mostly in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Their properties stretch from the Los Gatos area north along Highway 35 to the Highway 92 intersection.

Having visited all their open space areas, many of them before they were open to the public, I have to rank their hikes as some of my favorites. Their lands bring you through majestic grassland on rolling hills, California live oak trees, tan oak, black oak, giant redwoods, Douglas fir, madrone, California laurel (bay trees), and an abundance of wildflowers, giant chain ferns, toyon, and redwood sorrel.

Some of their lands are so pristine and untouched that I keep those locations selfishly to myself. For my recommended short hike, with a view from the summit to the ocean, I recommend the first ½ mile up the Hickory Oaks Trail.

(Directions) From the intersection of Highway 35 and Highway 9 above Saratoga, travel north 1.25 miles on Highway 35. Pass the fire station on your left and pass the old Charcoal Grade Road on the right (now closed to the public), likely because of me.

You will see a ranger gate on the left and the hidden Saratoga Gap trail entering the road from the right. Park on the right-hand shoulder. After looking both ways, cross the highway and go through the ranger gate.

Go up the hill about 300 feet, turn right. Go another 400 feet, then take the left fork around the curve to the hilltop viewing bench and a small rock outcropping. Great views! Bring a lunch and a bottle of Chardonnay.