Rancho Cañada del Oro
Managed by: Santa Clara County Open Space Authority
Location: South San Jose, west of Highway 101
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fees: None
Trail Difficulty: Strenuous
Things to See and Do: Tucked away in the backcountry of south San Jose are the glorious rolling grasslands, oak woodland ridges and sage chaparral of Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve, next to Calero County Park.
Hiking here is like stepping back in time to the California of old. Only 30 minutes from downtown San Jose, the preserve's winding trails offer long-ranging views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Diablo Range, Mt. Hamilton and Pacheco Pass. It's a fabulous place for an early morning hike in the summer months and anytime of day the rest of the year.
Keep Your Eyes Open For: Bobcats, deer, coyotes, foxes and mountain lions. Also golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and California quail.
Directions: From Highway 101 south, exit at Bailey Ave. and continue west until it hits McKean Rd. Turn left on McKean, then right on Casa Loma Rd. Follow road until you see the parking lot and trailhead on the left.