Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,978.00 ft (602.89 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
7.70 mi (12.39 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

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.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Views. Remote landscape. Wildflowers.

Cons

No potable water. Hot and exposed. No dogs allowed.

Trailhead Elevation

712.00 ft (217.02 m)

Highest point

1,815.00 ft (553.21 m)

Features

Vault toilet
Family friendly
Wildflowers
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

San Francisco Peninsula + Santa Cruz, California
Gabilan + Southern Diablo Mountains, California

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