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On the Wildflower Trail in Almaden

Wildflower trail AlmadenSpring is well and truly upon us, and with it comes the enchantment and wonder of the wildflowers. After a particularly wet winter, the hills around Almaden Valley and the nature parks surrounding it are now bejewelled in a riot of colors in the form of spring wildflowers. Besides the poppies, daisies and clovers carpeting the meadows, one can also find the jewelflower, the California gilia, the California buttercup, brodiaea, baby blue eyes, woodland star and the shooting star, among other varieties dotting the hills.

For the avid nature lover and photographer in you, the following trails in the county parks surrounding Almaden Valley are bound to delight in their abundance of wildflowers.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park:
  • Senador Trail to Guadalupe
  • Trail to Mine Hill
  • Castillero Trail
Calero County Park:
  • Serpentine Loop Trail
Coyote Lake – Harvey Bear Ranch County Park:
  • Coyote Ridge Trail
  • Calaveras Trail
Santa Teresa County Park:
  • Rocky Ridge Trail
  • Stiles Trail
Grant County Park:
  • San Felipe Trail at Corral Trail
  • Halls Valley Trail
  • Brush Trail at Dutch Flat Trail

Whether you are a dedicated outdoors person or prefer to explore nature at leisure, now is the time to hit the trails. Walk or hike on these easily accessible trails and experience the many splendours of spring wildflowers in Almaden.

For more information, visit: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/Whats-Happening/Documents/sccp-wldlfr17-web.pdf

Bats Over Calero at Calero County Park – UPDATED 2022

Bat InnIf you enjoy observing creatures in their natural habitats, Bats Over Calero at Calero County Park may be just the thing for you. On this tour, the Calero County Park rangers will be taking you on a guided van ride to Bat Inn, deep in the heart of the park.

The Calero County Park is a regional park with a variety of recreation areas and activities. The park primarily includes the Calero County reservoir, which offers a boat launch ramp and host of water activities during the summer, and the “back country” which includes a variety of plant and wildlife habitats.

At the Bat Inn, during the twilight hours, you can view thousands of bats as they emerge from the cave after sleeping through the day. Before the tour, there will be a presentation on the life and habitats of bats. Bring a flashlight, a folding chair or a mat and bug repellent. Dress in long pants and sturdy shoes. Please note that flash photography is not allowed on this tour. The tour cost is $15 per person. Making prior reservations for this tour is recommended. Call 408-535-4070.

When: July 13th, 2017 – 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Calero County Park – 23205 McKean Rd San Jose, CA 95120

For more information visit: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/Calero.aspx

3-Mile Fall Nature Hike in Calero’s Rancho San Vicente

Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the changing landscape of Fall at Rancho San Vicente.

Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding foothills and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species.

Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to a trail nearby. Bring water, snacks and camera. Wear sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. No dogs.

This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available. except at reservoir meeting location.

The hike is Saturday, October 15, 2011, 9am-12pm. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-224.

Healthy Trails Hike at Calero Park

Join a Park Docent on 3.0-mile easy hike along the Figueroa, Vallecito, Pena, and Los Cerritos Trails. Stop by the Los Cerritos Pond and view the majestic winter woodland landscape. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection.

Meet at the parking lot near the Calero Ranger Office. The hike is Saturday, January 21, 2012, 9am-11:30am. For more information, call (408) 355-2240.

Wildflower Hike in Calero’s Rancho San Vicente – UPDATED 2022

Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills along the way.

Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and water. No dogs. This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access; group travels together.

Restrooms not available, except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.

Meet at Calero Reservoir in Calero’s Rancho San Vicente, then caravan to a gated site nearby. The hike is Saturday, March 31, 2012, 9am-1:30pm. [EVENT IS CLOSED]

Fall Nature Hike in Calero’s Rancho San Vicente

Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the changing landscape of fall at Rancho San Vicente. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding foothills and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species.

Bring water, snacks and camera. Wear sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. No dogs. This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together.

Restrooms are not available, except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-224.

Meet at Calero Reservoir in Calero’s Rancho San Vicente, then carpool to a trail nearby. The hike is Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 9am-12pm.

Guided History and Nature Hike with a Santa Clara County Parks Ranger

Take a 2-mile hike with a Park Ranger to explore Rancho San Vicente’s nature, history, and spectacular views.

Meet at Calero Reservoir in the Calero-Rancho San Vicente Park, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, and water. No dogs.

This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. The group travels together. Restrooms are available only at the reservoir meeting location.

The hike is Saturday, September 10, 2011, 9am-11am. For more information, call (408) 268-3883.

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