Community Corner

The Weekender: Take a Hike!

Within a few miles of your home are trails rated from easy to difficult.

Start 2014 on the right foot by taking a hike. Whether you’re seeking a gentle loop trail or a tough trek, you don’t have to go far. Here are some nearby hikes—what’s your favorite?

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The Redtail loop is a short, 1.4 mile trail that provides an achievable goal for little kids. It has some nice views on the foothills, the Stanford Dish, Highway 280 and Felt Lake. Easy.

The Stanford Dish Hike

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The Stanford Dish loop is a popular route for Stanford University students as well as Silicon Valley professionals. Its steep paved trail is suitable for running, walking, and hiking. Bicycles are not allowed. Moderate.

Wildcat Canyon Loop at Rancho San Antonio

Upper Wildcat Canyon is one of the prettiest sections of the park. The trail also climbs to impressive vistas looking out over the South Bay from the Rogue Valley sections of the loop. Dress in layers: The hike goes from cool canyons to warm open terrain and back. Moderate.

San Andreas Fault Trail Exploration

As you follow the lines of posts that mark the various fault breaks in the Los Trancos Open Space Preserve, you can find out what's happening when you feel a temblor underfoot. You may be surprised to see some of the effects of earthquakes in this otherwise tranquil Santa Cruz Mountain spot. Moderate.

Long Loop at Hidden Villa

While the main entrance at Hidden Villa is the starting place for most hikes, this hike starts at the small Rhus Ridge Road parking lot (8-10 cars and no facilities). The traihead here is about 1.25 miles from the main entrance. This hike is 8.3 miles with about 2300 ft of elevation change. Difficult.

 

Want to see more? These descriptions were taken from EveryTrail, with reviews and detailed descriptions of local hikes.


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