Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Mountain View

A popular site with runners and hikers, it is best to avoid peak times to enjoy the natural settings in the foothills southeast of Los Gatos. There is an extensive 23M trail system that winds through scenic canyons and hills. Several trails can be combined to form loops of different lengths and difficulties.

The High Meadow Trail is a hilly, 10M loop that becomes the Upper High Meadow Trail and then connects to the PG & E Trail. The highest elevation is about 1200 feet at the apex. There is a panoramic vista point where you can see the entire Bay Area, especially if you stand on top of the bench provided. The trail is smooth dirt that allows you to take in the views without worrying about your footing.

The Rhus Ridge Trail provides an alternative route from the north. It quickly becomes steep and leads into the gradual ascent of the 4M Black Mountain Trail. This trail is smooth dirt, and has just the right ratio of shade cover on a hot day. There are various vista points to take in the views, but continue to the 2800 foot top of Black Mountain for the best sights. The Chamise Trail is 2.1M and allows you to connect to the trails further south.

Facilities:

Rancho San Antonio Park serves as the gateway to the preserve. There is a restroom where you can change clothes and a drinking fountain. Take a Camelbak and an energy bar, there are no facilities out on the trails. There are no facilities at Rhus Ridge.

Tips: .

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District: includes a map and highlights of Rancho San Antonio.
Trail conditions for Rancho.
See Steve Patt's Rancho Mileage Calculator.

Directions:

From I-280, go south on Foothill Expressway.
Turn immediately right onto Cristo Rey Drive headed west.
The park entrance is about .9M on the left.
After entering, continue to the parking lot around a curve to the left and down the hill.

To enter from Rhus Ridge Road:

From I-280, take the El Monte Road exit west and turn left on Moody Road.
Left on Rhus Ridge Road.
There is only parking for five cars.

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