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Rancho Cañada del Oro has been open since 2004, though the trails we took today
were not completed and open until 2007. This was our first time visiting the park,
and it was overdue.
We got a late start, but there was one space in the paved parking lot when we arrived
a bit after noon. In case this lot is full, there's an overflow lot a little further
down the road. There's a bathroom here, but no water.
We started off on the Mayfair Ranch Trail, which shortly crosses Casa Loma Road.
After crossing the road it switchbacks up a short climb, giving us some nice views of
the area near the parking lot below. I had not expected much in the way of shade,
but there are trees along this trail to provide cover. It was also partly cloudy today,
which was nice.
Mayfair Ranch Trail
Despite the fact that the parking lot was full (about 20 cars), we didn't really see
many people. Perhaps 3 mountain bikers and about a dozen hikers. There were long stretches
where we didn't see anyone. There were a few muddy patches on the trail here and there, but
not bad considering the rain we had recently (and throughout March).
Mayfair Ranch Trail
The Mayfair Ranch Trail doesn't just go up. Rather, it goes up and down, eventually following
a pleasant little stream in Baldy Ryan Canyon. After crossing the stream on a footbridge,
the trail climbs to an intersection with Longwall Canyon Trail, about 3 miles into the hike.
Since we'd gotten off to a late
start it was already 2pm so we stopped here for a short lunch break.
Bridge in Baldy Ryan Canyon
Stream in Baldy Ryan Canyon
View at the intersection of Mayfair Ranch and Longwall Canyon Trails
After lunch, we turned left and continued on the Longwall Canyon Trail. The trail eventually
starts a steady climb with increasing views. At about 4.4 miles there are views on both
sides of the trail, and a picnic table next to some water for horses. We saw at least 3
picnic tables in the park next to the trails. Technically we turned right onto the Bald Peaks
Trail here, but it's basically a continuation of the Longwall Canyon Trail.
View from the Longwall Canyon Trail
View of Mt. Umunhum (left)
View of downtown San Jose
The trail continues its climb past some beautiful green hills. Near the top there's a spur
trail to the left (sharp left). where there's a wooden fence. Do not miss this part of the
hike! We turned left and shortly came to a bench with amazing views. From here you have 360
degree views of the area. You can see Mount Umunhum. Downtown San Jose is clearly visible in
the distance. Mt. Hamilton to the east, still clutching a few patches of snow from a couple
days ago. Such a tremendous view makes me wonder why this park isn't more popular.
Climbing to the top of the Bald Peaks Trail
Poppies on the Bald Peaks Trail
Looking back down the Bald Peaks Trail
View from the top
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