Great Outdoors
With mild temperatures and long days, May is prime time for enjoying nature in the Bay Area. The following guided hikes are child-friendly and free of charge:
Editor’s Note: While all attempts have been made to make these lists as accurate as possible, times and program availability may be subject to change. Please check information in advance to avoid disappointment.
Healthy Trails Challenge Stroller Hikes - Join Strollerhikes.com for this hike where toddlers can do some of the walking themselves. 10am-noon Fri., May 8. Also 4:30-6:30pm Thurs., May 14. Free. Calero County Park parking lot, McKean Road, about 4 miles south of Harry Road, south San Jose. 408-355-2240. www.parkhere.org. www.strollerhikes.com.
Healthy Trails Hike - Hike along the Fortini Trail at this park known for its wildflowers. 9-11am Sat., May 9. Free. Santa Teresa County Park trailhead at Fortini Road near San Vicente Ave., south San Jose. Call for directions. 408-355-2240. www.parkhere.org.
The following hikes are organized by the Mid-Peninsula Open Space District. For information or reservations, call 650-691-1200 or visit www.openspace.org/preserves.
• Amphibian Amble - Meet the protected amphibians of Monte Bello Preserve up close on this moderate, 4- to 5-mile hike. The event may be too long for younger kids. 10am-3pm Sun., May 10. Preserve parking lot, across from Los Trancos Preserve, Page Mill Road, 7 miles west of I-280 and 1.5 miles east of Skyline Blvd., west of Cupertino.
• Butterflies of Picchetti Ranch - Explore the wonderful world of insects that taste with their feet and smell with their antennae. Many facts and flutters await you on this easy 2.5-mile walk along the Zinfandel and Orchard loop trails. Bring binoculars if you have them. 10am-1pm Sat., May 30. Picchetti Ranch Preserve parking lot, Montebello Road, ½ mile from Foothill Boulevard/Stevens Canyon Road, west of Cupertino.
• Deep Forest Spring - Enjoy a 3-mile circle journey beneath a canopy of bay, oak, and madrone trees and stop for a snack at Los Trancos Creek. The creeks will still be running and the plants celebrating spring. 11am-2:30pm Sat., May 16. Los Trancos Preserve parking lot, Page Mill Road, 7 miles west of I-280, west of Cupertino.
• Earthquake Walk - See where the Pacific and North American plates collide. Discover remnants of the 1906 earthquake and learn about plate tectonics and earthquake preparedness on this 2- to 3-mile stroll. Best for ages 5 and up. 2-4:30pm Sun., May 3. Free. Los Trancos Preserve parking lot, Page Mill Road, 7 miles west of I-280, west of Cupertino.
• Exploring Natural Communities - Pass through grassland, foothill woodland, mixed evergreen and riparian communities on this beautiful, 4-5 mile hike. 9:30am-noon Sat., May 23. Windy Hill Preserve lower parking lot, Portola Road, .8 miles from the Alpine Road intersection, Portola Valley.
• Introduction to Geocaching - Learn how to use a GPS unit to find hidden caches, usually containing logbooks to sign and small trinkets to trade. 10am-2pm Sun., May 31. Reservations required. Monte Bello Preserve, Page Mill Road, 7 miles west of I-280, west of Cupertino.
• Peters Creek and Vistas - Follow the verdant Peters Creek to its source at a tranquil Zen pond. Climb through the woods onto the grassland spine of Long Ridge Preserve for great views of the coastal ridges and ocean. Stop at the top for lunch and return downhill on this 4.5-mile loop. 11am-2:30pm Sun., May 31. Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, Grizzly Flat trailhead on Skyline Blvd., 3.6 miles north of Hwy. 9, Palo Alto.
• Stevens Creek Spring - On this 3-mile loop, hikers descend through grasslands and forests into the lush and shaded Stevens Creek riparian corridor. Look for wildflowers, unusual plants and critter tracks on this hilly, but leisurely walk. 11am-2:30pm Sun., May 3. Monte Bello Preserve, Page Mill Road, 7 miles west of I-280, west of Cupertino.
• 23rd Annual Hike the Open Spaces - Come for a 3.5-mile walk through a less traveled section of the Monte Bello Preserve. Enjoy valley and mountain views, hear the history of the area and the Open Space District, stop for a snack and learn about the nature you observe. 8:45am-1pm Mon., May 25. Meet at the Picchetti Ranch Preserve parking lot, Montebello Road, ½ mile from Foothill Blvd./Stevens Canyon Road, west of Cupertino.
• Views and Hues - Observe many shades of green on this 2-mile Ridge Trail hike. Learn about photosynthesis while eating your picnic dinner and enjoying the views. You’ll return after sunset, so bring a flashlight with a red filter/cellophane covering. 6:30-8:30pm Sat., May 9. Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, on Skyline Blvd., 1 mile south of the Skyline and Page Mill/Alpine Road intersection, west of Cupertino.
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