Bear Necessity!

Hike at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve on the Peninsula

07.25.2019

There’s an ancient forest that’s been given a new lease on life and just opened to the public in June! Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is ideal for summer hiking thanks to shaded trails that keep things cooler.

Monarch butterflies flitter about, woodpeckers are drumming at tree trunks, and the preserve is working hard to support the habitat of protected western pond turtles and California giant salamanders. For a moderately challenging 5-mile (round-trip) hike, start with the first part of the Alma Trail (Junction 1). Be prepared for steep terrain! This 1-mile portion of the trail climbs 600 feet on an uneven, gravelly path.

The trail traverses a densely wooded hillside, shaded by tall redwood, fir, and oak trees. As you ascend the trail, you’ll catch glimpses of the Sierra Azul mountains in the distance. Just past a small meadow, the Alma Trail reaches a crossroads (Junction 2) where the trail continues as well as intersecting with the Redwood Springs Trail. At the crossroads, turn right to take the Redwood Springs Trail.

This pleasant 1.5-mile route begins by gently winding past leafy oak trees, sunny clearings, and a fragrant grove of bay trees. Midway along the trail, a sheer switchback takes you deep into a secluded forest that is crossed by a small spring. The flowing, fresh water creates a lush environment of ferns, moss-covered tree trunks, and tiny wildflowers. With replenished second-growth redwoods soaring up to 200 feet, this grove is truly majestic. Enjoy the sense of quiet and solitude as you amble to the end of Redwood Springs Trail (Junction 3). To complete the round-trip hike, retrace your steps.

It’s an easier return trip, so you can slow down and enjoy the glorious scenery of this refreshing woodland.

Pro Tip: Get an early start to avoid mid-day heat, and because this newly opened preserve is popular (parking can fill up).

Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located 3 miles south of Los Gatos off of Bear Creek Rd. The preserve is open every day from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. It’s recommended to arrive early because parking is limited. Also it’s best to avoid the afternoon heat. A basic restroom facility is available. Bring your own water. There is no drinking water available. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View