*CANCELED* Coyote Ridge Wildflowers: Self-Guided Access Days

March 17, 2020 Update: This event has been canceled in occordance with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s shelter in place order. At this time, Open Space Authrity's open space preserves, Sierra Vista, Rancho Cañada del Oro, and Coyote Valley, will remain open for the public to enjoy in a safe and healthy manner. Please visit our website for a list of special preserve health and safety conditions and rules.

Join the Open Space Authority for a self-guided wildflower stroll, walk, or hike at Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. This preserve comprises 1,831 pristine acres located in the Diablo Range foothills in southern Santa Clara County. Coyote Ridge offers spectacular wildflower displays paired with stunning views over the Coyote Valley. The rare serpentine grassland provides critical habitat for over a dozen threatened and rare species, including Bay checkerspot butterflies, Metcalf Canyon jewelflowers, burrowing owls, golden eagles, and more. Our interpretive docents will be available throughout the preserve to provide you with interesting facts or answer your questions. Make your way through the preserve’s lower area or hike all the way to the upper ridge, depending on your fitness level and time limitations. Docents will be available to lead a guided experience at 10:00 a.m. Saturdays & Sundays for those who are interested.

UPDATE: Due to warm temperatures, we predict that peak wildflower season will occur during Weekend 1 (March 13 - 15) and Weekend 2 (March 27 - 29).

Weekend 3 (April 3 - 5) WILL remain open for public access, but please be aware that this weekend will likely not offer the best chance to view the most wildflowers.

Parking and Registration

Attendance is limited only by our parking spaces. You are free to bring as many friends and family as can legally and safely fit in your car.

When registering, please select EITHER morning arrival (arrive between 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) or afternoon arrival (arrive between 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.). If you register for afternoon arrival, parking will NOT be available until 12:00 p.m.

While you may hike at your own pace on trails, please plan accordingly to allow enough time to hike before the preserve closes promptly at 6:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. for March 13, 14, and 15).

Registration is required, and attendees will be checked in upon arrival. We highly recommend bringing sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and a light snack or lunch.

Easy-Access: Lower Area

At Coyote Ridge, you may take your time to meander about the lower area, ideal for families with smaller children and those with physical limitations. This area has beautiful wildflowers to see along a creek with dragonflies and butterflies. The lower area contains about 2.5 miles of trail and habitat to explore.

Difficult Hike: Upper Ridge

If you are interested in hiking more, you can trek up the Coyote Ridge Trail to the top of the ridge, which includes a steep 900-foot elevation gain over 2 miles. Hiking poles are recommended for the return trip down. The views are exceptional, and you have a chance to see the endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly as well as burrowing owls, tule elk, and many endangered and threatened plants. Due to the steep nature of this hike, children under 12 years of age are not recommended on this uphill portion unless they have extensive hiking experience. This trail provides the opportunity for you to hike 5 to 8 miles round-trip, depending on the route you choose.

Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve is home to over a dozen rare and endangered species, so we ask that you tread lightly and stay on trail so these species and their habitat can continue to thrive. Please no pets and no smoking of any kind within this preserve.

We look forward to sharing this spectacular wildflower season with you!

Please note that self-guided access days are scheduled tenatively for these dates: March 13, 14, and 15, March 27, 28, and 29, and April 3, 4, and 5. While we do our best to guess when the wildflower season will start, the dates sometimes need to be rescheduled due to weather. If this happens, we will notify you and give you the opportunity to register for the new date.

If the event has sold out and you would like to schedule a private hike, please call the Open Space Authority at 408-224-7476 and ask for Teri.

Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s shelter in place order