moderate
Activities
Rancho San Vicente Information
This moderate hike in the newest section of Calero County Park offers views of Calero Reservoir and Mt Umunhum.
Watch for:
Wildflowers in the spring, reptiles species like the western fence lizard and the endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly.
Details for the Rancho San Vicente Hike
Distance: 5.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Season: All year (spring is best for wildflowers!)
Parking lot address: Click here
More info: Santa Clara County Parks website
Overview: POST-protected Rancho San Vicente (996 acres) is the newest addition to Calero County Park and features several miles of multi-use trails. There are plenty of options, from a short, flat loop to longer, hilly options. This route takes you to the top of a hill with an overlook of the Calero Reservoir. Looking in the opposite direction offers views of rolling green hills and Mt. Umunhum.
From the parking lot, follow the Lisa Killough Trail uphill for 2.7 miles to Lisa’s Lookout. The panoramic views of the nearby Calero Reservoir are worth the effort and the trail moves through a large outcropping of serpentine soil, one of the best soil types to experience the spring wildflowers. Retrace your steps to the parking area.
Rancho San Vicente Photo Gallery
More about Rancho San Vicente
In 2009, POST purchased the 966-acre Rancho San Vicente from private developers, who had originally intended to build a luxury housing development. This property is an important piece in completing a 15-mile greenbelt from Los Gatos to near Highway 101 in Morgan Hill.
POST has since transferred the property to the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department to establish public use trails. It’s now open for you to explore and enjoy.