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Wild Recovery
San Jose, California
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July 10 2004
Long Ridge
Open Space Preserve
10:00 AM
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July 10 2004
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
10:00 AM
The Place
Most bay area hikers
will never take advantage of Long Ridge Open Space Preserve's most unique
feature. Long Ridge's trails connect to Portola Redwoods State park, creating
a unique opportunity to trek along hiking trails in the eastern section of
the state park. By summer the grassland is dry, but views to the west are
usually crystal clear, with none of the smog that is common on the east side
of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most trails are shaded and cool from large Douglas
fir, madrone, and big-leaf maple. Hazlnut shrubs , strawberries and
wild roses flourish along the cool slopes. Near the center of the ridge a
simple stone bench makes a great resting spot, with unobstructed views to
the west and southwest of the forested mountains receding toward the ocean.
Susan has mapped out a wonderful Saturday morning hike for us again. Please
remember to get a trail
map at the information signboard near the traihead.
Getting There
From
HWY 85 take the Saratoga Ave. exit toward downtown Saratoga. Downtown Saratoga
will be our last chances for gas, coffee or snacks. Continue up the mountain
until a four way stop and turn right onto HWY 35. Go about 3 miles until
you see a green Palo Alto City Limit sign on the right. The parking lot is
immediately after the sign on the right. In front of the parking lot is Park
hours sign along with an information signboard. Please pick up a trail map
if available, you can also print one and get more info on this and other
trails at the links to trail maps and park info.
Walking
the walk
This
hike is rated at level 2 and is just about 4 miles, so if you have never
been on any our hikes yet this would be a great opprotunity to come and
experience the wonderful recovery atmosphere our higher power has provided
for us. A level 2 is a very comfortable level for new hikers or anyone
whom isn't sure they might be able to make a more strenuous hike. The traihead
elavation is about 2,300 ft. from here our host Susan D. will descend us
down to about 2,000 ft. On our way down we will enter the cool shaded trails
with aromas from the California bay, and live oaks. When the trails are
dry the footprints of turkeys, wild pigs and coyotes are abundant. After
a short 300 to 350 ft climb up Peters Creek Trail we will reach Long
Ridge, hence the name, a gorgeouse long flat walk with oprotunitys for
great viewgasms. Ferns and moss coverd rocks line the trail back down to
the trailhead. As most hikers will agree a good hike ends downhill as with
this one.
Know
Before You Go
There
are no entrance or parking fees. No toilet facilities or drinking water.
Maps should be available at the information signboad, never go into any back
country without a trail map on your person. No designated parking for persons
with disabilities, and trails are not wheelchair accesible. On trail hiking
only. Dogs are not permitted.No smoking. Beware of poison oak, ticks and
other outdoor hazards. Please read our What to Wear and Bring page for more
info.
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September 11 - 12, 2004
Lake Tahoe Retreat Weekend
Camping at Emerald Bay,
D. L. Bliss State Park
Hiking at Mt. Tallac
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Wild Recovery Meetings | What to Wear & Bring | Trail Maps/ Park Info
What is Wild Recovery?
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