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Wild Recovery San Jose, California

December 30, 2006 Pleasanton Ridge

The Place

Pleasanton Ridge has panoramic views to the north, east, and south. The San Ramon, Pleasanton, and Livermore Valleys lie spread out below while Mount St. Helena and the Diablo and Hamilton mountain ranges appear in the distance. To the south, unbroken views of ridgetops extend to Sunol Valley and then rise back up to Mission and Monument peaks. There are still beautiful Olive tree orchards that were planted between 1890 and 1920. Grassland is the dominant plant community with beautiful wildflowers in the Spring. The woodland communities are made up of Coast Live Oak, California Bay Laurel, Blue Oak, Black Oak, Valley Oak, and Oregon Oak.

Walking the Walk

We start out from the Foothill Staging Area parking lot and get to the meeting site via:

• Oak Tree Trail
• Woodland Trail
• Olive Grove Trail
• Thermalito Trail
• Ridgeline Trail
• Blue Oak Knoll Trail

The meeting will have a great view from the top of Blue Oak Knoll, which is actually in Augustin Bernal Park. Augustin Bernal is a city of Pleasanton parkland situated in the middle of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park.

After the meeting, we head back on ridgeline all the way back to Woodland and Oak Tree and to the parking lot.

This is a Level 3 hike. It is about 6 miles with a 1,568' climb.

Getting There

From San Jose take hwy 680 north, exit at Castewood Dr., and turn left. After going underneath the freeway jog right onto Castewood Dr. Go up to Foothill Road and turn left. The staging area is about 2 miles down on the right.

Drive time from San Jose is about 30 minutes. Parking is free.

Know Before You Go

Dogs are allowed, please read park rules. Parking is free.

See the park's website for maps and information. It's always good to check back here for last-minute updates. For more information contact your host, Kent B.