Selections from Hiking Class

In Fall 2014 I took an excellent hiking course at Foothill, instructed by Alana. Below are some of my favorite hikes.

Coyote Hills Regional Park, Fremont, CA
Located near the Dumbarton Bridge, this hike provides great views of San Francisco bay and marshlands. It is especially beautiful in the late fall when I went.

Note: Can get windy.

Huddart Park, Woodside, CA
This pleasant hike begins at the Zwierlein Picnic area, and goes for about 5 miles along the Crystal Springs and Dean Trails. Tall redwoods provide much of the scenery and the forest creates a damp, cool environment reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest, which is a welcome change from the dry, exposed features that one may often expect of trails in California.

The trail itself is not very hilly, and can be completed in 2 or 2 1/2 hours. Expect to pay a $6 fee for parking.



Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, Los Gatos, CA
Unlike Huddart Park, this hike is quite hilly. To get there, take Page Mill Road west for 7 miles after the 280 exit until reaching the park entrance on the left. The elevation climbs during the last few miles of Page Mill, and there are some splendid views even before reaching the park itself.

The hike itself starts out at around 2200 feet, descends to 1800 feet along the Stevens Creek trail, then climbs to 2800 feet at the top of Black Mountain in the span of 1.5 miles (if going up the Indian Creek trail). Be prepared for lots of sun exposure on the way up. Descending along the Monte Bello Road/Bella Vista Trail, there is some relief due to the downward slope and the shelter of the trees. An intense workout.

Difficulty: >Moderate (length and lack of shade)