Enjoy a leisurely-paced, short loop through one of Midpen’s most unique cultural landscapes. Docent Naturalists Catherine Xun, Nick Yatsko, and John Seyfarth will guide you through a quintessential California narrative—from the land's stewardship by the Ohlone to ongoing preservation efforts. You’ll have the opportunity for an optional extension, continuing on a newly built, two-mile-long trail network via the Middle Pete Siemens, Salamander Springs, Beaver, Thimbleberry, and Oak Knoll trails to consider California's ever-changing relationship with public lands. This extra exploration will add approximately one hour and 200-400 feet of elevation gain.
Meet at the Alma Parking Area. From Highway 17 take the Bear Creek Road exit, opposite Lexington Reservoir. (From southbound Hwy. 17, exit the highway and go under an overpass; road will curve right to a stop sign at Bear Creek Rd., turn left. From northbound Hwy. 17 exit highway and cross the highway via the overpass on to Bear Creek Rd.) Travel 1.0 mile from Hwy. 17 on Bear Creek Rd., as road curves left there will be a pedestrian crosswalk, turn left into the parking lot immediately after the crosswalk.