Though the Santa Cruz Mountains may not be known for their showy displays of fall colors, there are some wooded areas in Midpen preserves where you can catch a glimpse of some festive foliage. Here are four fall trail recommendations:
Franciscan and Lost Creek Loop Trails – Los Trancos Open Space Preserve
This route combines two scenic loops, the Franciscan Loop Trail and the Lost Creek Loop Trail, to explore this small, wedge-shaped preserve that is rich in geological and botanical interest. The San Andreas fault runs through the preserve-check out the self-guided interpretive tour of the nearby San Andreas Fault Trail.
Oaks, bays, bigleaf maples and Douglas firs provide a protective canopy for an assortment of native shrubs. Along the way, visitors descend to the headwaters of Los Trancos Creek, which forms part of the border between San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
Stevens Creek Nature Trail – Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
The first segment, from the Monte Bello Parking Area to the vista point, is an easy-access portion that can accommodate a wide array of physical abilities. At an average grade of 5%, this gently sloping segment takes visitors to a dramatic vista point and to a bench where visitors can sit and look down Stevens Creek Canyon to see the peaks of Mt. Umunhum and Loma Prieta.
From the bench, the trail descends 450 feet into a forested canyon to Stevens Creek itself, and then continues along the creek before turning right and climbing back up the White Oak Trail and back to the parking area. Please note, this 3.2-mile loop includes an uphill climb back to the parking area regardless of which way you start your hike.
Peters Creek Trail – Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
The Peters Creek Trail is an out-and-back singletrack trail that wanders across a hillside and down into a shaded woodland filled with coast live oak, canyon oak and madrone trees. Next, the trail descends into a forest of mostly Douglas fir and California bay trees that tower over an understory of toyon, blue elderberry, hazelnut, buckbrush, snowberry, ferns and berry vines.
To create a loop, follow the Peters Creek trail for about a mile, then turn sharply right onto Long Ridge Trail. Follow Long Ridge Trail for just over one mile, and link back with the Peters Creek Trail to loop back to the parking area. This loop route totals just under 2.5 miles.
Purisima Creek Trail – Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
The scattered maple trees especially stand out in the redwood-dominated forests of Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. They look particularly magical when dropping leaves when the sun is shining through to the forest floor. The trail follows along Purisima Creek, crossing the water over several bridges and features redwood groves, open meadows, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
Please note that parking at this preserve can be difficult to find during peak hours, particularly on the weekend. We recommend visiting during less busy times during the week.