Expanding Public Access at Bear Creek Redwoods

To increase public access in the area, approximately four miles of trails have been added to the northern portion of the preserve. Before the trails were opened to the public, several construction elements were completed.  This includes:

• Repairing two landslides and the installing a retaining wall,
• Removal and replacement of a trail culvert, creek channel cleanup and restoration
• Installing two concrete trail bridges capable of supporting emergency and patrol vehicles

This project will provide opportunities to explore a segment of the preserve that was previously only accessible through permit and will increase the land's ecological health. The installation of a retaining wall and culvert replacement will reduce erosion into creeks and improve drainage capabilities for storm runoff. In a segment of Briggs Creek, crews will also remove debris, restore the channel’s shape, install rock to create pools, gravel beds, and weirs which help regulate the creek’s flow.

Included in the trail network will be a multiuse trail accessible to equestrians, cyclists and hikers. The alignment of this trail was finalized after the initial alignment was deemed infeasible due to topographic constraints, existing structures and resources.

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Construction is scheduled to last through summer of 2024. During construction, access permits will not be issued to this area for public safety. 

Regional trails can provide an opportunity to connect visitors to more preserves and a variety of other open spaces, improve access for bicyclists and equestrians and enable visitors to explore farther without having to leave the trail system.

As part of the slate of projects in Bear Creek Redwoods, a new trailhead is being planned and constructed in the northeast point of the preserve. This trailhead will connect to Lexington Reservoir County Park and by extension St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve.

In future years, the trailhead will also connect to Sierra Azul and El Sereno Open Space Preserves once the Highway 17 trail crossing is constructed. Midpen is working with Caltrans and Santa Clara County and expects to be complete in fall of 2024.

Bear Creek Stables is a 100 year-old horse facility located within the preserve. In order to keep the stables operational, Midpen is completing capital maintenance and repairs that allow existing uses and public programs to continue.

Planning and permitting are currently underway for capital maintenance and repair projects. This fall, a water supply line from an existing San Jose Water hydrant to Bear Creek Stables will be installed to provide a dedicated and reliable metered water supply.

Learn more at the project page.

This preserve has been shaped by earthquakes and forest streams, and also by many people including Native Californians, gold rush-era migrants, loggers, wealthy estate owners and Jesuits who operated a seminary on the site from 1934 to 1969. This part of the preserve is known as the Alma Cultural Landscape.

When Midpen acquired Bear Creek Redwoods in June of 1999 the area included several dilapidated structures. Midpen underwent a multiyear rehabilitation project to develop the site for safe public enjoyment in a manner that is fiscally sustainable and that highlights its historic significance.

Learn more at the project page.

A new parking area is being planned along Bear Creek Road, approximately 0.5 mile from Highway 17. The north parking area is envisioned to accommodate approximately 50 vehicles, as well as 8 spaces for horse trailers. Additionally, bike racks, vault restrooms and interpretive signage are planned for the location. This lot will serve users of the future multi-use trail and provide overflow parking for visitors to the Stables. The project is currently in the conceptual design phase and is expected to be completed in 2027.

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