Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Print This 1,432-acre Preserve offers visitors shaded fir and redwood forests, cool perennial creeks, and spectacular views of the Sierra Azul Range. If you’re looking for the perfect destination for a day spent hiking and enjoying some time in nature, Bear Creek is the park to go. Perhaps it … Apply for an equestrian parking permit. Instead of expansive homes and putting greens, local conservationists saw room to breathe, for plants, wildlife and people. It began as a sag pond, a depression created by the slippage of the San Andreas Fault. A basic restroom facility is available. The Upper Lake at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has had a very rich history. Others, like the introduction of invasive species, are problems that Midpen has already started to resolve. • Download District Regulations and Ordinances. Home to mountain lions, black-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, song sparrows, mallard ducks, bullfrogs. It was saved from being a golf course and gorgeous homes by MidPen. The preserve is open every day from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/bear-creek-redwoods-equestrian-trail Bear Creek Redwoods is home to some of the largest second-growth redwood forests remaining in Santa Clara County. It’s recommended to arrive early because parking is limited. Site has long history. At Bear Creek Redwoods, the cultural landscape lies on a pressure ridge formed by the San Andreas Fault. Learn more about Bear Creek Redwood’s fascinating history through our interactive online experience, including blast-from-the-past photos. Don't overlook magnificent Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park which spreads over 14,000 acres. Buy a Bear Creek Redwoods t-shirt and bottle together and we'll take 25% off the cost of the bottle. Beginning at the parking lot, the 0.2-mile easy-access Upper Lake Loop Trail features habitat restoration sites and historical artifacts such as Ohlone mortars. If you are at an office or shared network, you can ask the network administrator to run a scan across the network looking for misconfigured or infected devices. Document Description Proposal to consider a $2,000,000 acquisition grant to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to assist in its acquisition of 805 + acres of land for the protection of sensitive plant and animal species. Cloudflare Ray ID: 60e8844739e20bae The Alma (the Spanish word for soul) Trail is a 2.5-mile trail located west of Bear Creek Road and is accessible using the new pedestrian crossing. Just $10, shipping included, while supplies last. This information is updated as needed when trails are opened or closed, or when there is scheduled trail maintenance. This 24-oz Nalgene bottle features the Bear Creek Redwoods preserve icon and Midpen logo. Several old-growth redwoods remain and are accessible from the trails. Among the steep canyons and ancient redwood stumps, you'll also find Ohlone mortar stones and the remnants of Alma College. Discover Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, a secluded redwoods park off the main highway. Tucked away just a few miles away from bustling Los Gatos this preserve is a perfect retreat to the outdoors. Over 100 years of development and logging altered the original redwood and foothill habitats. From the stop sign, drive 1 mile. In 1999, thanks to state grants and generous private donations, Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve was created at last. The new Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve located about three miles south of Los Gatos off State Route 17 offers a sense of natural escape on a ridge over 1,432 acres. Available in unisex sizes XS-4XL. Between 1850 and 1900, the rapid growth of San Francisco and San Jose fueled a high demand for lumber, and most of the old-growth trees in the region were felled. Valley… Bear Creek Redwoods is a wonderfully rugged preserve with a diverse forest. Site design: Hikers on the Alma Trail © Alisha Laborico, Benches along the edge of Upper Lake provide a tranquil spot for reflection. Bear Creek RedwoodAt one time, the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains were covered with old-growth redwood forests. Please be aware that trail closures may change from day to day without notice, based on current and predicted weather conditions. In 1934, the majority of what is now Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve was sold to the Jesuits, who established a theological college, the first of its kind on the west coast. When the timber industry was replaced by a private estate, a number of orchards and vineyards were established throughout the property. Some of the physical changes are important to keep to tell the land’s story. ©2021 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Now at 4:55 (not 5pm) & 6:34pm. A Brief History of Bear Creek Redwoods. Summary SCH Number 2015062029 Lead Agency Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Document Title Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Plan Document Type EIR - … Bear Creek Redwoods is rich in cultural history.Within the preserve you’ll find Ohlone mortar stones at the newly constructed entrance, stumps of ancient redwoods once harvested for the construction of nearby San Francisco, and the remnants of the Alma College, the first Jesuit school of theology in the American West. The terrain consists mostly of second-growth redwood with a bit of old-growth as well as oak, madrone and pine mixed in. For more information visit the Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Plan page. Do not touch bats. The college closed in 1969, and the property was slated to be developed into a golf course and luxury estates. 20 Reviews (650) 691-1200 Website. When Midpen acquired this land, it was far from pristine. © Alisha Laborico, Banana slugs can be found along the shaded trails © Alisha Laborico, The easy-access trail around Upper Lake features a self-guided interpretive tour © Mike Kahn, The shaded Alma Trail runs through the redwood forest © Karl Pingle. Bear Creek Redwoods is a relatively new park preserve maintained by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District that opened up as of June 2019. The college closed in 1969, and the property was slated to be developed into a golf course and luxury estates. Information for a self-guided interpretive tour is included in the brochure map available at the preserve entrance. Located 3 miles south of Los Gatos, this 1,432-acre preserve features an easy-access interpretive trail around Upper Lake and 6 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Consider carpooling or visiting on a weekday. Meanwhile, Midpen and POST worked together to buy the property so it could be protected in perpetuity. Visit the full Trail Conditions page for more information. On a ridge at the northern corner of this 1,432-acre open space, natural setting and human innovation intersect to tell a rich story spanning tens of thousands of years. Going south (toward the ocean): go under the overpass, the road curves right onto Bear Creek Road. At one time, the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains were covered with old-growth redwood forests with trees several hundred years old. Take Hwy. On a late October day that place was Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space. Some of the physical changes are important to keep to tell the land’s story. Its expansive views and cool, shaded forests made Bear Creek Redwoods a desirable South Bay property that was once slated to become a golf course and luxury estates. Formed by earthquakes and forest streams, and inhabited by Native Americans, loggers, wealthy estate owners, and even a religious institution, the property has been shaped by many forces and many hands throughout its history. 1 of 33. For more information, please visit our Wildlife Safety page. NOAA weather radar, satellite and synoptic charts. Preserves are open from one-half hour before official sunrise until one-half hour after official sunset. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District held a groundbreaking ceremony in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve May 1, to kick-off … The area passed from private ownership to public ownership a few years ago and is being continuously expanded. Once every ten hikes or so, I walk into a place that is so special that it makes me laugh and cry at the same time, a place that lifts life to a new level. 17 to Bear Creek Road, opposite Lexington Reservoir. Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Public access for hiking and horseback riding in designated areas is available by permit only until a Master Plan and trail development can be completed for this preserve. With support from the Committee for Green Foothills, advocates sent letters, made phone calls and spoke at public meetings, voicing their concerns about environmental damage from the proposed development. If you come in contact with one, seek immediate medical attention. Remnants of a rich cultural history: a close-knit equestrian community at century-old Bear Creek Stables, millponds, magnificent estates and Alma College, the first Jesuit school of theology on the West Coast. In 1934, the majority of what is now Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve was sold to the Jesuits, who established a theological college, the first of its kind on the west coast. Performance & security by Cloudflare, Please complete the security check to access. Stay hydrated in style whether you're out on the trails or stuck in traffic. A 3 hour hike in the newly developed Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve. Bear Creek Redwoods is rich in cultural history. Previously, only a small section of the park was available for exploring by permit only. However, Timber harvest continued on some areas well into the mid 1900s. Trail conditions can vary depending on the time of year, the impact of rain and storms, construction and maintenance and other occurrences. There are no events scheduled at this preserve currently. Please enable Cookies and reload the page. The trails pass through shaded redwood and fir forests, along cool perennial creeks and offer spectacular views of the Sierra Azul Range. Then there was talk of a proposed golf course before the land eventually made its way into Midpen Open Space Trust. Be aware that a bat carrying rabies was found at this preserve. BEAR CREEK REDWOODS PRESERVE SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA This was a super quickie to go check out the newest Mid Peninsula Open Space Preserve, Bear Creek Redwoods, which just opened this year. • Download interpretive tour map. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve was sold for luxury home development. Thanks to your support of Measure AA, Midpen has completed the first of several phased public access projects in a 20-year plan to restore Bear Creek Redwoods’ natural environment, providing a unique opportunity for you to connect with nature and discover local history. Bear Creek Redwoods Published April 20, 2018 • Updated on April 20, 2018 at 11:40 am We’ll get a sneak preview of a new preserve opening to the public in the spring of 2019. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Midpeninsula Regional Open Space. The easy-access Upper Lake Loop Trail features habitat restoration sites and historical artifacts such as Ohlone mortars. A groundbreaking kicks off first phase of plans for Bear Creek Redwoods preserve near Los Gatos by @mrosd. Site has long history. Information for a self-guided interpretive tour is included in the brochure map available at the preserve entrance. 5 Documents in Project. View wandering herds of elk, old-growth redwoods, and 10 miles of beach. Also it’s best to avoid the afternoon heat. Current conditions, warnings and historical records I was trying to wander my way along the ridge line, but I failed to notice where I needed to turn to go over the big freeway from Summit Road to CA-35 and was unceremoniously dumped onto CA-17, but I found this nice park because of it. Going north (toward Los Gatos): take the overpass. Its beautiful and biologically rich ecosystem is home to hundreds of acres of redwoods, providing the perfect habitat for many protected species. Be prepared: These trails climb from the parking area located at 1,000 feet in elevation to Madrone Knoll, the highest point, at 2,400 feet. Midpen is working to bring back the native landscape and biodiversity that once thrived on this land. Bear Creek Redwoods Document Type NOE - Notice of Exemption Received 1/12/2000 Posted 1/12/2000. Enjoy all the wonders of Humboldt Redwoods State Park with the Avenue of the Giants. Turn left at the stop sign. Bay Area hikers and equestrians have more miles to explore after Valley Water helped expand public access to the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in Los Gatos on June 7 by awarding a grant to have the Webb Creek Bridge built. On-site parking has been filling up quickly on weekends at this new preserve. It’s been a long road for this open space preserve, which is currently accessible only by permit. Learn more about the bats at Bear Creek Redwoods, Alma Cultural Landscape Rehabilitation Project, In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Your IP: 103.107.182.165 Consider carpooling or visiting on a weekday. Some redwoods on the property are believed to be 800 to 900 years old. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Plan. One of Santa Clara County’s best preserved, second-growth redwood forests, as well as extensive areas of Douglas fir forest and oak woodland. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property. There is no off-site parking nearby or along the two-lane, winding Bear Creek Road. Within the preserve you’ll find Ohlone mortar stones at the newly constructed entrance, stumps of ancient redwoods once harvested for the construction of nearby San Francisco and the remnants of the Alma College, the first Jesuit school of … In addition to redwoods, the property is home to dense … Click for map. Order Online Tickets Tickets See Availability Directions {{::location.tagLine.value.text}} Sponsored Topics. Construction activities began on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, in the closed area next to the parking lot as part of the. Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve is located just three miles south of Los Gatos and features shaded forests with incredible hiking trails and views. During winter storm season high waters can make creek crossings hazardous, so plan your outing accordingly. Its rich ecosystem is home to hundreds of acres of Redwoods. hikers on the Alma TrailHikers on the Alma Trail © Alisha Laborico, Webb Creek bridgeWebb Creek Bridge © Leigh Ann Gessner, bench on Upper LakeBenches along the edge of Upper Lake provide a tranquil spot for reflection. The partner agencies celebrated the accomplishment last month with a ribbon-cutting event. © Alisha Laborico, banana slugBanana slugs can be found along the shaded trails © Alisha Laborico, Upper LakeThe easy-access trail around Upper Lake features a self-guided interpretive tour © Mike Kahn, Alma TrailThe shaded Alma Trail runs through the redwood forest © Karl Pingle, PLEASE NOTE: On-site parking has been filling up quickly on weekends at this newly opened preserve. Welcome to Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Enjoy stunning views of Midpen open space preserves all year long! There is no off-site parking nearby or along the two-lane, winding Bear Creek Road. The bottle has a leak-proof loop-top that swings open wide to reveal a contoured, drinking spout – … All Rights Reserved. The Alma College site and an additional 15 miles of trail, including the new multi-use regional trail connection, will be phased in over the next fifteen years. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve weather forecast updated daily. The hike takes place almost entirely under closed shady trees and foliage. Proximity to the San Andreas fault results in unique geology and landscape. If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . About Bear Creek Redwoods: Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve is a Midpen preserve that stretches 1,432-acres and is a cultural landscape with a history spanning tens of thousands of years located just south of Los Gatos. Both the ridge and Upper Lake were formed by the movement of the land Equestrian Parking InformationPermits are available for limited equestrian parking at Bear Creek Stables. The trail is an accessible pathway and can easily accommodate mobility devices, strollers, and users of all ages and abilities. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located 3 miles south of Los Gatos off of Bear Creek Rd. Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve is a Midpen preserve that stretches 1,432-acres and is a cultural landscape with a history spanning tens of thousands of years located just south of Los Gatos. The Alma College area is currently closed but will be opened in the future once safety improvements have been completed. This trail traverses into densely wooded fir and redwood forests, through bay and oak woodlands, eventually linking to the Madrone Knoll Trail. And some — like fire-resistant, old-growth redwoods being replaced by more combustible brush and grasses — will take generations of active resource management to undo. Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Neil Wiley. Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve Bear Creek Rd & Alma College Rd Los Gatos CA 95033. The parking lot is on the left. 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