RANCHO SAN ANTONIO OPEN SPACE PRESERVE

RANCHO SAN ANTONIO OPEN SPACE PRESERVE - WILDCAT CANYON LOOP

Hike Date:  Saturday, December 20, 2025

Leader:  Ron Gasparinetti

Leader Email: ron@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  650 759-5345

Hike Rating: Level 2.5

Hike Mileage:  8.0 miles

Elevation Gain:  853'

Description:  This hike will loop Wildcat Canyon and is one of the prettiest sections of the Rancho San Antonio Park. It offers a diverse introduction to the terrain of the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Few visitors venture deeper into the wilds of this park as seen on this loop hike. The route climbs to impressive and inviting winter vistas looking out over the South Bay from the Rogue Valley sections of the loop. Following the West Branch of the Permanente Creek on the way out, we'll visit an Ohlone Village and the still operational Deer Hollow Farm. The Ohlone Creek will meander along our path as we make our way back.  With only 850 feet of elevation gain over a generous 8 miles this hike will be quite relaxed and enjoyable. Here is an Alltrails Link of the proposed route.

Bring / Wear:  Please bring LOTS of water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, bug spray and hiking poles if you use them.  

Weather Policy:  Canceled in the event of heavy rain. 

Pet Policy for this hike: Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve is not dog friendly.

Ready to join the hike?  Here are the meeting options:

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street.

SF Meeting Time:  9:00 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  8:45 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

Not a member of the SFHC and want to join this hike? Contact the hikeleader so we know you're joining us and to arrange for ride-sharing (if needed).  Non-members are required to sign a release of liability form before participating in the hike.

NOTE: I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers.  If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have a ride arranged ahead of time Please note Carpool Fees below.

Trailhead Meeting Location: Rancho San Antonio OSP Restrooms (map)                          Street address is: 22500 Cristo Rey Drive. Cupertino, Ca 95014.       

Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM (The hike will begin at 10:15am)

Roundtrip driving distance: From SF 88 miles.  From Rockridge 106 miles

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  From SF $11   From Rockridge $13 

Entrance Fee: No entrance fee for this location