POST's Hiking Calendar - 2020

HIKING CALENDAR 2020

A SEASONAL GUIDE TO THE PENINSULA AND SOUTH BAY BROUGHT TO YOU BY POST

In California, it's almost always a nice time of year to be outside, exploring our local open spaces. But during certain seasons, nature really puts on a show. This hiking calendar features 12 hikes on the Peninsula and in the South Bay so you'll know where to go each and every month.

You'll also find seasonal fun facts about the land's plants and animals, bringing you a little closer to the natural rhythms of this place we call home.

It's time to get outside!

SAN FRANCISCO

FEBRUARY

DECEMBER

APRIL

HALF MOON BAY

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

PALO ALTO

MAY JUNE

SAN JOSE

JULY SEPTEMBER JANUARY MARCH AUGUST

GILR

SANTA CRUZ

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JANUARY Rancho Cañada del Oro

CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 5.5-MILE LOOP ELEVATION GAINED: 1,460 FEET

SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

GILROY

SANTA CRUZ

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With the creeks and vegetation renewed from early winter rains, it’s a great time of year to visit this preserve’s mixed chaparral and blue oak forests. Plan a stop along the tranquil creek within Longwall Canyon.

ETA QUADRANTIDS METEOR SHOWER ALL MONTH: STEELHEAD SPAWN BLOOD CURRANT BLOOM

Other hikes to try: WILBUR'S WATCH

SEQUOIA AUDUBON TRAIL

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FEBRUARY Bair Island CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 3.2 MILES ROUND TRIP ELEVATION GAINED: MOSTLY FLAT Bair Island is a hotspot for migratory birds, especially this time of year. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars and keep a lookout for endangered species like the Ridgway’s rail and SANwestern JOSE snowy plover. The nice, flat trail is easy for everyone— even if it rains!

SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

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PALO ALTO

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SANTA CRUZ

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GILROY SUPERMOON

ALL MONTH: BOBCATS MATE SNOWY EGRETS NEST COTTONWOOD BLOOM

Other hikes to try: SCHILLING LAKE TRAIL

ARASTRADERO CREEK LOOP

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MARCH Uvas Canyon CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 3.5-MILE LOOP ELEVATION GAINED: 800 FEET

SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

GILROY

SANTA CRUZ

With creeks flowing, it’s one of the best times of year to visit these dramatic waterfalls.

Because of this trail’s popularity, reservations are required 24 hours in advance on weekends and holidays, so be sure to plan ahead!

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VERNAL EQUINOX

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ALL MONTH: GRAY FOXES BORN ACORN WOODPECKERS MATE MARBLED MURRELETS NEST

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Other hikes to try: MAPLE FALLS

SEMPERVIRENS FALLS

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APRIL Edgewood Preserve CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 2-MILE LOOP ELEVATION GAINED: 350 FEET SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

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It’s peak season for wildflowers, and the serpentine soils in this preserve boast one of the area’s most vibrant displays. But don’t wait too SAN JOSE long, as the bloom could fade before the end of the month.

PALO ALTO

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GILROY

SUPERMOON EARTH DAY

ALL MONTH: MANZANITA BLOOM LADYBUGS MATE MARSH WRENS SING

Other hikes to try: RIDGE TRAIL

ARASTRADERO CREEK LOOP

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MAY Russian Ridge CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 3.6-MILE LOOP ELEVATION GAINED: 600 FEET SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

GILROY

SANTA CRUZ

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Climb to the highest point in San Mateo County for terrific, 360-degree views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s also peak season for wildflowers in this preserve, so you’re in for a real treat.

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ETA AQUARIDS METEOR SHOWER SUPERMOON ALL MONTH: GREAT BLUE HERON HATCH BLACK-TAILED DEER BORN DOUGLAS FIR BLOOM

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Other hikes to try: INDIAN ROCK TRAIL

COAL CREEK WATERFALL

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JUNE Mindego Hill CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 4.6 MILES ROUND TRIP ELEVATION GAINED: 1,300 FEET SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

Still green from the winter’s rains, the landscape surrounding Mindego Hill can be a vibrant green this time of year. But it’s not too hot yet, making it a perfect time to climb this moderately strenuous trail.

GILROY

SANTA CRUZ

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SUMMER SOLSTICE

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ALL MONTH: FENCE LIZARDS LAY EGGS RED-TAILED HAWKS NEST STICKY MONKEY FLOWERS BLOOM BUCKEYES BLOOM

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Other hikes to try: MERRY-GOROUND LOOP

WINDY HILL Back to top openspacetrust.org

JULY Pescadero Creek CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 6-MILE LOOP ELEVATION GAINED: 1,900 FEET SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

GILROY

SANTA CRUZ

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With the summer temperatures rising, it’s a great time to visit the shaded redwood forests along the banks of Pescadero Creek. This moderately strenuous hike is almost entirely in the shade.

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PENUMBRAL LUNAR ECLIPSE ALL MONTH: MOUNTAIN LION KITTENS BORN BADGERS MATE CALIFORNIA QUAIL BORN OLALLIEBERRIES RIPE

Other hikes to try: TIPTOE FALLS

PETERS CREEK LOOP

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AUGUST San Lorenzo River CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 2 MILES ROUND TRIP ELEVATION GAINED: MOSTLY FLAT SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

Giant redwoods tower over the cool waters of the San Lorenzo River, creating the perfect midsummer hiking temperature. Turn this into an all-day adventure GILROY with a visit to Roaring Camp Railroads right next door.

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

SANTA CRUZ

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PERSEIDS METEOR SHOWER ALL MONTH: RATTLESNAKES BORN COYOTES BORN

Other hikes to try: PURISIMA CREEK & WHITTEMORE GULCH

MAPLE FALLS Back to top openspacetrust.org

SEPTEMBER Pigeon Point Lighthouse CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 0.5 MILE ROUND TRIP ELEVATION GAINED: MOSTLY FLAT SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

SANTA CRUZ

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With the summer fog beginning to loosen its grip, it’s the best time of year to visit the gentle Mel’s Lane trail at the foot of Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Afterwards, sink your feet into the white sand at GILROY nearby Whaler’s Cove.

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AUTUMNAL EQUINOX

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NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

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ALL MONTH: BIG LEAF MAPLES IN FALL COLOR MADRONE BERRIES RIPE

Other hikes to try: COWELLPURISIMA TRAIL

WILBUR'S WATCH

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OCTOBER Wavecrest Reserve CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 1.5 MILES ROUND TRIP ELEVATION GAINED: MOSTLY FLAT SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

SANTA CRUZ

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Stop by a pumpkin patch in Half Moon Bay before heading out for world-class views within the Wavecrest Reserve. The habitat there provides one of the most important local nesting sites for GILROY birds of prey, so keep an eye out!

WORLD HABITAT DAY ORIONIDS METEOR SHOWER ALL MONTH: COHO SPAWN GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS   MIGRATE SOUTH ACORNS RIPE

Other hikes to try: WICKLOW TRAIL

SCHILLING LAKE TRAIL

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NOVEMBER Stevens Creek Shoreline CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 1 MILE ROUND TRIP ELEVATION GAINED: MOSTLY FLAT SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

PALO ALTO SAN JOSE

GILROY

SANTA CRUZ

You’ll find the best fall colors along the edge of the Bay as pickleweed, one of the most abundant bayland plants, turns a vibrant red. It’s also the beginning of the annual bird migration, and the wetland habitat along this trail offers the ideal refuge for these flight-weary travelers.

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#OPTOUTSIDE DAY

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ALL MONTH: VALLEY OAK LEAVES FALL REDWOOD BLOOM RED-LEGGED FROGS BREED

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Other hikes to try: MOCKINGBIRD TRAIL

BALD HILLS TRAIL

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DECEMBER Pillar Point CLICK HERE FOR TRAIL DETAILS MILEAGE: 1.4-MILE LOOP ELEVATION GAINED: 100 FEET SAN FRANCISCO

HALF MOON BAY

It’s one of the best times of year to see migrating whales off the coast on their way south. Head SAN JOSE to Pillar Point for great views and a gentle section of the California Coastal Trail. It’s dog-friendly too!

PALO ALTO

SANTA CRUZ

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GILROY

WINTER SOLSTICE ALL MONTH: ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS MATE MONARCH BUTTERFIES ROOST NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS MATE AT AÑO NUEVO

Other hikes to try: COWELLPURISIMA TRAIL

RANCHO CORRAL DE TIERRA

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