Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve 

This preserve in the Eastern foothills of Santa Clara County offers sweeping views of the Valley and the opportunity to stroll through diverse landscapes including oak woodlands, rolling grassland, and chaparral communities. Perched above Alum Rock Park, the area provides watershed protection for Penitencia Creek and is home to a number of protected wildlife species including the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, American badger, and Western burrowing owl and other species such as golden eagle, mountain lion, bobcat, and gray fox. 1,611 Acres / 3 Levels of Hikes / 25 Minutes from Downtown San Jose.

Enjoy expansive views as you stroll through grasslands and rock outcroppings that were once part of the ocean floor. Keep your eyes peeled for red-tailed hawks, bobcats, and acorn woodpeckers. The Aquila Loop Trail within the preserve is a mellow hike, perfect for beginners and families with young children.

The Sierra Vista Trail opened in 2011, connecting the Ridge Trail at the lower elevations with the Upper and Lower Calaveras Fault Trails, and creating a long 8.9-mile Ridge Trail segment. This upper Ridge Trail section starts high up on the grassy ridge, with spectacular views of the Santa Clara Valley, and then follows the contours of the steep Alum Rock Canyon before dropping down to Penitencia Creek and climbing out to another ridgetop to the southeast. The endpoint has sweeping vistas of the valley below and the hills to the east. This is a very exposed trail for much of the route, so start early on hot days, or come late to enjoy the expansive views and sunset!  For more information regarding Sierra Vista Open Space please visit www.OpenSpaceAuthority.org and www.RidgeTrail.org. To find out more about San Jose real estate please feel free to reach out to us at www.BoyengaTeam.com.