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Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

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Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Things to Do in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a 1,440-acre open space preserve located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, three miles south of Los Gatos. This area features diverse landscapes, including extensive second-growth redwood forests, Douglas fir, and oak woodlands, alongside cool perennial creeks. The varied terrain also encompasses meadows, riparian corridors, and grasslands, with higher elevations offering expansive views of the Sierra Azul Range. The preserve provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and more.

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100

Routes

4.8

(196)

Average rating

2657

People visited

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Hiking in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space PreserveSee all
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5.0

(4)

26

hikers

Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trail Loop

13.4km

04:12

510m

530m

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard
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5.0

(1)

6

hikers

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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4.7

(3)

133

riders

101km

05:21

1,590m

1,590m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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5.0

(19)

41

riders

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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20

runners

15.2km

01:54

420m

420m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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16

runners

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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10

runners

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Explore the region

Hiking in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Most popular attractions in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

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Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve (Closed Area)

Frequently asked questions

What activities are available at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, and equestrian activities on its trails. While komoot lists routes for mountain biking and road cycling in the broader region, bicycles are not permitted on trails within the preserve itself. The preserve features over 10 miles of trails.

Are there hiking trails for beginners in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

Yes, the preserve offers trails suitable for beginners. The 0.2-mile (0.3 km) Upper Lake Loop Trail is an easy, accessible, self-guided interpretive path. For more options, explore Easy hikes in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

Are there family-friendly trails in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

Yes, Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has trails suitable for families. The Upper Lake Loop Trail is particularly accessible for strollers and mobility devices. More family-friendly options can be found in the Family-friendly hikes in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve guide.

What are the main natural features of Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

The preserve is known for its extensive second-growth redwood forests, with some trees estimated to be 800 to 900 years old. It also features dense Douglas fir and oak woodlands, cool perennial creeks, meadows, and grasslands. Higher elevations offer panoramic views of the Sierra Azul Range.

Can I bring my dog to Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

Dogs are permitted on trails within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. They must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the official preserve rules for any updates.

What is the most challenging hike in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

The 7.4-mile (11.9 km) Madrone Knoll trail is considered one of the more challenging routes. It involves significant climbs, leading to the preserve's highest point at 2,400 feet (732 meters). This trail offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape.

How popular is Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve on komoot?

Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 21,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The preserve's 5 routes have an average rating of 4.61 out of 5 stars from over 1,200 ratings.

What komoot guides are available for Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

Komoot offers several guides for the preserve, including Hiking in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Running Trails, and Waterfall hikes. Guides for specific interests like family-friendly or easy hikes are also available.

Where can I find more information about Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

Additional information about the preserve, including detailed rules and regulations, can be found on the official website of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The specific preserve page is openspace.org/preserves/bear-creek-redwoods-preserve.

What is the contact number for Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Their general office phone number is (650) 691-1200 for inquiries.

Are there any historical sites within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?

The preserve holds historical significance as the former site of Alma College, a Jesuit seminary. While the preserve is now focused on natural preservation, remnants of its past can be observed, such as historical artifacts along the Upper Lake Loop Trail.

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