Over the past 40 years, POST has protected more than 75,500 acres of land. Most of this land is now open to the public. Yep, that’s right – it’s all yours to explore. And to make it a little easier for you, we’ve featured several hikes on our website with helpful tips, maps and links so you can learn what you need to get out and hit the trails.
So where will you explore? Consider these hikes, which were the top 10 most popular on our website in 2017:
10. Rancho Corral de Tierra
Hike difficulty: Moderate
Overview: This landmark along Highway 1 harbors one-of-a-kind flora and fauna on 4,262 acres of steep, rugged terrain. Find more information here.
9. Purisima Creek
Hike difficulty: Moderate
Overview: This hike meanders through redwoods and along a creek before climbing up to a more exposed ridge and back down to another stream in a quiet forest. Find more information here.
8. Cowell Ranch Beach
Hike difficulty: Easy
Overview: You’d never guess this gem of a coastal landscape exists so near the rush of traffic along Highway 1. Find more information here.
7. Mindego Hill
Hike difficulty: Moderate
Overview: The preserve is one of the best places in the Bay Area to spot raptors. Wildflowers are also abundant in the spring in May and June. Find more information here.
6. Waterfall at Coal Creek
Hike difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly!
Overview: This hike offers a lovely mix of woods and grassy patches, with an energetic stream winding through it all. Find more information here.
5. Windy Hill
Hike difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly!
Overview: This popular hike provides beautiful views of the entire Peninsula from the summit of Windy Hill. Find more information here.
4. Arastradero Creek Loop
Hike difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly!
Overview: The 609-acre Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is easily accessible from Highway 280 and this hike meanders through massive valley oaks and offer’s panoramic views of the Bay. Find more information here.
3. Wavecrest Trail
Hike difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly!
Overview: You don’t have to be a raptor to appreciate Wavecrest’s salt air or the view of whales spouting offshore. Find more information here.
2. Bair Island
Hike difficulty: Easy
Overview: Opened in late 2015, Bair Island has great views of the Bay and the adjacent restored wetlands. Find more information here.
1. Cowell-Purisima Trail
Hike difficulty: Easy
Overview: The Cowell-Purisima trail offers spectacular views of the ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The northern end of the trail begins above a small state-managed beach and continues south across three bridges and past rich, productive farm fields. Find more information here.
Want more hiking resources? Check out our new Hiking Calendar, which highlights the best regional trails to hike each month and our Hikes Guide which features 30 of our favorite local trails.
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Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Since its founding in 1977, POST has been responsible for saving more than 76,000 acres as permanently protected land in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
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POST and the Authority Protect Another Key Open Space in the Santa Cruz Mountains
November 27, 2018
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