Rancho San Antonio County Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve |
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A meadow grasslands in Rancho San Antonio County Park.
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 Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve
Location in California
Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve
Location in the United States
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| Location | Santa Clara County, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Cupertino, California |
| Area | 4,277 acres (17.31 km2) |
| Governing body | Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District |
| Website | Open Space Preserve and County Park |
Rancho San Antonio County Park and Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve are two connected public areas in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California. They are located in Santa Clara County, near cities like Los Altos and Cupertino. These areas offer a great place for people to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District helps manage both the large Open Space Preserve (about 3,988 acres) and the smaller County Park (about 289 acres). Together, they form a wonderful natural space for everyone to explore.
Contents
History of Rancho San Antonio
Early Inhabitants: Ohlone People
For over 3,000 years, the Ohlone Indians lived in this area. They had a large village called Partacsi nearby. Their history is an important part of the land's story.
First European Explorers
In March 1776, Juan Bautista de Anza led the first group of Europeans through this area. They were traveling from Monterey to San Francisco Bay. De Anza wrote in his diary about seeing the San Francisco Bay for the first time from a hill here. This spot is now known as "De Anza's Knoll."
From Rancho to Park Land
In 1839, Governor Alvarado granted the land, then called Rancho San Antonio, to Juan Prado Mesa. Later, in 1853, William A. Dana bought the Rancho.
The Catholic Church purchased part of the land in 1923. They built Saint Joseph's College there in 1926. After the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the college building was taken down due to damage. The Maryknoll Seminary, with its unique design, still stands nearby.
The Santa Clara County Parks Department bought parts of the land in 1977 and 1981. The park was then developed in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming the beautiful space we know today.
Nature and Wildlife in the Preserve
Different Ecosystems
Rancho San Antonio is home to many different types of natural environments. In the shady canyons, you'll find bay trees and big-leaf maples. Along the creeks, various kinds of willow trees grow.
Cooler, north-facing slopes have forests of oaks and bay trees. On hotter, south-facing slopes, you'll see chaparral scrub. This includes plants like chamise, manzanita, and birch-leaf mountain mahogany. Douglas fir trees, which are common in other areas, can be seen as single trees here.
The higher ridges have open grasslands and scattered oak trees. This mix of habitats supports many different plants and animals.
Creeks and Waterways
The Open Space Preserve protects the water sources of West Branch Permanente Creek and its branch, Ohlone Creek. These creeks are very important for wildlife. They provide food and water, helping animals move safely through the area. Permanente Creek flows year-round through the County Park.
Animals of Rancho San Antonio
Rancho San Antonio is a home for many native animals. You might see deer, mountain lions, and bobcats. Park signs warn visitors about these larger animals, but they have not caused any problems for people so far. This preserve is one of the few places in Silicon Valley where wild animals can still roam freely.
You will often see California quail, cottontail rabbits, crows, and hawks. Other common animals include jays, lizards, squirrels, turkeys, and woodpeckers. If you are lucky, you might spot coyotes, egrets, frogs, or even a rattlesnake.
The Giant California Bay Laurel Tree
The tallest and third largest California bay laurel tree in California grows right here in Rancho San Antonio County Park. This amazing tree is thought to be over 200 years old!
In 2004, it was protected with a fence. Its leaves smell wonderful, and its small yellow flowers bloom from December to April. These flowers are very important for bees when other plants are not blooming.
Invasive Plants
One plant that grows a lot in the meadows and along sunny trails is Star Thistle. It is an invasive species, meaning it is not native to the area and can spread quickly.
Deer Hollow Farm
Deer Hollow Farm is a special place where you can learn about a working farm. This 150-year-old farm covers ten acres. It reminds us of Santa Clara County's farming history.
Farm Animals and Produce
The farm still produces food today. It is home to many animals like chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs, and a cow. You can sometimes buy fresh eggs and seasonal fruits from the orchard.
It's an easy one-mile walk from the Rancho parking lots to the farm. You can also see the restored Grant Ranch Cabin, which shows how people lived in the late 1800s.
Educational Programs
Deer Hollow Farm offers many educational programs for different ages. These programs teach about sustainable farming and food growth.
- Nature Center: This is located in an old apple shed, one of the original buildings from the 1850s.
- School Year Classes: For kindergarten through fifth graders, these classes teach about farming, gardening, and the wilderness. They also cover Ohlone Indian history.
- Summer Wilderness Camps: Children in grades one through nine can explore the preserve and learn hands-on.
Supporting Deer Hollow Farm
The City of Mountain View helps manage Deer Hollow Farm. They run all the farm programs and make sure the land stays undeveloped.
The "Friends of Deer Hollow Farm" (FODHF) is an organization that supports the farm. They help keep it running as a working homestead. They also offer classes about the area's history, including the Ohlone Indian traditions.
More than 100,000 people visit Deer Hollow Farm each year. About 5,000 local children take part in the camps and activities. This shows how important the farm is to the community.
Recreation and Activities
Hiking and Trails
Rancho San Antonio has about 29 miles (47 km) of hiking trails. These trails are very popular for walking, hiking, and jogging. On weekend mornings, the parking lots are often full!
Most of the County Park trails are fairly flat and easy to walk. They are great for people of all ages. The Open Space Preserve has longer, steeper trails that go up to Black Mountain, offering more challenging hikes.
Some popular trails include the Chamise Trail, which leads to the Duveneck Windmill Pasture Area. This trail connects to the Black Mountain Trail, which climbs to the top of Black Mountain. There are also shorter, easier loop trails.
Picnic Areas
You can find five picnic tables with charcoal barbecue stands at the south end of the North Meadow in the County Park. It's a great spot for a meal outdoors.
Model Aircraft
People who enjoy flying non-gas powered remote control (RC) model aircraft use the South Meadow. This area is next to the second parking lot in the County Park.
Biking and Horseback Riding
Bicycles are only allowed on paved trails. They are not permitted on dirt trails or west of Deer Hollow Farm.
Horseback riders can use the equestrian staging area, the PG&E Trail, and the Hammond-Snyder Loop Trail in the County Park. Almost all of the 24 miles (39 km) of trails in the Open Space Preserve are open to equestrians.
Access and Parking
The main entrance to the park is on Cristo Rey Drive. There are about 300 parking spaces in five lots, plus room for horse trailers. You can also find smaller parking lots like the Rhus Ridge lot. Pedestrian access is available from other streets in Los Altos Hills.
Park Facilities
At the first parking lot, you'll find a water fountain and a horse watering trough. A building with flush toilets and another water fountain opened in the "Equestrian" parking lot in late 2018.
More water fountains are located at the last parking lot in the County Park and at Deer Hollow Farm. Flush toilets are also at the last parking lot. Pit toilets are just beyond Deer Hollow Farm. Remember, there is no drinking water or toilets past Deer Hollow Farm.
