Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve facts for kids
The Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve is a huge natural area in Santa Clara County, California. It's managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. This preserve covers about 17,000 acres (or 6,880 hectares) of land! Its name, "Sierra Azul," means "Blue Mountains" in Spanish. This was the name early Spanish explorers gave to the southern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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Exploring Sierra Azul Preserve
This amazing preserve is home to some of the tallest peaks in the Sierra Azul mountain range. These include Mount Umunhum, which is 3,486 feet (1,063 meters) high, and Mount Thayer, standing at 3,478 feet (1,060 meters). You can also find El Sombroso peak here, which is 2,999 feet (914 meters) tall. El Sombroso is about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) north of Mount Umunhum.
Trails and Adventures
If you love hiking or exploring, Sierra Azul has many trails for you! These paths connect from Lexington Reservoir on the western side of the park all the way to Hicks Road on the eastern side. You can find all sorts of landscapes here, from shady canyons with creeks to sunny hills covered in chaparral plants. There are also open meadows where you can enjoy wide-open views.
Waterways and Wildlife
The preserve is very important for protecting the sources of two major creeks that flow into the Guadalupe River. The upper parts of Los Gatos Creek start just south of Loma Prieta. This creek flows around the western side of the preserve and empties into Lexington Reservoir.
Guadalupe Creek begins just east of Mount Umunhum. It flows into Guadalupe Reservoir and then follows Hicks Road around the eastern edge of the preserve. These creeks provide vital water for the area and support many plants and animals.
Visiting the Preserve
While some parts of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve are still being prepared for visitors, many sections are open to the public. These open areas offer miles of trails, old roads (some paved, some not), and even a man-made lake. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors!
