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Rancho Cañada del Oro

Rancho Cañada del Oro
Open Space Preserve

Preserve is open 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Rancho Cañada del Oro is open for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Please be kind and share the trail. Bikers yield to horses and hikers - hikers yield to horses. For safety, bicyclists should use a bike bell and only ride as fast as you can brake around sharp turns.
The Open Space Authority works with local ranchers to manage the preserves using strategic conservation grazing to remove invasive grasses. Please keep a respectful distance from cattle, and NEVER get in-between a mother cow and its calf as they may become aggressive. If cows are on the trail, approach slowly and allow them time and space to move away.
Permits are required for photography and filming at Rancho Cañada del Oro. Please email info@openspaceauthority.org or call (408) 224-7476 for more information.
Permits are required for all group events at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Please email info@openspaceauthority.org for more information.
  • Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are only allowed on designated trails. Please stay on the trails to protect the preserves and the plants and wildlife that live there.
  • Pets are not allowed. For their health and safety, please leave them at home and never leave pets in the car while you hike, regardless of weather conditions.
  • Fires, fireworks, and smoking are prohibited.
  • Do not feed, disturb, touch, chase, or remove wildlife.
  • Do not remove or vandalize preserve facilities, including signs.
  • Hunting, fishing, and trapping are not allowed.
  • Possession or use of firearms, pellet guns, paintball guns, bows, or slingshots is prohibited.
  • Unmanned aerial systems/drones are not allowed.
  • Be considerate to other preserve visitors and share the trail.
  • Please leave no trace and pack out your trash.

How to get there

Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve

4289 Casa Loma Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Directions
  • From Hwy 101 or Hwy 85  
  • West on Bailey Avenue  
  • Left on McKean Road 
  • Right on Casa Loma Road

About

The preserve is in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in South Santa Clara County. A glistening creek runs along the Llagas Meadow and deer, bobcats, mountain lions, and other wildlife roam throughout the preserve. In the spring months, wildflowers adorn the meadow and hillsides. Recreation amenities include parking for cars and horse trailers, accessible restrooms, and picnic tables.

Green hillside with oak trees and hikers on a trail

The preserve has 12 miles of trails, from easy to challenging. The multi-use trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

Paved, flat trail through a green field with hills and trees in distance

The paved accessible Llagas Creek Loop Trail (0.5 mile) provides a full nature experience for visitors with limited mobility.

5,675
acres
3
levels
of hikes
25
miles from
downtown
San Jose
please do not
bring dogs