BAO Hike Events

PARK TOURS

SPECIAL NOTICE:For indoor settings such as group transportation, face masks must be worn by all attendees when not eating or drinking.

Explore Santa Clara County's open spaces and enjoy lakes, mineral springs, migrating birds, wildflowers and more while learning about Silicon Valley's rich culture, history and wildlife.

If you missed any of BAO's virtual park tours, you can watch them by clicking this link BAO Videos

BAO members receive a discount on the events. BAO Premium Members ($50 annual fee) receive up to 50% discount and Basic Members (free) receive up to a 25% discount on BAO events. If you are not already a BAO member, and want to join to receive discounts, please Click Here before registering for the events.

**REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED** and space is limited, so please sign up as soon as possible using the registration button below. Detailed information, such as directions, will be sent one week before the event date.


Waitlist Only Hike 4 Rancho San Vicente Wildflower Walk

Wednesday March 27, 2024 from 09:30 AM to 03:00 PM

Enjoy a Spring hike at an open space that is famous for its spectacular wildflower display. Our expert guide will teach us about the plants and other wildlife we encounter. Halfway through our hike, we stop at a special spot for a picnic lunch and savor the scenery. Image by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Moderate-to-strenuous
Number of Miles: : 4.5
Location: Rancho San Vicente Preserve, San Jose
Additional Benefits: Picnic lunch is included.


Waitlist Only Hike 5 Inspirational Wildflowers of Pulgas Ridge

Wednesday April 10, 2024 from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Pulgas Ridge Preserve is known for its showy spring wildflowers such as warrior plume, hounds tongue, milkmaids, fetid adders tongue, giant trillium, checker lily and more. On this wildflower journey led by a California naturalist who specializes in wildflowers, we will view a spectacular display of flowers and learn about their intriguing characteristics. We stop for a social picnic lunch before heading home. This special program is hosted in partnership with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Image by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Moderate
Number of Miles: : 3.0
Location: Meeting location is Cupertino CA 95014
Additional Benefits: Transportation to and from the preserve and picnic lunch are included.


Waitlist Only Hike 6 Santa Teresas Serpentine Wildlife

Wednesday April 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Join us for a Spring wildflower hike in Santa Teresa County Park. Along the way, we will learn about the wildlife supported by this park's serpentine soils by a California naturalist. We will stop for a social picnic lunch at a reserved picnic area halfway through the hike. Image by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Moderate
Number of Miles: : 4.0
Location: Santa Teresa County Park
Additional Benefits: Transportation to and from the trailhead and picnic lunch are included.


Waitlist Only Hike 7 Vistas and Wildflowers of Rancho San Antonio

Wednesday April 24, 2024 from 09:30 AM to 03:00 PM

This hike takes us along shady trails of a rancho from the early 1800’s. Along the way, we learn about the park’s natural and cultural history, wildflowers and the Permanente Creek flood protection plan. After a gradual climb uphill, we will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the bay, north to San Francisco and east to Mt. Hamilton. We head down to our picnic spot at 150-year old Deer Hollow Farm. After lunch, we spend a little time at the farm to see the newborn piglets, goats and sheep before our leisurely return through large grassy meadows and a 200 year old California Bay Laurel tree. This special program is hosted in partnership with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Image by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Moderate-to-strenuous
Number of Miles: : 4.5
Location: Meeting location is Saratoga CA 95070
Additional Benefits: Transportation to and from the preserve and picnic lunch are included.


Hike 8 California Agriculture Walk

Wednesday May 8, 2024 from 09:30 AM to 01:00 PM

Canoas Creek runs through Martial Cottle Park and supplies water for agriculture and is the southern most American river that has a salmon run (Chinook) as well as other game fish that make it popular with anglers. We will take a leisurely walk around this agriculture park and learn about its place in history. We pass by and visit the UCCE composting education and UC Master Gardener sites as well as the community garden. We end the afternoon with a social picnic lunch. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water.Image by Open Space Authority.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.0
Location: Meeting location is San Jose, CA 95118
Additional Benefits: Transportation and a large hearty sandwich included.


Hike 9 Natural and Cultural History of Mt Umunhum

Wednesday May 22, 2024 from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM

We start the day at one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz mountain range with panoramic views from nearly 3,500 feet, where we will learn about the significance of Mt. Umunhum to the Ohlone community and visit their Ceremonial Circle, and the historic importance of the Radar Tower that was once part of our missile defense system. Next, we journey down the four mile, mostly shady and cool Mt. Umunhum trail through varied habitats. Of course, along the way there are striking views of the valley, ridgelines and neighboring peaks. We end the afternoon with a social picnic lunch. This special program is hosted in partnership with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Image by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy-to-moderate
Number of Miles: : 4.0
Location: Meeting location is Saratoga CA 95070
Additional Benefits: Transportation to and from the preserve and picnic lunch are included.