BAO Hike Events

PARK TOURS

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.


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.


Waitlist Only 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.


Hike 10 Sunnyvale Baylands Birding

Wednesday June 5, 2024 from 08:30 AM to 01:30 PM

Join us for a gentle walk at Sunnyvale Baylands in search of yellow rumped warblers, bullock's orioles, green-winged teals and more led by an expert birder who will find more than 20 birds during our excursion. We end the afternoon with a social picnic lunch. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water. Images by edbo23, Public Domain Images and Hans Toom from Pixabay.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.0
Location: Meeting location is Saratoga CA 95070 and Lakewood Park Sunnyvale. Please choose the best option for you.
Additional Benefits: Transportation and large hearty sandwich are provided. You can borrow binoculars.


Hike 11 Wildlife by the Bay

Wednesday June 19, 2024 from 09:00 AM to 01:30 PM

Enjoy the summer breeze by the bay with a leisurely walk along the shore led by a member of the Audubon Society who will help us find and identify birds. We end the day with a hearty picnic lunch. This special program is hosted in partnership with Valley Water. Image by Anne Ferguson.

Level of Difficulty: : Easy
Number of Miles: : 2.5
Location: Meeting location is Saratoga CA 95070 and Shoreline Park Mountain View
Additional Benefits: Transportation and large hearty sandwich are provided. Binoculars can be borrowed.