South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group

New hike for us. Got the idea from Bill's 50+ Social.
Location: park at Saratoga Gap - Hwy 9 and Skyline.
Route: distance is around 7 miles, elevation unknown, but probably not too much.

1. From parking lot, cross Hwy 9 to Saratoga Gap Trail.
2. Continue north and west, parallel to Skyline.
3. After passing Table Mt Trail we reach Skyline Blvd.
4. Cross Skyline and turn right at junction with Hickory Oaks and Achistaca Trails.
5. We are on a short loop that circles Turtle Rock. Break for snack?
6. Go back on Hickory Oaks and continue onto Achistaca Trail. Now we hike parallel to Skyline Blvd on the south and west side.
7. When we reach Hwy 9, we turn right on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
8. Turn right on Nutmeg Trail.
9. At junction with Red Mountain, turn left to stay on Nutmeg.
10. At next junction, again with Red Mountain, turn left onto Red Mountain to head back towards Hwy 9.
11. At the intersection with Skyline-to-the-Sea, turn left. Stay on this trail, crossing Hwy 9 when we reach the junction with Achistaca and then continue on Skyline-to-the-Sea until we arrive back at the parking lot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 8 miles (approx.)

Elevation: 900 feet total elevation gain (approx.)

About the Park: Del Monte Forest achieved early acclaim with the opening of 17-Mile Drive in 1881. After purchasing the property in 1919, Samuel F.B. Morse initiated plans for the thoughtful development of the forest which included the creation of a system of greenbelts, bridal trails and roadways throughout the forest. The SFB Morse Botanical Reserve which is within the Del Monte Forest was established in 1972 to protect the endangered Gowen Cypress, as well as other species or associations of species found only on the acidic clay-pan soils found in this area. Subsequently, other rare and endangered species have been identified in the reserve

We'll be walking through Monterey pines trees which are native to only three places along central coastal California - Ano Nuevo north of Santa Cruz, the Monterey Peninsula and Cambria near Hearst Castle 90 miles south of Monterey. The largest remaining native forest of Monterey pines are on the Monterey Peninsula. The most genetically diverse Monterey pine trees are within the Del Monte Forest.

Hike Description: Meet near the bathroom at the end of Ocean Ave. From there we'll walk a few blocks over to the Carmel Gate for the 17-Mile Drive. Just after passing through the Carmel Gate we'll pick up the Redondo Real Trail and wind our way over to and through the SFB Morse Botanical Garden and then back to our cars.

Directions to Trailhead: From Highway 1 go west on Ocean Ave in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Stay on Ocean Ave. through town and down to the free beach parking at the end of Ocean Ave.

Disclaimer: The posting of this hike does not reflect any assurance by the hike leader that group hiking is now a fully safe activity or sanctioned by the CDC or Santa Clara County Health. Hike only if you are comfortable with the risk. The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself.

Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Relatively Easy (one steep climb) - LENGTH - 4-5 miles

A short hike for the holiday weekend! If you don't mind drinking before noon, stay for some wine tasting after the hike (for a fee).

The hike begins at the Picchetti Ranch parking area and passes by the winery complex and through remnants of orchards and vineyards from the early days of the ranch. We'll take the Orchard Loop Trail along the oak-shaded hilltop overlooking Stevens Creek Reservoir which will connect us to the Zinfandel Trail. This will take us through oak-studded and chaparral-covered hills to Stevens Creek County Park. From there, we'll take a short walk along the paved road which will connect us to the Bear Meadow trail and back to the Zinfandel trail and winery. Restrooms available at the winery.

About Picchetti Ranch Open Space:

Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve has 308 acres of rich history. The ranch is named after the Picchetti family who emigrated from Italy in the 1870s and operated a winery at Picchetti for 72 years. There is a beautiful brick winery building and a farm complex at the preserve.

Picchetti Winery: A highlight of a trip to the Picchetti Ranch is a visit to the history winery complex. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the winery is open daily to the public for tasting's from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The winery grounds are also open to the public and include picnic tables and lots of grass areas.

Parking is Free.

Driving Directions to the Trail Head: From Interstate 280, exit at Foothill Expressway and drive 3.5 miles southwest on Foothill Expressway (which changes to Stevens Canyon Road about halfway there). Turn right on Montebello Road (immediately after the quarry entrance) and drive six-tenths of a mile to the parking area on the left.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.