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A run from Stevens Creek Reservoir to the Picchetti Ranch Pond.


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

89%

Runnable

923' 281 m

High

570' 174 m

Low

354' 108 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views

The preserve is open year round from dawn until half an hour after sunset.

Description

The Bear Meadow Trail climbs from the Stevens Creek Reservoir, through an oak forest, and emerges at the Zinfandel Trail near the Picchetti Ranch Pond. There is a small parking lot along Stevens Creek Canyon Road where you can park.

The trail climbs steeply from the parking area and enters the woods. The trail switches back and continues to climb less steeply, deeper into Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve. If it has been raining, a couple of seasonal creeks can be seen descending through the gullies in the area as the water makes its way down to the reservoir.

The trail goes in and out of the woods as it continues to climb. At the 0.6-mile mark, the trail crosses the Orchard Loop Trail and then runs parallel with it for a short distance. At 0.7 miles, the trail re-enters the shade of the woods and climbs along the hillside below the vista point that lies within the preserve.

The trail arrives at the Picchetti Ranch Pond at 0.9 miles, where the trail breaks off to the right and circles around the pond. As a seasonal pond, ducks and other waterfowl can be seen swimming in the pond. Deer and other animals use the pond as a watering hole in the evenings.

The trail ends at the Zinfandel Trail where you have several options. You can turn to the right and go to Picchetti Winery for some refreshments, or you can go to the left and take the Vista Trail connector on the other side of the pond so you can follow the Bear Meadow Trail back to your car.

Flora & Fauna

The seasonal pond is home to various wildlife during the year. Ducks, turtles, and other animals can be seen enjoying the water, especially after wet winters.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#23802

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
33%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2,380

in California

#23,802

Overall
3 Views Last Month
878 Since Mar 1, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
25%
75%
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Photos

Vista from Zinfandel Trail
Oct 14, 2018 near Loyola, CA
Enjoy great views back toward the South Bay from the Orchard Loop Trail.
Mar 8, 2017 near Loyola, CA
The Bear Meadow Trail descends into the woods as it departs from the Picchetti Ranch Pond.
Mar 8, 2017 near Loyola, CA
Enjoy great views from the Vista Trail looking back toward the winery.
Mar 8, 2017 near Loyola, CA
The trail splits and a short connector trail drops to Montebello Road.
Mar 8, 2017 near Loyola, CA

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