Vista del Oro Trail

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Vista del Oro Trail is a ridge trail that parallels a section of Lisa Killough Trail. It runs along the ridge top for about 0.9 miles and climbs a couple of high points on the ridge. This grass-covered ridge is wide open, thus providing awesome views in all directions. To the northeast, the Diablo Range can be seen in the distance across the Santa Clara Valley. Hills reaching into Central California can be seen in the far distance to the southeast. Closer by to the south, you'll find the grass and forested hills of Calero County Park. The Santa Cruz Mountains, including Loma Prieta and Mt. Umunhum are to the southwest in the distance. Wooded hills within the park are closer by to the west and southwest. Looking northwest, one sees heavily populated Silicon Valley in the distance below. Oh, and Calero Reservoir can be seen close by to the east-northeast. Enjoy the 360 degrees of magnificent views as you run for almost a mile along the ridge top.

To find Vista del Oro Trail from Calero County Parks' Rancho San Vicente Entrance on McKean Road in the northwest corner of the park, take Lisa Killough Trail for 1.1 miles to a well marked trail junction. Go left here onto Vista del Oro Trail. The trail immediately starts climbing the grassy ridge. After about a half mile, the climb eases as the trail begins to run along the ridge. A radio tower on a high point to the left of the trail is passed. From here the trail slightly descends and climbs as it runs along the ridge top and one enjoys the views. After almost a mile on the ridge, the trail drops to meet Lisa Killough Trail at the 3.5 mile mark on Lisa Killough Trail.

Plenty of deer can be found here.