TRIP POLICY: Please limit your sign-ups to 1 weekend trip and 2 weekday trips per month. Also, please take a moment to read our other policies here.
Lazuli Bunting by Dave Zittin
Joseph D. Grant - Ranch House area (East Hills San Jose)
Joseph D Grant County Park is an excellent spot for birding in the East County. The Ranch House, oak canopy, rose garden fountain, and riparian offer a variety of year-round resident and seasonal birds. A walk along the Hotel Trail reveals open fields and chaparral inhabited by California Thrasher, Lazuli Bunting, Lark Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Vermilion Flycatcher (rare).
Trip Difficulty: 2 miles; paved trails, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, lawns (potentially wet), little or no elevation gain, some shade
Leaders: Ryan Ludman (248) 719-1331
Beginner Friendly
Meet: Ranch house parking area near green barn
Directions: From US-101 exit Capitol Expy in San Jose and continue east for 1.7 miles, turn right onto Quimby Rd and continue for 7 miles. Turn right onto CA-130 E and continue for 0.2 miles. The park entrance is on the right. After passing through the park entry kiosk, continue into the park for about 300 ft. Turn left to follow the sign directing you to Green Barn Parking. Park near the restroom and green barn. Note that google maps “Ranch House Parking Area” will take you to a different location in the large parking lot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.337493, -121.716896
Driving Notes: Quimby Road winds up into the hills with some steep drop-offs and one short section of narrow road. As an alternative route, some people take Mount Hamilton Rd (Hwy 130) to the park.
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, drinking water
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, ADA compliant spots, parking fees (use Santa Clara County Park annual pass, otherwise it is $6.00 per car, credit card only)
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.