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Bullock's Oriole by Tom Grey

Rancho Cañada del Oro (Morgan Hill)

Tucked in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Rancho Cañada del Oro is an open space preserve that has miles of trails through chaparral and oak woodlands. We'll stroll alongside the meandering Llagas Creek looking and listening for the birds of spring and summer such as Western Wood Pewee, Cassin's Vireo, Black-headed Grosbeak, and House Wren.

Trip Difficulty: 3 miles, dirt trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade, poison oak alongside trail (wear long pants)

Other Trip Notes: This trip starts early and will meet in the overflow parking lot, not the main parking lot.

Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391 and Edward Rooks (408) 318-2485

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 14 and up

Meet: Overflow Parking Lot

Directions: From US-101, exit Bailey Ave. Continue west on Bailey Ave for 3 miles. Turn left onto McKean Rd, continue for 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Casa Loma Rd. The preserve is located at the end of Casa Loma Rd and the overflow lot is 1/4 mile up the road from the main parking lot - please do not park in the gravel equestrian lot. Latitude/Longitude of the overflow lot: 37.144862, -121.779067.

Facilities: ADA accessible pit toilet, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent

Parking Type and Fees: dirt parking lot

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.