Meandering Among Migrants: Rancho Cañada del Oro

Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

Meandering Among Migrants: Rancho Cañada del Oro

Tucked in the foothills of Santa Cruz Mountains, Rancho Cañada del Oro is an open space preserve that has miles of trail through chaparral and oak woodland. We'll bird along just a small portion of these trails, meandering with the Llagas and Baldy Ryan Canyon Creeks. We'll look and listen for the birds of spring and summer such as Cassin's Vireo, Black-headed Grosbeak, and House Wren.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, 0.5-mile flat paved ADA Accessible Llagas Creek Loop Trail, followed by the flat dirt Longwall Canyon Trail up to the creek crossing. You may shorten this trip by returning after the 0.5-mile loop trail.

Other Trip Notes: Please don't forget sun protection and water-- we'll try to stick to the shade, but portions of this outing are pretty exposed.

Leaders: Dani Christensen, (408)781-5530 and Laura Coatney (408) 595-1987

Beginner Friendly

Meet: Rancho Cañada del Oro main 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. If the parking lot is full, there is an overflow lot 1/4 mile up the road - please do not park in the gravel equestrian lot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.147381, -121.774868

Facilities: Pit toilet, no potable water, spotty cell service.

Parking Type and Fees: No fees

Banner Photo: Cassin's Vireo by Luis Villablanca

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