Rancho Cañada del Oro Limekiln Canyon

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Rancho Cañada del Oro Limekiln Canyon

Explore a wonderful non-public portion of Rancho Cañada del Oro tracing the oak and riparian corridor of Limekiln Canyon back to a remote stock pond. This out-and-back trip covers a portion of the CBC route which frequently turns up Red-breasted Sapsucker. The pond has a couple surprises each year, including Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Common Merganser, or Ring-necked Duck. Belted Kingfisher may patrol the creeks and pond. Band-tailed Pigeon are often numerous, and we'll see the common birds of oak woodlands and oak meadows such as Western Bluebird, Oak Titmouse, Hutton's Vireo, White-breasted Nuthatch, and more.

Trip Difficulty: 4 miles. This is an out-and-back route that follows a private road and then a single track trail. There is about 300 ft gradual elevation gain. Depending on recent rainfall, there may be multiple low creek crossings with unstable footing, so wear boots or sturdy shoes that can get wet.

Trip Notes: This area can be surprisingly cold, especially after clear nights, so dress appropriately. Rain cancels. Mobile phone coverage is spotty back here, so do not rely on it.

Leaders: Michael Hawk: 408-475-4295, hawk.mr@gmail.com and Sarah Chan

Meet: Preserve 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: 37.147363, -121.774899

Facilities: wheelchair-accessible pit toilet, no drinking water, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent

Parking: Free paved parking with a gravel overflow lot

Banner Photo: Red-breasted Sapsucker by Janna Pauser

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