Wildcat Loop Trail, Wildcat Canyon, Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Santa Clara County, CA, 11/19/2015
Here is the view looking west along a favorite stretch of Wildcat Loop Trail in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve in the foothills of California’s Santa Cruz Mountains. This country trail is very popular among hikers, runners, and nature lovers. Here I have often spotted deer, quail, squirrels, and the occasional chipmunk, turkey, rabbit, and bobcat. The canyon is a watercourse for a tributary to Permanente Creek, and the riparian plant community includes many California Bay trees (Umbellularia californica). Their pungent leaves line and scent the trail. It is always a great pleasure to walk here and spend a few hours exploring this lovely canyon.
