Local Trails
Harvey Bear Ranch
(5 minutes form ranch)
Two entrances, San Martin Ave. and Roop Road. Easiest entrance would be San Martin Ave. wide road and no backing up required. Hot in the summer with minimal water, some trees, and steep trails, with beautiful views of the valley. Great for the endurance rider looking for some good hills to climb. Also has a 2 mile flat walking, biking and horse trail, NO HILLS! for kids or older horses.
I give this park an 8! Wish is had more trees.
Coyote Creek Trails
(15 minuntes from ranch)
101 north, take the Cochrone exit head east........Great flat trail the whole way. You will encounter, bikes, dogs wild life, small toy planes, going under hwy 101, going thru water. Great place to bomb proof your horse. If it's hot, cool off in the water, it runs all year round. Get up past your horse chest if you want. Good beginners trail.
I give this park a 6. needs better parking and better horse trails.
Mt Madonna
(15 minuntes from ranch)
Take 152 west of Gilroy. There are two entrances both off of 152. If you have a big trailer it could be interesting getting turned around. It's all up from there! Once you get to the top, Lots of trees and water. I love this place, you can ride all day! Beautiful trees, and wild life. There are no flat trails up here. Wanna get your horse in shape, this is the place to come.
I give this park a 9! Wish it had better parking.
Henry Co Park
(35 minutes from ranch)
Leasvley Rd east, right on Roop Rd. Fallow Roop past the Harvey Bear Entrance over a cattle guard and through the very curvy narrow road for miles. you will see a Fire station on your right, stay Left! Small entrance. There is about a 7 mile flat trail that will take you over many water crossings (in the winter months) until all you do is go up. Endurance riders you will love this place, Hills and Hills and more Hills. Lots of water and wild life...be careful. If your horse is not in shape I don't recommend riding here. So many trials you could get lost. Miles and Miles, take a map.
I give this park a 6. Wish it where easier to get to.
Moss Landing, AKA The Beach
(45 minutes from ranch)
Take 101 south out of Gilroy, West on 156, north on 1. Down about 4 miles on the left. Some theft down there, so don't leave anything lying out. It's a little dirty, but on a clear day you can see Monterey. We've seen sea otters and a school of dolphins. No Dogs allowed! They are very strick about it. You will get fined.
I give this park a 5. It could be cleaner.
Calero Ranch
(50 minutes north from ranch)
Take 101 north, to Bailey, head west. Right on McKean, 1 mile down on right. Great beginners trail. Flat trails, water and TREES!!! Great parking with pick nick tables. Hills if you want them. At the top you look down on Calero Lake and down town San Jose. Some of the Endurance trails you can see the bay on a clear day. Ride for Miles!!!
I give this park a 10! This is my favorite place to ride.