Rancho San Antonio
Location
From the Foothill Blvd exit of Hwy 280, drive Southwest on Foothill Expressway. Turn right at the first light (Cristo Rey Drive), take second right at the roundabout, and enter the park (on your left).
Parking: Two lower lots and 3 upper lots. Main lot (North-most, downhill) has bathrooms.
For directions, use Mapquest's Map of Cristo Rey Dr & Hammond Way, Cupertino, CA 95014, US.
Attractions:
- Model Plane flying area (non-gas models only)
- Historically maintained farm with animals (cow, goats, sheep, pigs, fowl, rabbits) and garden; eggs and produce are for sale occasionally
- Wild critters including lizards, rabbits, quail, woodpeckers, various other birds, deer, and less commonly seen screech owls, wild turkey, bobcats, coyotes, rattlesnakes, cougars. Ladybugs amass here during their breeding season.
- Extensive range of well marked and maintained trails (although many are too bumpy for strollers)
- Horse corral at lower parking lot immediately after entrance to park; horses are allowed on many trails
- Well kept parking lot with bathrooms and water at trailhead; bathrooms and water also at farm
- Barn at farm offers ample picnic tables for large groups. There are also picnic tables along the first part of the trails coming from the main parking lot
- There is a little playground as Hammond-Snyder Loop Trail passes through the residential area.
Limitations:
- No dogs allowed
- No bicycles except on paved trails and some fire roads in the valley
- No smoking
- Stay on the trails to avoid ticks and poison oak!
- This is very popular with locals, so it may be difficult to find parking
Season:
Year round, 8am to sunset
Fees:
None.
Maps & More Information:
Handicapped Access:
There are handicapped parking spots and handicapped stalls in the bathrooms. Several trails are wide and flat enough for handicapped access, particularly the Lower Meadow Trail to Deer Hollow Farm (do not take road, as it has a steep grade within ¼ mile of parking lot). There is a small parking lot closer to the farm that may be used with a park-issued permit.