Rancho San Vicente County Park |
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| Overgrown meadow to become a trail access parking lot on Old Almaden Road. |
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| Decades of winter storm debris, introduced plant species choke Alamitos Creek bed. |
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| Huge non-native palm on adjacent resident's property. | ||
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| Decaying deadfall becomes habitat for a wide variety of species. | ||
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| In addition to fungi, rotting wood hosts plasmodial slime, reptiles, salamanders and newts. |
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| Trail route so enchanting, it drew me in. | ||
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| Line of trees, remnants of an orchard. | ||
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| Beautiful day to explore our valley's parks and preserves. | ||
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| Almaden Trail follows the contours of the hillsides to connect with the Ridge Trail. |
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| Rustic-looking wooden bench with views of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. |
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| Enjoying a gentle trail suitable for all family members. | ||
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| Near the summit, boulders accent the grassland scenery. | ||
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| Take a moment for a closer look at weathered rock. | ||
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| Consider its origin and composition. | ||
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| Weathered rock hosts numerous species. | ||
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| Squirrels and birds, like this rock wren, use tall boulders as look outs. | ||
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| Colorful lichen communities colonize rock surfaces. | ||
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| Given time, lichen spread into crevasses, nooks and crannies. | ||
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| Oaks above the main parking lot shaped by the wind. | ||
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| Scores of visitors enjoy Rancho San Vicente trails year round. | ||
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| Across the arroyo, below the water tank, stands what was once a massive blue oak. |
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| Another oak that has also lost half its width during our current drought. | ||
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| "Havoc" loves exploring new trails. | ||
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| Always leashed, grows impatient waiting for me while I take photos. | ||
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| Hilltop area of exposed Serpentine, California's State Rock. | ||
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| Birds, including the meadow lark, use overhanging rocks to shelter their nests. |
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| Colorful clothing makes it easier to spot fast-moving trail traffic ahead. | ||
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| This tree could be an Interior Live Oak which are said to be as wide as they are tall. |
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| Young man with his two high-energy canine pals use this trail for exercise. | ||
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| Between a rock and a cow splat, spring wildflowers bloom. | ||
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| Urban sprawl held in check. | ||
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| Protected from development. Set aside for the public. A showcase for nature. | ||
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