01
Best overall pick
Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve
Casa Loma Road Foothills • Quiet Canyon Preserve With Oak Woodland Trails • Local Favorite For Varied Loops
A Casa Loma doorstep preserve with well‑signed loops, big views, and a true backcountry feel without a long drive.
Located right off Casa Loma Road, this preserve is the closest and most natural starting point for exploring the area’s hills. The Mayfair Ranch and Longwall Canyon loop serves up a satisfying mix of creek crossings, shaded oak forest, and open ridges with wide views toward the South Bay. It’s popular on weekends but rarely feels crowded, making it a go‑to choice for anyone who wants a classic Santa Cruz Mountains hike with flexible distance options.
02
Best lakeside hike
Calero County Park
South San Jose Hills • Rolling Ranchland And Lakefront Trails • Best For Half‑Day Outings
A mix of grassy hills, working ranch scenery, and reservoir views just a short drive over the ridge from Casa Loma.
Calero’s trail network feels wide‑open, with long sightlines across golden hills and the blue stretch of Calero Reservoir below. The Figueroa and Peña trails make a satisfying loop with enough elevation gain to feel like a workout but not so much that it becomes a slog. It’s a solid pick when you want room to roam, bird‑watch along the shoreline, and still be back in Casa Loma by lunch or dinner.
03
Best history-meets-hiking spot
Almaden Quicksilver County Park
New Almaden • Historic Mining Park With View-Packed Ridges • Best For History Buffs And Strong Hikers
Miles of steep but rewarding trails wind past old mine ruins to ridges overlooking south San Jose and the surrounding hills.
Almaden Quicksilver pairs leg‑stretching climbs with traces of the region’s mercury‑mining past, from brick furnaces to old foundations. Routes like the Mine Hill and Randol trails connect into loops that can easily fill a morning, with frequent viewpoints looking back toward Casa Loma’s ridgeline. It’s a great choice if you like your hikes with a bit of local story and don’t mind some sustained elevation gain.
04
Most dramatic summit views
Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (Mt. Umunhum Area)
Santa Cruz Mountains Crest • High-Elevation Ridge Hikes With Expansive Vistas • Best For Seasoned Hikers
Steep mountain trails climb to panoramic viewpoints, including the landmark Mt. Umunhum summit above the Casa Loma area.
From trailheads off Hicks Road and Mt. Umunhum Road, you can climb into the heart of the Sierra Azul range that rises above Casa Loma. The ascent to Mt. Umunhum is gradual but sustained, rewarded by sweeping views over the South Bay, the Diablo Range, and deep into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Choose this when you want a bigger day out and cooler temperatures, and be prepared for limited shade and quickly changing weather on the exposed ridges.
05
Best winter and spring escape
Uvas Canyon County Park
Uvas Canyon West Of Morgan Hill • Shaded Creek And Waterfall Canyon • Best For Cool, Mellow Walks
A lush, tree‑covered canyon with short loop trails that thread past seasonal waterfalls and a lively creek.
Tucked into a side canyon southwest of Casa Loma, Uvas Canyon feels noticeably cooler and greener than the open hills around it. The Waterfall Loop links several small cascades in under a few miles, making it ideal for families or friends who want scenery without a big climb. It’s especially rewarding after winter rains, when the creek runs high and the moss‑covered rocks and ferns feel almost coastal.