2.3 hr
Overview
Lisa Killough Trail starts from the parking area at Calero County Park's Rancho San Vicente Entrance on McKean Road in the northwest corner of the park. From here, this trail winds through grass and wooded hills to end at the Cottle Trail deep in the backcountry of this park. The golden grasses of summer and autumn turn a brilliant bright green in winter and spring, exploding in vibrant wildflowers by March and April.<br><br>From its trailhead, Lisa Killough Trail heads into the grass hills climbing gently. To the right in the distant wooded hills are a few widely scattered homes. To the left rise the grass hills of Calero County Park. A few trail junctions are passed\u2014North Ridge Trail at the 0.2 and 0.4 mile marks, and then the start of the Cottle Trail at the 0.6 mile mark. About 1.1 miles from its trailhead, Lisa Killough Trail finally passes the Vista del Oro Trail on the left.<br><br>Shortly after passing Vista del Oro Trail, Lisa Killough Trail veers left (southeast) to head to the interior of the park, leaving all signs of civilization behind. A high, grassy ridge rises to the left of the trail. To the right of the trail is a wooded creek valley. Across the creek valley, one can see the wooded hills of the park and the Santa Cruz Mountains in the distance. The trail now goes through sunlit wooded sections as it levels off briefly before resuming its gradual climb.<br><br>At the 2.9 mile mark, there is a short 0.1 mile spur to Lisa's Lookout, above the trail's highpoint. This lookout has picnic tables and a great view of the hills and Santa Cruz Mountains. Lisa Killough, the trail and lookout's namesake, had a dedicated 25 year career with Santa Clara County Parks, enthusiastically promoting Santa Clara County Parks' growth and preservation.<br><br>Just after passing Lisa's Lookout, Lisa Killough Trail reaches its high point and begins to gradually descend. Continuing to wind through grass hills and thin woods, the trail passes the end of Vista del Oro Trail on the left at the 3.5 mile mark. From here
Trail Stats
8.0 km
153 m
270 m
128 m
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Photos
Lupine along Lisa Killough Trail
Lupine along Lisa Killough Trail
Spring wildflowers in the grass hills of Cottle Trail.
Spring wildflowers in the grass hills of Cottle Trail.
The Diablo Range can be seen in the distance to the northeast from Lisa Killough Trail.
The Diablo Range can be seen in the distance to the northeast from Lisa Killough Trail.
Lisa Killough Trail travels through fields of spring wildflowers with the Santa Cruz Mountains and Mt. Umunhum in the distance.
Lisa Killough Trail travels through fields of spring wildflowers with the Santa Cruz Mountains and Mt. Umunhum in the distance.
California poppies along Lisa Killough Trail
California poppies along Lisa Killough Trail
California poppies, blue eyed grass, and yellow flowers along Lisa Killough Trail
California poppies, blue eyed grass, and yellow flowers along Lisa Killough Trail
Beautiful spring greenery is everywhere in a shaded section of Lisa Killough Trail.
Beautiful spring greenery is everywhere in a shaded section of Lisa Killough Trail.
Mt. Umunhum of the Santa Cruz Mountains is in the distance as Lisa Killough Trail emerges from a shaded section.
Mt. Umunhum of the Santa Cruz Mountains is in the distance as Lisa Killough Trail emerges from a shaded section.
Wildflowers and spring greenery is everywhere along Lisa Killough Trail in late March.
Wildflowers and spring greenery is everywhere along Lisa Killough Trail in late March.