50 min
Overview
Vista del Oro Trail is a ridge trail that parallels a section of Lisa Killough Trail. It runs along the ridge top for about 0.9 miles and climbs a couple of high points on the ridge. This grass-covered ridge is wide open, thus providing awesome views in all directions. To the northeast, the Diablo Range can be seen in the distance across the Santa Clara Valley. Hills reaching into Central California can be seen in the far distance to the southeast. Closer by to the south, you'll find the grass and forested hills of Calero County Park. The Santa Cruz Mountains, including Loma Prieta and Mt. Umunhum are to the southwest in the distance. Wooded hills within the park are closer by to the west and southwest. Looking northwest, one sees heavily populated Silicon Valley in the distance below. Oh, and Calero Reservoir can be seen close by to the east-northeast. Enjoy the 360 degrees of magnificent views as you hike for almost a mile along the ridge top.<br><br>To find Vista del Oro Trail from Calero County Parks' Rancho San Vicente Entrance on McKean Road in the northwest corner of the park, take Lisa Killough Trail for 1.1 miles to a well marked trail junction. Go left here onto Vista del Oro Trail. The trail immediately starts climbing the grassy ridge. After about a half mile, the climb eases as the trail begins to run along the ridge. A radio tower on a high point to the left of the trail is passed. From here the trail slightly descends and climbs as it runs along the ridge top and one enjoys the views. After almost a mile on the ridge, the trail drops to meet Lisa Killough Trail at the 3.5 mile mark on Lisa Killough Trail.
Trail Stats
2.6 km
111 m
291 m
215 m
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Photos
Lupine along Lisa Killough Trail
Lupine along Lisa Killough 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.
Spring wildflowers along Vista del Oro Trail, with Mt. Umunhum of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the distance, looking west-southwest.
Spring wildflowers along Vista del Oro Trail, with Mt. Umunhum of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the distance, looking west-southwest.
Calero Reservoir and the Diablo Range in the distance can be seen to the northeast from high on Vista del Oro Trail.
Calero Reservoir and the Diablo Range in the distance can be seen to the northeast from high on Vista del Oro 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.
Loma Prieta, the highest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is in the distance as Vista del Oro Trail drops down.
Loma Prieta, the highest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is in the distance as Vista del Oro Trail drops down.
Vista del Oro Trail climbs through fields of spring wildflowers, to its high point.
Vista del Oro Trail climbs through fields of spring wildflowers, to its high point.
Spring wildflowers and green hills along Vista del Oro Trail
Spring wildflowers and green hills along Vista del Oro Trail