3.2 hr
Overview
This segment traces the western boundary of 10,822-acre Joseph D. Grant County Park on a broad trail. Traverse grasslands, remote oak woodlands, and an ancient bay-tree forest to reach a 2,457- foot vista point with outstanding views of the Coast Range high peaks, the Santa Clara Valley, and Halls Valley to the east. Much of the route is in sun, so plan for an early start and carry plenty of water.<br><br>This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads and more <a href="https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16685&cat=0&page=1&utm_source=BARTsite&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BayAreaRidgeTrail">buy the book</a> from Wilderness Press.
Trail Stats
10.1 km
385 m
735 m
515 m
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Photos
Heading up into the grass hills on Edwards Loop Trail.
Heading up into the grass hills on Edwards Loop Trail.
The spring green Diablo Range in the distance, with the historic Washburn Barn and Grant Lake in the valley below, are seen from Edwards Loop Trail.
The spring green Diablo Range in the distance, with the historic Washburn Barn and Grant Lake in the valley below, are seen from Edwards Loop Trail.
Spring green Diablo Range hills ahead, descending at the end of Heron Trail.
Spring green Diablo Range hills ahead, descending at the end of Heron Trail.
The Diable Range is seen far into the distance, looking east-southeast from high on Heron Trail.
The Diable Range is seen far into the distance, looking east-southeast from high on Heron Trail.
A beautiful big old, mossy tree, in the shade near the start of Heron Trail.
A beautiful big old, mossy tree, in the shade near the start of Heron Trail.
The Santa Cruz Mountains are seen in the distance to the southwest (right) from the high ridge walk of Dutch Flat Trail. Loma Prieta, 3,790 ft. is the tallest Santa Cruz Mountain, in the distance at the right. Santa Clara Valley spreads out below (right).
The Santa Cruz Mountains are seen in the distance to the southwest (right) from the high ridge walk of Dutch Flat Trail. Loma Prieta, 3,790 ft. is the tallest Santa Cruz Mountain, in the distance at the right. Santa Clara Valley spreads out below (right).
Grant Lake, nestled in the Diablo Range hills, is seen in the distance below, to the north, from high on Dutch Flat Trail.
Grant Lake, nestled in the Diablo Range hills, is seen in the distance below, to the north, from high on Dutch Flat Trail.
Mt. Hamilton, 4,265 ft., with a dusting of snow and Lick Observatory on its summit, is seen to the northeast from high on Dutch Flat Trail.
Mt. Hamilton, 4,265 ft., with a dusting of snow and Lick Observatory on its summit, is seen to the northeast from high on Dutch Flat Trail.
Snow capped Mt. Hamilton, 4,265 ft., along a high ridge of the Diablo Range. In the spring the grass hills turn green and bright orange California Poppies, the state flower, appear everywhere. Looking northeast from high on Dutch Flat Trail.
Snow capped Mt. Hamilton, 4,265 ft., along a high ridge of the Diablo Range. In the spring the grass hills turn green and bright orange California Poppies, the state flower, appear everywhere. Looking northeast from high on Dutch Flat Trail.
Heading into the Diablo Range hills, the historic Washburn Barn is ahead, as Washburn Trail passes spring wildflowers in the green grasses.
Heading into the Diablo Range hills, the historic Washburn Barn is ahead, as Washburn Trail passes spring wildflowers in the green grasses.