Gaviota Trail

Overview

Gaviota Trail runs from the 1.2 mile mark of Coyote Ridge Trail to the 1.8 mile mark along Rancho San Ysidro Trail. Although Gaviota Trail can be enjoyed in either direction, this description starts from its trail junction along Coyote Ridge Trail.<br><br>Starting from Coyote Ridge Trail at a saddle on Coyote Ridge, Gaviota Trail immediately heads through the grasslands to the western side of Coyote Ridge. To the left along this section, there is an impressive view of Mummy Mountain across a grass valley for the first 0.3 miles.<br><br>At the 0.3 mile mark, having reached the western side of Coyote Ridge, Gaviota Trail turns right and heads northwest on the ridge side. From here, the trail continuously descends gradually, as it winds along the ridge side. Rural southern Santa Clara can be seen below to the southwest. To the northeast are the pristine grass hills of the park with Coyote Ridge rising to its crest. The trail crosses grasslands and wooded seasonal creek areas as it makes its way northwest.<br><br>Blue Oak Trail and the last wooded seasonal creek are passed at the 1.5 mile mark. From here, Gaviota Trail runs through the wide open, unshaded grasslands of the western side of the park and Coyote Ridge to its end at Rancho San Ysidro Trail after a total of 2.2 miles.

Trail Stats

Photos

Rounding a bend into a shaded trail section by a seasonal creek on Gaviota Trail. The bluish purple flowers are Ithuriels Spears.

Rounding a bend into a shaded trail section by a seasonal creek on Gaviota Trail. The bluish purple flowers are Ithuriels Spears.

Morning glories - a white variety, and orange monkey flower along Gaviota Trail in early May.

Morning glories - a white variety, and orange monkey flower along Gaviota Trail in early May.

Admiring Mummy Mountain and purple milk thistle from Gaviota Trail.

Admiring Mummy Mountain and purple milk thistle from Gaviota Trail.

A flowering California buckeye tree among the oaks along Blue Oak Trail.

A flowering California buckeye tree among the oaks along Blue Oak Trail.

The green, oak studded grass hills of Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County Park in early May, with Gaviota Trail winding through them.

The green, oak studded grass hills of Coyote Lake - Harvey Bear Ranch County Park in early May, with Gaviota Trail winding through them.

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