Open Space Authority lands in the east foothills, called Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, comprise 1,676 acres of grasslands, oak woodlands and oak savannas. The three-mile Boccardo Loop Trail is open to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. The trail is named in memory of John H. Boccardo and Erminia Boccardo, pioneers in Santa Clara County, and is designated as a portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Hours at Sierra Vista are from sunrise to sunset. The Boccardo Trail is reached through Alum Rock Park, which charges a $6 per vehicle parking fee. There is no water available at the trailhead or along the trail.

Boccardo Loop Trail

This 3-mile loop trail is a steep climb of about 1,100 feet to the top of a grassy knoll. The loop offers two routes to the top, one employing several switchbacks to create a more gradual ascent. Much of the trail is exposed to the sun; wildflowers among the grasses make this trail a lovely spring hike.

Access to the Boccardo Loop Trail is from Alum Rock Park. Take the North Rim Trail from Big Bear or Rustic Lands picnic areas to the Todd Quick Trail. Enter the Boccardo Trail through a gate at the top of the Todd Quick Trail.

 

Cattle graze on the property, so please close the gate after entering the trail. The cows are being used to improve grassland habitat for plant and animal diversity. The breed of cattle is Corriente. They have gentle dispositions and are very curious.

If you see cattle on the trail, give them a few minutes to move and then continue on your way. Don’t throw anything at the cows or chase them. They’ll move on their own. Also, don’t moo at cows with calves. Mooing can signal distress or act as a “feed me” cry from the calf.

 

 

Directions

From 680 exit east onto Berryessa Road. Follow Berryessa to Piedmont Road and turn right. Go left at Penitencia Creek Road. The entrance of Alum Rock Park is one mile east. Map to Sierra Vista