Golden hills covered with green trees extending into the hazy distance under a blue sky

Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve

Planning and Design Underway for Llagas Creek Bridge Crossing to Provide EXpanded Public Access

The Authority has kicked off the planning and design process for the first phase of expanded public access at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Once complete, this phase will provide visitor access from the existing staging area to the former Blair Ranch portion of the preserve.
 
The project will connect the Llagas Creek Loop Trail to a newly-installed bridge over Llagas Creek. Once across the bridge, visitors will find themselves in an enclosed grassland day-use area, nearly surrounded by riparian woodlands, or forested areas next to a body of water. Amenities will include an accessible trail, seating, and interpretation about the surrounding natural resources.

As a separate project, the Authority will look at the feasibility of providing access to the southern portion of the preserve. This will include an analysis of over five miles of existing ranch roads, and the potential for providing seasonal future access to rolling grasslands, blue oak woodlands, and mixed oak savannah in the preserve’s backcountry. In the future, visitor use will be open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Join our mailing list below to stay connected and get involved! 
 
This project is an example of how the Open Space Authority is Investing in Nature.

A Backcountry Experience

public access Vision:

  • Install bridge over Llagas Creek
  • Create interpretive trail/day-use area in creek-side grassland
  • Feasibility of future access to backcountry areas of the preserve  
Woman on trail at top of ridge taking photo of golden hills and blue sky
Fallen tree over creek with rocks and green grass
Foothill yellow-legged frog sitting between rocks and pebbles

Project Updates

The Authority wants your feedback! If you have feedback on this project, please email Jennifer Hooper, Assistant Open Space Planner.

Join our mailing list if you would like to receive project updates with opportunities for providing feedback on the public access plans at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.


 

Llagas Creek Bridge & Blair Ranch Backcountry Access Timeline

Fall/Winter 2019-2020

  • Site Analysis
  • Project Planning and Design
  • Project Design Alternatives

Summer 2020

  • Board of Directors Meeting - July 23, 2020
  • Citizens' Adivsory Committee Meeting - July 27, 2020

Fall/Winter 2020-2021

  • Preferred Alternative/Design Development
  • Use & Management Committee Meeting – February 25, 2021

Fall/Winter 2021-2022

  • Preliminary Permit Applications and Environmental Review

SUMMER/FALL 2022

  • Final Permit Applications
  • Board of Directors Meeting – August 11, 2022

Winter 2022-2023

  • CEQA Public Review Period and Final Documentation 
  • Secure Permits 
  • Construction Bid Documents and Contract Award

summer/FALL 2023

  • Bridge and Day-use Area Construction

LLAGAS CREEK BRIDGE AND DAY-USE AREA RIBBON CUTTING JUNE 8, 2024 

Pond surrounded by trees and green hills
View of golden hills and oak trees with trail, with blue hills stretching into distance and reservoir in the distance
Green hillsides covered in wildflowers and a line of hikers walking along ridge