Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Reserve, Morgan Hill

Photo courtesy of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

Join Bay Nature, Stu Weiss of Creekside Science, representatives from the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (OSA), the Santa Clara Habitat Agency and other guests for an exclusive hike at the newly opened Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve—featured in Bay Nature’s Fall 2023 article “A Jewel of the South Bay’s Serpentine Grasslands Is Now Protected.” On this special outing, you’ll receive a behind the scenes tour of areas not usually accessible to the public and get a sneak peak of the Bay checkerspot butterfly in company with its champion, Stu Weiss. You’ll discover new trails with endangered plants and animals during peak wildflower season and have the chance to view burrowing owls and tule elk. OSA’s many experts will educate you about the unique serpentine landscape, the creation of this brand new preserve, and its partnership with local Native American tribes.

Route: 

• Meet in the parking lot at the main entrance where restrooms are available. View the new entrance, accessible areas, and walk the short loop trail while seeing new interpretive panels and a view of Coyote Valley. (approx. 10 minutes)

• Return to cars and take a short drive to the Quarter Midget parking lot. (Carpool if choosing hike option 2 below.)*

• Regroup and head to trailhead.

• Hike with educational stops and wildflower viewing.

• "Choose your own adventure" options from here:

  • Those who wish to hike farther will continue to complete the loop downhill back to the Main Entrance parking lot. (Total distance covered for the outing = 4.5 miles)

  • Those who wish to return to the Quarter Midget lot will return along the previous trail. (Total distance covered for the outing = 2 miles)

• Afterwards, guests are allowed to explore the preserve on their own until it closes at 4:00pm. 

Hike length: 2 miles (Or optional 4.2 miles)*

Hike difficulty: Moderate

Parking: Free at meeting spot and second location at Quarter Midget gravel lot for today’s Bay Nature hike.

Elevation change/Uneven terrain: 100 ft. elevation gain with few places to sit and rest.

Access to restrooms and water: Restrooms are located at Main Entrance only. No drinking water is available. Please bring your own.

Other notes:  Bring at least one full water bottle per person, sun protection, a sun hat with chin cord, and warm layers. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended. Please plan to eat before and after the hike and bring snacks if necessary. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entirety of the hike. No dogs are allowed on the preserve, except service animals.

Meet your hike leaders:

Stu Weiss is the chief scientist of Creekside Science. Stu was awarded Bay Nature’s 2023 Conservation Action award.

Representing the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (OSA):

• Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager. Andrea was awarded Bay Nature’s 2016 Conservation Action award.

• Teri Rogoway, Educational Program Administrator. Teri oversees the Authority's docent and educational programming.

• Derek Neumann, Field Operations Manager. Derek oversees the care of open space lands and their natural resources.

• Michelle Garcia, Educational Program Coordinator.

Matthew Fogarty is the senior land management and monitoring specialist for the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency.

Justin Fields is a fifth generation cattle rancher and board member at large on OSA’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee.

Victoria Schlesinger is Bay Nature’s editor in chief. Victoria joined the organization in spring 2015.

Barbara Butkus is Bay Nature’s development manager and Publisher's Circle contact person.

COVID-19 guidelines: Please stay at home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.

If you have any questions, please contact barbara@baynature.org.