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Winter Hiking With
Dr . Jon Hatakeyama
For those who want to avoid the expenditure and time needed to go skiing , but wish to participate in some healthy outdoor activities during the winter months , I suggest you try the great hiking available locally . The following are my suggestions in the order of proximity to Morgan HIll .
GILROY YAMATO HOT SPRINGS Due to the many historic structures located in this one time resort in the 1930s , this park remains off limits to the public except on special occasions . Due to this closure , the wilderness area within the Gilroy Hot Springs remains pristine . This hike has the best combination of historical significance and natural beauty . The mineral waters still flow but bathing is not usually allowed . After the recent earthquake , the springs are running stronger and hotter . The Hot Springs are typically available on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month or by special arrangements . Reservations are required : 408.314.7185 or info @ gilroyyamatohotsprings . org
HENRY COE STATE PARK , WILDERNESS AREA This hike was special . . . We saw no other hikers this day . It is only accessible from the Dowdy Ranch entrance , 6 miles east of Casa de Fruta on Pacheco Pass . Our guide , naturalist , Ron Erskine , unlocked two gates . We embarked on a 10-mile hike through beautiful wildflower fields , streams , mountain vistas , and rock outcroppings . On large rocks overlooking streams we saw worn small potholes for grinding acorns . Ron warned us when we came upon remains of a deer , that cougars are probably watching us . This is not the Coe Park on Dunne Avenue . This wilderness area , near Highway 152 , is only accessible by permit .
TODAY ’ S UVAS CANYON HIKE . . . A NATURAL HIGH Arrived at Uvas Canyon early to avoid the crowds . We traversed the Swedish summer retreat , Sveadal , to reach the start of our trail . The County Park is 13 miles from Morgan Hill . In contrast to the Pinnacles , this place is wet and wild with waterfalls , ladybugs , redwoods , and ferns . In such a dry year , this oasis is sure to dry up in the coming months . Trails are easy with many bridges crossing creeks . There are six miles of trails , side trails and loops . The one-mile Waterfall Loop Trail Guide offers a 27-point self-guided interpretative trail of the flora of Uvas Canyon . A hike in Uvas Canyon is a natural high .
THE PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK HIKE As a results of ancient volcanoes , earthquakes , and millions of years of erosion , this rare combination of nature ’ s forces created a spectacular range of rock formations , caves , and lakes . A flashlight required cave and trail hike , there are underground waterfalls seen and heard while ascending rock stairways in the dark ! There are several tight squeezes between rock formations . One emerges from the darkness to view the tranquil Bear Gulch Lake . Pinnacles National Park is located 30 miles southeast of Hollister . It is our nation ’ s newest Park . Pinnacles can be very hot . Bring water and aim for cooler times of the year .
Photos provided by Dr . JonHatakeyama
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