Springtime Hikes in a New Bay Area Preserve
Springtime at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma — Coyote Ridge
Story and Photos by Susan Alcorn
If you are seeking a hike in the Santa Clara Valley where you likely will find dozens of varieties of wildflowers, don’t miss seeing the lovely show at ‘Mayyan ‘Ooyákma — Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. This grassland area of more than 1,800 acres opened to the public just last August. In springtime, visitors will find colorful wildflower displays along the trails by signing up for a docent-led hike or going on their own with the required Butterfly Pass. The pass, guided tours, entry, and parking are free.
I was lucky enough to get the last ticket for one of the March 2024, Bay Checkerspot Trail tours. The ticket was for one car — visitors can bring as many people as they can safely fit in their car.
We drove into the parking lot, admiring how clean the front-country facilities were, the informative signboards, even the restroom. A table had been set up with maps and brochures we could take with us to identify the wildflowers on the trail, or at home.
Our group was promptly greeted by our docent, Michelle Garcia, Educational Program Coordinator. Our first stop was a shoe cleaning station, where we could clean off any accumulated dirt that might be harboring weed seeds from elsewhere. We squirted the bottom of our shoes with a water/alcohol mixture and then brushed off any remaining dried mud.
A Brief Orientation
Our next stop was for a brief overview of the history of the reserve and of the people who trace their history to the indigenous People of the region. The name, Máyyan ‘Ooyákma, directly translates to Coyote Ridge in the Chochenyo language — the language stewarded by the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area. Our practicing saying the name was challenging to most of us that day, but was an important reminder of who first lived here.
The Trails
The preserve has 5.1 miles of hiking trails, including 3.8 miles designated as part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. There are four named trails: Máyyan Waayi (Coyote Valley), Checkerspot, Tule Elk, and Serpentine Spring.
Mayyan Waayi Overlook Trail starts from the parking lot. It travels 1,000 feet on a short spur leading to a loop at the end (like a lollipop). Its gentle grade (5% average) and firm, stabilized, decomposed granite surface make it partially accessible. It leads to a rise with two scenic viewpoints where serpentine (California’s State Rock); wildflowers during the season, and meadowlarks may be enjoyed. Visitors can also enjoy the shaded picnic area. No permits are required to visit.
The other three trails, Serpentine, Tule Elk, and Bay Checkerspot, form a loop. When docents lead a hike through the entire 5.1-mile loop, they generally do so clockwise because it’s judged safer. It allows hikers to tackle the steeper Serpentine trail going uphill, then cross the ridgetop along the relatively gentle Tule Elk, and descend the hillside on the series of switchbacks down the moderate Bay Checkerspot.
The Serpentine Spring Trail rises 1,000 feet in 1.3 miles. The first part offers sweeping views of Coyote Valley and San Jose and passes through an area of serpentine rock (which contributes essential ingredients to the native wildflowers). It passes the Serpentine Spring, which supplies freshwater to the rare Mount Hamilton Thistle. Continuing up through some of the steepest sections, one reaches a welcome rest area and viewpoint.
The Tule Elk Trail offers a relief after the climb. It travels 1.3 miles with less than 50 feet elevation change. It offers extensive views to the southern Santa Clara Valley and east to the Shingle Valley in the Diablo Range. Here you may see Golden Eagles and other raptors or catch a glimpse of the resident Tule Elk.
The descent, on the Bay Checkerspot Trail, follows switchbacks the 2.5 miles from the ridge back down to the trailhead, losing 500 feet, while gaining stunning views across Santa Clara Valley to Mt. Umunhum in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Here look closely for the lovely, but threatened, butterfly with its brilliant checkerboard pattern of white, black and reddish-orange markings. Don’t forget to also look for more wildflowers in the spring.
More sightings
In an outdoor setting it’s rarely a given that wildlife will be there when you arrive, but there are other rare, threatened, or endangered species that you may find during your visit — including, according to the Santa Clara Open Space Authority, the Metcalf Canyon jewelflower, California red-legged frogs and tiger salamanders, and Western burrowing owls. Binoculars can aid with your search.
Rules include
Access, in order to protect the preserve, is restricted to certain hours and days, with seasonal changes.
Because of the sensitive nature of the preserve, unscheduled closures may occur. Check the website before setting out.
Docent-led hikes require reservations.
Self-directed hikes require carrying the Butterfly Pass, easily obtained online.
Mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding are only allowed on the trails.
No pets allowed.
Safety
Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for the terrain. Wear layers for changing conditions. Bring sun protection and snacks. Carry enough water — there is no drinking water at the site.
Current Guided Hikes
Docent-led hikes are offered seasonally, and signups go fast. Currently, two docent-led hike choices and a special Earth Day event are offered.
Early April Guided Hikes at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma — An out-and-back of the Bay Checkerspot Trail.
Extended Educational Guided Hike at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma — The loop of the three major trails
Earth Day Fun at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma!. Saturday, April 20 only.
Sign-ups for May will be available on April 18, 2024.
Seasons/Hours of operations
As the seasons change, so do the times and days various parts of the preserve are open.
• The Parking/Central Gathering Area is open Sunday-Saturday.
• Trails inside the Habitat Protection Area are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Saturdays and Sundays, March through May, all visitors must sign-up for a docent led tour to access the trails inside the Habitat Protection Area.
• Wednesday through Sunday, June though February, the trails inside the Habitat Protection Area are open to visitors; visitors are required to have a Butterfly Pass.
Note:
• Red Flag Warning days and inclement wet weather can lead to trail or preserve closures without notice.
• All events will be listed on the Open Space Authority EventBrite page here
Map, driving directions, and more
MÁYYAN ‘OOYÁKMA — COYOTE RIDGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
9611 Malech Rd., Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Directions:
From Hwy 101 or Hwy 85
• East on Bailey Avenue
• Continue on to Malech Road
• Free public parking area will be on the right
Bottom line — It was worth the wait
You may well experience some of the difficulties I did arranging a visit — tickets going fast and a cancellation due to recently rainy weather, but I felt it was well worth the effort. It was a beautiful place to visit, and I felt privileged to be able to hike in this unique setting. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving sensitive lands and wildlife and of caring for them far into the future.
You can also find out more about Susan Alcorn’s hiking adventures at SusanDAlcorn.com
