Hikers in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve / photo by Lanette Otvos

Chaparral Adventure

Monday, January 26, 2026
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
St. Joseph's Hill Preserve
Approximate Total Miles
4

Get better acquainted with your local flora by joining Docent Naturalists Nick Yatsko, Jumana Latif, and Annie Guo and Interpretive Specialist Katie Renz on a moderately-paced hike through this popular preserve. On a route along the Jones, Manzanita, and Novitiate trails you’ll have the opportunity to explore what makes chaparral such a unique California habitat and what adaptations these tough plants already have to help them survive in the face of climate change.

Where to Meet

Meet at the County boat launch parking lot next to the Lexington Reservoir Dam. From southbound Highway 17, take the Bear Creek Road exit, cross over the highway, and go 0.4 miles north on Highway 17 to Alma Bridge Road. Follow Alma Bridge Rd. over the top of the dam. Continue beyond the dam as the road jogs to the right.  Turn right into the parking lot just before the road veers to the left. A Santa Clara County Park parking fee is in effect.

To ensure your experience on a docent naturalist outing is enjoyable please review these activity guidelines.

For more information about trail characteristics for this event, check out the Midpen Trail Explorer app. To learn more about ADA accommodations for events, or make an inquiry with the ADA coordinator, visit our Accessibility page.

If your activity requires registration, please be sure to cancel your reservation (from your confirmation email) if you are no longer able to attend so others can participate.

After your participation on a guided activity please share your feedback — your input is meaningful to our volunteers and program staff – thank you!