Step into the past with Docent Naturalists Catherine Xun, Susan Dunn, and Casey Litton. Explore the layered history of this remarkable preserve—from the Ohlone to 19th-century estate owners to the historic Alma College. You’ll wander the Alma Cultural Landscape on a relaxed walk with several interpretive stops. Following this first portion, you’ll have the opportunity to continue on an optional three-mile nature loop along the Middle Pete Siemens, Beaver, Thimbleberry, Oak Knoll, and Salamander Springs trails. This moderately-paced hike winds through redwoods, oak woodlands, and former estate gardens.
Meet at the Alma Parking Area. From Highway 17 take the Bear Creek Road exit, opposite Lexington Reservoir. (From southbound Hwy. 17, exit the highway and go under an overpass; road will curve right to a stop sign at Bear Creek Rd., turn left. From northbound Hwy. 17 exit highway and cross the highway via the overpass on to Bear Creek Rd.) Travel 1.0 mile from Hwy. 17 on Bear Creek Rd., as road curves left there will be a pedestrian crosswalk, turn left into the parking lot immediately after the crosswalk.