Look for the rare winter-flowering western leatherwood, a shrub found only in the Bay Area, with Docent Naturalists Nick Yatsko, Nancy Weintraub, and Annie Guo. As you focus on searching for its delicate yellow blooms and learning about its mysterious story, you’ll also get a chance to zoom out for fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Other early-blooming plants may also be seen on this moderately-paced hike along the Lower Meadow and Wildcat Loop trails in this popular preserve.
Meet near the restroom at the bottom of the hill in the preserve parking lot farthest to the right. From I-280, take Foothill Boulevard south and turn right almost immediately onto Cristo Rey Drive. Continue about 1 mile, veer right around the traffic circle, and turn left into the park. After entering the preserve, turn right and drive approximately 0.3 miles to Lot 6.