Celebrate the Lunar New Year—the Year of the Horse—with Docent Naturalists Catherine Xun, Jianfei Hu, and Susan Dunn on the Mindego Hill Trail. As you walk a ridge once traveled on horseback, you’ll hear a few simple New Year customs and a brief Chinese–Californian story. Expect wide-open views and seasonal grasslands. This is a moderately-paced hike with short breaks to observe signs of wildlife and learn how conservation grazing shapes these hills; the return climb is the steepest section, mainly in the last half mile. Bring snacks or a lunch.
Meet at the Mindego Gateway Parking Area on Alpine Road. From I-280, exit Page Mill Road and head west. Drive about 9 miles to the junction with Skyline Boulevard, cross over Skyline Blvd. and on to Alpine Road. Continue on Alpine Rd. for 1.5 miles. Parking area is on the right. Allow 45 minutes travel time from I-280.