Overview
Preserve Highlights & Features
Ocean Views
Of Midpen's 27 preserves, Cloverdale Ranch is nearest to the coast. Currently, the only public access in Cloverdale Ranch Preserve is the 1-mile, out-and-back Wilbur's Watch Trail that can be accessed from a small parking area and trailhead just off Highway 1 south of the Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
What the Wilbur's Watch Trail lacks in distance, it makes up for in spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, lighthouse and Point Año Nuevo.
Flora and Fauna
Cloverdale is rich in native plant and animals including rare special status species such as California red-legged frog, northern harrier, olive-sided flycatcher, loggerhead shrike, common yellowthroat and grasshopper sparrow. Endangered marbled murrelets, a seabird that nests in old-growth trees, are known to reproduce in the Gazos Creek watershed and have been observed flying over the preserve.
Over 600 different species of plants grow in and around Cloverdale Ranch, including in nearly 450 acres of sensitive natural communities like riparian forests and freshwater wetlands. Cloverdale is located along the Pacific flyway and experiences use by a number of migrating birds including burrowing owl (overwintering) and grasshopper sparrow. It also supports endemic/local bird species such as the savannah sparrow that make use of the perennial coastal grasslands.
Coastal Grasslands
Cloverdale Ranch uplands includes large tracts of biologically rich coastal grasslands, including some healthy stands of native grasses and wildflowers. Coastal grasslands are one of the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems in North America.
Coastal grasslands evolved with, and benefit from, regular disturbance to prevent loss of biodiversity to introduced species, shrubs and forest. These disturbances were historically provided by grazing wildlife herds, natural fires and Native American burning practices. Later, the Coastside’s ranching history helped keep many of these grasslands undeveloped and prevented encroachment.
Stories from the Preserves
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Know Before You Go
Trails in Midpen preserves can be remote, providing a wildland experience in nature very different from a city park. Prepare to maximize a safe and enjoyable visit to open space preserves in all seasons by following these tips. Plan ahead before you leave:
- Always check trail conditions before leaving home to say up-to-date on regulations and potential temporary closures.
- Check the weather: Consider other plans during events such as storms or extreme heat.
- Bring a map: They can be printed or downloaded from the preserve webpages. Cell phones don’t always have service in some areas of Midpen preserves.
- Pack essentials: Water, weather-appropriate clothing, basic first aid supplies and food. Midpen preserves are wildland areas with minimal development. Consider sun protection, sturdy footwear, and long pants particularly in grassland areas where there may be ticks.
- Bring a friend and tell someone your plan: Bring someone with you, and make sure someone knows where you are heading and when you expect to return.
- Make a backup plan: Some of the more popular preserve parking areas can fill early, especially on the weekends. Google Maps show how busy places are: search for a preserve and scroll down to the popular time graph. Plan accordingly and have a Plan B — one or two alternate locations ready in case your destination is full.
- Recreate responsibly: Play it safe by choosing low-impact activities, going slow and staying within your limits. It can take time for emergency responders to reach you out on the trails. Always remain aware of your surroundings.
- Leave no trace: Midpen adheres to a Leave No Trace ethic in its preserves, which have no trash cans, so be prepared to leave nature as you found it by taking back everything that you bring in. Leave what you find, and respect plants and wildlife.
- Midpen trails are for everyone: Treat people of all identities and abilities with kindness and respect.
Brochures and Resources
Some additional resources to help you enjoy the preserves!
