I was confused by a number of PG&E/Rancho San Antonio Preserve trail names on AllTrails.com (all featuring some combinations of the names "Upper Wildcat," "High Meadow Loop," "Coyote Trail Loop" etc.) so I figured I'd try to clear things up for first-time visitors.
1. This website (https://www.openspace.org/preserves/rancho-san-antonio) has a map available for download and directions to the parking lots at 22248 Hammond Way, Cupertino, CA 95014. Using the map and additional information on the website's "Trails" tab, you can mix and match different trail loops and segments of trail loops, ranging from shorter ~3 mile loops up to any arbitrary length. This is how the various combinations of loops on AllTrails.com originated.
2. Parking is free; my friend and I came here early Wednesday afternoon and there were a good number of open spots. Can't speak to the weekends though.
3. You can grab a free map from the bins underneath an easy-to-miss "lost and found"/map display near one of the parking lots.
4. Spots where the trails fork or merge are clearly marked with signposts, though I'd recommend checking the map anyway.
My friend and I went in a clockwise direction: we started out on the Coyote Trail from the parking lot, and then took the Wildcat Loop Trail to continue going Westward (encountered a fair number of hikers/joggers, more than I expected on a Wednesday afternoon). Both of these segments are in a shaded valley and pass by some little creeks. We decided to keep going onto the Upper Wildcat Canyon Trail before heading back along the High Meadow trail, which was really worth it because fewer people came that way and the path took us above the valley for some views- nothing truly spectacular, but it was a nice reward for having come out so far. The particular combination we chose wasn't super difficult or strenuous (~6.3 miles, don't remember the elevation change) and was more like a long walk interspersed with some slopes.
We also saw lots of deer (some coming right up to the path/ walking along it), a bluejay, lots of squirrels, and a little bird that angrily squawked at us when we came too close (probably because its nest was nearby).
All in all a great experience. When I come back to the Bay Area I'll definitely consider trying the longer trails! read more