Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Northern California. Exploring Mountains, Valleys, and Seashore онлайн

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To Reach the Trailhead Take Interstate 580 to the North Livermore Ave. exit, head north on North Livermore Ave. for 4 miles, and turn right on Morgan Territory Rd., 0.5 mile beyond the point where North Livermore Ave. curves west and becomes Manning Rd. Follow twisting and one-lane Morgan Territory Rd. 5.5 miles to the signed trailhead on the right.

Description From the trailhead (0.0/2,030'), look for Mount Diablo to the north, your regular companion and landmark throughout the hike. To begin the journey, head out past the weathered ranch buildings and immediately bear left on singletrack Coyote Trail. The open grassland begins its transition to woodland and you soon pass the hike’s first oak on your left. Parasitic clumps of mistletoe dangle from the branches of this large valley oak; recognize the tree by its large, deeply lobed leaves. Continue left on Coyote Trail as Condor Trail (your return route) splits off to the right (0.1/2,000').

The trail winds past a small pond and beneath twisting coast live oaks, which can be identified by their spiny leaves that bend under at the margins. The route drops steeply into a shady ravine populated by mossy bay trees and small oaks. Maidenhair ferns line the moist north-facing slopes. During the descent, you regularly cruise along the edge of two ecosystems. The drier world of blue oaks and manzanita is visible just above, while buckeyes, black oaks, and bigleaf maples grow in the lush environment below.