New preserve is the largest protected continuous serpentine grassland in the southern Bay Area. Visitors can explore five miles of trails featuring rolling hills, rare plants and wildlife.
By Naomi Friedland
Oct. 25, 2023— At the end of August 2023, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority opened the newest preserve in the south bay. Máyyan ‘Ooyákma–Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve includes in its name the Chochenyo translation of “Coyote Ridge.” The Muwekma Ohlone is one of the divisions of the tribe that are indigenous to what is now the Bay Area.
The Open Space Authority acquired Coyote Ridge from United Technologies Corporation, which used Coyote Ridge as a buffer zone for their rocket and missile propulsion testing facility from 1959 to 2004. The Open Space Authority acquired the land in 2015 for $8.6 million and opened up five miles of trail to the public eight years later.
The 1,859-acre open space preserve, located in the Diablo Range northeast of Morgan Hill, is the largest protected continuous serpentine grassland in the southern Bay Area. Serpentine soils, derived from the weathering of the metamorphic rock serpentinite, contain low levels of nutrients that most plants require.
According to Friends of Edgewood, supporters of a nearby park and natural preserve in Redwood City, “Serpentine soils and rocks cover only about 1% of California, but 12% of the endemic plant species are restricted to these habitats.”
Endemic species are plants and animals that only live in a specific habitat and geography. The dwarf plantain, checkerspot butterfly caterpillar, and federally listed Metcalf Canyon jewelflower are some of the most notable endemic species that Máyyan ‘Ooyákma-Coyote Ridge protects.
There is no shortage of stunning views. Hikers can trek all five miles of trail in one large loop or opt for a short hike to a scenic view on the accessible Máyyan Wáayi (Coyote Valley) Overlook Trail. The trails also link to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a massive project to create a 550-mile loop around the Bay Area.
Location:
9611 Malech Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Free public parking on the right of Malech Ralech as you enter.
Know Before you Go:
In order to preserve these rare and endangered species, the Open Space Authority requires visitors to take some extra precautions before visiting the preserve. A Butterfly Pass is needed to hike on all but one trail. Visitors simply read preserve guidelines on the Open Space Authority’s Butterfly Pass page and fill out a form to ensure that they understand and can abide by measures to protect wildlife.
From March through May, the Habitat Protection Area, where visitors typically just need a Butterfly Pass to enter, is only open for free docent-led hikes by reservation on the weekends.
Ways to Recreate
-Hiking, horses, and bikes (including e-bikes) are allowed on designated trails. Horse trailer parking is available Wednesday through Friday by reserving a spot by email info@openspaceauthority.org
-Picnicking is allowed in designated rest areas. There are two picnic tables under the shade structure located along the Máyyan ‘Ooyákma trail
-Accessible areas: the shaded picnic area, seating area facing into the preserve, two scenic overlooks connected by accessible trails, and shaded central gathering area with interpretive signage.
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