A journey hike (i.e. a hike bereft of climatic destination) the Butano Ridge Loop is an excellent mediation on the consistent beauty of Santa Cruz Mountain forests.
A challenging 12-mile hike up to the high country of Rancho San Antonio climbs almost 2500 feet and offers astounding views of Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
The northernmost trail at Rancho San Antonio park in Silicon Valley climbs 1000 feet in 9.2 miles and traverses chaparral, oak woodland and beautiful meadows.