Volcanic remnants are among the defining characteristics of Pinnacles.

Here’s your local guide on where to hike in South County, including distance and links to past columns by outdoor columnist Ron Erskine.

Alamden Quicksilver County Park: Rolling walk to old quicksilver mine – moderate length

Alviso/Bottom of the Bay: Bay wetlands, levees, and birds – short walk

Bear Ranch: Level ramble, valley views

Bear Ranch Ridgeline: Long rolling ramble, valley views, lake views

Bear Ranch – Mummy Mountain Trail: Sierra-like views and exposures

Calero County Park: Rolling hill south of Calero Reservoir – Figueroa Trail

Coe Park – China Hole: 10-mile walk to a classic Coe destination

Coe Park – Cross country to Middle Fork: Ambitious trip to rarely visitied stretch of creek

Coe Park – Forest/Springs Trail Loop: Easy 3.5 miles – flowers, views, variety

Coe Park – Frog Lake loop: Lovely middle distance walk. Flowers and views

Coe Park loop – Middle Ridge: Great 6-mile loop – fall, spring

Coe Park’s Mother Madrone: Finding a massive madrone on the Middle Ridge Trail

Coe Park loop – Pine Ridge: Short loop, good spring flowers

Coe Park – Hunting Hollow: Steep climb to late spring flowers – various lengths

Coe Park Backcountry: Large remote wilderness

Coyote Creek Parkway (upstream): Wetlands and waterfowl – short, level

Coyote Creek Parkway – (downstream): Creekside riparian habitat, near freeway – short level

Coyote Ridge: Flowers, wildlife, and interesting biology – short, steep

El Toro history: Steep, steep climb – great views

El Toro annual hike: Steep, steep climb – great views

El Toro: Could be open soon

Fremont Peak: Short walk to summit. Great views.

Gilroy Hot Springs: Scheduled visit to this historic site

Mt. Madonna County Park: Steep wooded climb, cool in summer

Mt. Madonna Watersheds: Short rolling walk in two rainforest-like watersheds

Old Stage Road – north: Climbs the hills near San Juan Bautista – short climb

Old Stage Road – south: Far side of road near San Juan Bautista- short climb

Pacheco State Park: Rolling terrain, great views – various lengths

Panoche Valley: Huge isolated valley – go in spring

Pinnacles National Monument – Chalone Pk.: Highest point at Pinnacles with views over Salinas Valley

Rancho Canada del Oro: Views, flowers, variety. Some steep portions

San Pedro Ponds – Morgan Hill: Trails around restored percolation ponds

Santa Teresa County Park: Bare terrain, spring flowers, views of Almaden – short climb

Uvas County Park: Waterfalls, forests, cool in summer

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Ron Erskine is a local outdoors columnist and avid hiker. Visit him online at www.RonErskine.com, his blog at www.WeeklyTramp.com or email him at [email protected].

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