Lisa Killough and Cottle Trail Loop

The loop is primarily located within Calero County Park. You can typically access the trail from the Rancho San Vicente Entrance, which offers parking facilities. Always check the park's official website for the most current parking information and any potential fees.

While the trail is popular, specific dog regulations for Calero County Park can vary. It's best to check the official Santa Clara County Parks website for current rules regarding dogs, including leash requirements and any restricted areas, before your visit.

It is highly recommended to visit when the landscape is green, typically during the cooler, wetter months from late fall through spring. This offers the most scenic views and more comfortable hiking temperatures. Summer can be hot and dry.

Calero County Park may have entrance fees or parking fees. It's advisable to check the official Santa Clara County Parks website for the most up-to-date information on any required permits or fees before planning your trip.

The trail offers a varied experience with a mix of surfaces, including fire roads, double-wide singletrack, and narrower dirt tracks. You'll encounter rolling hills, wooded and grassy sections, and broad creek valleys. Some parts are shaded by oak trees, while others are more exposed. Be prepared for varied inclines, including some steep climbs on sections of the Cottle Trail.

You'll enjoy consistent views of the Calero Reservoir throughout the hike. Don't miss Lisa's Lookout, a spur off the Lisa Killough Trail, which provides expansive panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. There's also the Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint offering great vistas.

Calero County Park is known for its diverse wildlife. Hikers often spot burrowing owls, coyotes, and ground squirrels. Near the reservoir, you might see ducks, geese, cormorants, and even bald eagles. Keep an eye out for various bird species and other mammals.

Yes, as of 2022, the Lisa Killough Trail is designated as one-way in the counter-clockwise direction, which is particularly relevant for cyclists. Hikers should also be aware of this to anticipate traffic flow. Some sections of the Cottle Trail can have steep grades, up to 17%, so be prepared for challenging ascents.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll hike along parts of the Bay Area Ridge Trail - 03 - South Bay, the Lisa Killough Trail, and the Cottle Trail. Other smaller sections include service roads, the North Ridge Trail, Oak Cove Trail, and Serpentine Loop Trail.

While some sections are beginner-friendly, especially for mountain biking with gentle inclines, the full loop for hikers can be moderately challenging due to varied inclines and some steep climbs on the Cottle Trail. Families with younger children or beginners might consider shorter, flatter sections of the park rather than the entire loop.

This hike is estimated to take approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your pace, the number of stops you make, and current trail conditions.