The Trail Companion

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One of the best displays of elegant clarkia (Clarkia elegans), farewell-to-spring (Clarkia amoena ssp.), royal larkspur (Delphinium variegatum), white globe lily (Calochortus albus) and other mid-spring flowers takes place along the Stevens Creek Trail (a.k.a. Stevens Canyon or REI Trail). Look for a colorful show on the cliffs above the trail approximately one-half mile from the southern end. Other treats along this trail include numerous Fremont's star lily (or Fremont's death camus) (Zigadenus fremontii) midway along trail, in the chaparral. If you visit early in the season, you will see a fine stand of leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis), an endemic species of the Santa Cruz Mountains, on the north-facing slopes not far from the reservoir.

Getting there: From I-280, take Foothill Blvd. west. At Stevens Creek Blvd. the road becomes Stevens Canyon Rd.; continue for 3.5 miles to the small parking lot on the right at the upper end of the reservoir. A fire road on the opposite side of the road leads to the trailhead. Note: if the lot is closed, you may reach the northern end of the trail from the park headquarters and taking the Stevens Creek Trail west past the dam.

Distance/elevation change: 2 miles one way from the southern end; approx. 250 ft. climb. From the park headquarters, distance is 2.7 miles one way and a climb of 380 ft.

Best time for flowers: February through May.

On the Web: Stevens Creek County Park on the Santa Clara County Parks site.

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Wildflower and Plant Guides - Web and Electronic Resources

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