Trail Maintenance

Skyline Trail parallels Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) from the northwest corner of the park south to the Sunnyvale Mountain Picnic Area, with connections to the interior of Sanborn-Skyline via the Sanborn Trail and with Castle Rock at various points. It also serves as segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Although the northern end is more heavily used, the southern end from the Sanborn Trail junction south will see heavier use once the Ridge Trail extension to Lake Ranch Reservoir is constructed (expected to be completed by summer 2001). The trail is eroded and overgrown in several places, and very narrow due to debris built up on the inside.

     Trail Center volunteers have maintained various segments of the Skyline Trail since 1989 and repaired the upper portion of the Sanborn Trail in 1998. This project is our first maintenance project on the southern end of the Skyline Trail and serves as an introduction to our expected Ridge Trail project.

Skyline Trail (south end): Minor maintenance between Sanborn Trail junction and midpoint between junction and Sunnyvale Mountain, with brushing, widening and erosion control needed at midpoint. Brushing needed near picnic table at stone gate, 1/2 mile N of Sunnyvale Mountain. Tread maintenance (primarily widening) needed from picnic table to junction with fire road, 1/4 mile N of Sunnyvale Mountain.

Sanborn Trail: Depending on progress on Skyline Trail and availability of crews, we will close an illegal bike trail that drops steeply downhill approximately 100 ft. below the junction with Skyline Trail.

Skyline Trail (Sanborn Trail to Castle Rock): Minor maintenance between Sanborn Trail junction and Castle Rock access, depending on crew availability.

Trail Width: 2.5-4 ft.

Maximum Grade: existing grade for maintenance

Outslope: 2-3% (standard)

Flagging: At grade level (consult crew leader)

Hazards and Other Considerations: poison oak, wasps (possible), ticks.

Total Distance: Approx. 800 ft.

Structures required: None.

Expected Number of Workdays: 1

Access to Worksite and Parking: Parking for event is at Sunnyvale Mountain Picnic Area.

Water, Restrooms, Picnic Area: No water or restrooms available at picnic area.

Emergency: 911 from highway call boxes located at Sunnyvale Mountain and 1/2 mi. north on Hwy 35 (cell phones may not work in park).

Nearest Hospital: Santa Clara Medical Center, 900 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara. Travel north to Highway 9, turn right and go through Saratoga Village; veer right to Saratoga Ave. Travel 5.5 mi. to Kiely Boulevard; turn sharply left and go 1.7 mi. (approx. 30 min. travel time)

Driving Directions: From Hwy 85, take the De Anza Boulevard West exit and travel approx. 3 mi. to the Saratoga Village. Turn right on Highway 9 and go west approx. 7 mi. to Highway 35 (Saratoga Gap). Turn left and travel 7 mi. south to Sunnyvale Mountain Picnic Area parking (on left -- look for TC signs). Parking is limited -- carpools from Saratoga Gap encouraged.



     
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