Author: Karl Mosgofian

Djerassi Resident Artists Program, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains one hour south of San Francisco, makes its majestic 583-acre ranch available to the public on a very limited basis. The hikes feature site-inspired sculptures created and donated by artists during its 37-year history.

Web Page: djerassi.org

Location: 2325 Bear Gulch Road, Woodside, CA 94062

Directions: Bear Gulch Road is a narrow, winding, one lane country road with two-way traffic. It has a number of permanent residences. Watch for turn-offs and wider areas to accommodate oncoming traffic. Be prepared to back up if necessary. Vehicles going up hill on a steep grade and those pulling trailers have the legal right of way.

Directions from San Francisco
(estimated driving time: 1 - 1 1/2 hour)
South on 280 exit Bunker Hill Dr. turn left at the end of ramp to 92. Turn right on 92 towards Half Moon Bay.or South on 101 exit west on 92 towards Half Moon Bay.
Turn left (south) on 35 (Skyline Blvd.). Drive 10 miles. Turn right (west) on Bear Gulch Road West.

From San Jose
(estimated driving time: 1 hour)
North on 280 or 101 exit 84 (Woodside Road) towards Woodside to Skyline Blvd. Turn right (north) on 35 (Skyline Blvd.) drive for 2.2 miles. Turn left (west) on Bear Gulch Road West.

From Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Stanford
(estimated driving time: 45 minutes)
West on Sand Hill Road to Portola Road. Turn right on Portola then left on 84 (La Honda/Woodside Road) to Skyline Blvd. Turn right (north) on 35 (Skyline Blvd.) drive for 2.2 miles. Turn left (west) on Bear Gulch Road West.

From Santa Cruz
(estimated driving time: 1 1/2 hour)
North on Highway 1. Turn right on Highway 84 (La Honda/Woodside Road) to Skyline Blvd. Turn left (north) on 35 (Skyline Blvd.) drive for 2.2 miles. Turn left (west) on Bear Gulch Road West.

Once on Bear Gulch Road
Stay to the right at fork with Allen Road. After 2 miles, turn left at “SMIP Ranch” sign and proceed through tall black gates. Follow road for 1.5 miles to the Artists’ Barn. Park in designated areas.

Additional Information: Participants should bring water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, lunch and normal precautions against poison oak exposure (work gloves, long sleeved shirts and long pants). The Trail Center provides tools, training, gloves, and refreshments after the workday.

Coyote Point is a regional recreation area that provides a wide variety of opportunities: picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, bicycling, jogging, fishing, boating, and sailing. Kids will love the giant, castle-and-dragon-themed Magic Mountain Playground and CuriOdyssey where they can get up-close to wild animals and enjoy hands-on science exhibits. Stroll along the beach promenade, visit the marina and its breakwater, or explore the saltwater marsh. See shorebirds, colorful boats, windsurfers, and planes from the San Francisco International Airport.

Coyote Point includes a small piece of a large multi community trail that extends through most of the peninsula cities bordering the San Francisco Bay. You can start at Coyote Point and travel many miles north or south of the park offering hours of uninterrupted views of the bay and its diverse wildlife. The Bay Trail within Coyote Point extends from the southern entrance by the Yacht Club near the Marina along Coyote Point Drive with views of Popular Creek Golf Course towards the Windsurf Beach at the north entrance to the park. While dogs are not permitted in Coyote Point Recreation Area, people with dogs may pass through the park on this trail when dogs are leashed.

Park Web Page: http://parks.smcgov.org/coyote-point-recreation-area-trails

Location: Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo, California

Directions: The park is located at 1701 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo, CA 94401

When coming to Coyote Point from the north (San Francisco), use Highway 101 South. Take the Poplar Avenue exit. Turn right onto Humbolt until Peninsula Avenue. Turn right onto Peninsula Avenue. Go over the freeway, at which point the road turns into Coyote Point Drive.

When coming to Coyote Point from the south (San Jose), use Highway 101 North. Take the Peninsula Avenue exit. Turn right onto Airport Blvd. Turn left onto Coyote Point Drive to the park.

From all directions after entering the park: Proceed through the entrance kiosks. Identify yourself to park staff as being a volunteer for the work day if the kiosk is staffed and you will not have to pay the admission fee. After the kiosks, take the second left, following the signs to the Captain's House. Pass a parking lot on your right, then take the next right up a steep driveway to the large parking lot on the hill.

Additional Information: Participants should bring water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, lunch and normal precautions against poison oak exposure (work gloves, long sleeved shirts and long pants). The Trail Center provides tools, training, gloves, and refreshments after the workday.