Mora Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

The Mora Trail climbs from the woods in the Rancho San Antonio to the hills above it, providing the opportunity to take in the views of the hills and see wildlife. It sits on the park boundary, which serves as a reminder of what the preserve could have become without the conservation efforts that went into protecting it. You can either start the trail at its junction with the Low Meadow Trail if you want a steeper climb, or you can follow the Rogue Valley Trail to the Ravensbury Trail, where the Mora Trail intersects it. This is often taken as a loop back to the parking area, and provides for a nice hike in the evening, when the animals come out to feed.

Departing the Ravensbury Trail to the right and crossing a small creek bed via a small bridge, the singletrack dirt trail begins to climb immediately toward the park boundary. Homes can be seen off on the left as you make your way uphill. Trees covered in grapevine can be seen on both sides of the trail as it weaves its way along the preserve's border. The trail passes through an area of low shrubs, where there are fewer trees and shade, before emerging in a field at roughly .25 miles. The fields in this area can be full of wildlife, especially in the evenings or mornings. Deer can be seen feeding or bedding down in the evenings. Turkeys can be seen in large groups feeding. Coyotes can be seen prowling through the fields in search for their next meals.

At roughly .35, the dirt trail intersects with a service road, which the trail follows for the rest of its journey. The trail continues to climb for another .2 of a mile, passing a water tank on the left and offering views of the preserve on the right. This area provides the best example of what the conservation of the preserve has saved. To the left, you see the homes and freeways of the Cupertino and Los Altos area while to the right, forests and fields stretch out before you. Take a minute to enjoy the views, and see if you can spot wildlife in the fields.

From here, the trail begins its steep descent down to the Lower Meadow Trail. The trail weaves through the fields, past a large, old tree before leveling out and dead ending with at the Lower Meadow Trail and service road. To the right are Deer Hollow farm and other trails which lead deeper into the preserve. To the left, the Lower Meadow Trail makes its way back to the parking area, tennis courts, and model aircraft field.

Deer, turkeys, turkey vultures, coyotes, and mountain lions have been seen in the area.