Grant Ranch

more

Grant Ranch encompasses a long narrow valley oriented North-South. There is a small lake near the north end. The valley floor and west slope are mostly grassland with sporadic oak trees. There are some denser pines and oaks on the east slope. Not a whole lot of shade available. All riding here is fire roads.

I usually ride a counterclockwise loop here. Either starting up Dutch Flat to cover the east ridge and coming down Canada de Pala to Hotel, or just heading up the middle of the valley on Hotel trail past the Circle Corral. In either case I like to head the rest of the way up Hotel to Eagle Lake and then take Foothill to Bonhoff to Twin Gates and the road. On Foothill and Bonhoff you will find some of the steepest (up) sections of trail that I know of. After crossing the road continue up Canada de Pala to Los Huecos which is a fun descent. Or if you are feeling up to it continue on and take Washburn back to the road with the optional Pala Seca loop around the parks highest point. The large loop consisting of Dutch Flat, Canada de Pala, Hotel, Foothill, Bonhoff, Canada de Pala, and Washburn is about 18 miles and 4100 vertical feet.

Take Alum Rock east from highway 680. Make a right on SR130 Mt Hamilton Road. Continue up and over the ridge and down into Grant Valley. The most convenient parking is the lot on the left just past the main park entrance, or there is free parking on the right shoulder a little farther up the hill.