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Early Autumn Stroll at Joseph D. Grant County Park

Prairie Falcon by Howard Friedman

Joseph D Grant County Park, high in the hills of east San Jose, is an excellent spot for birding. The Ranch House offers excellent looks at finches, warblers, and other small birds, and the lake provides chances at Bald Eagle and other raptors, as well as wintering ducks.

Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.

Trip Difficulty: 2-3 miles, gravel and dirt trails, some elevation gain (less than 300 ft), some shade, poison oak alongside trail (wear long pants)

Other Trip Notes: Fall will be in full swing. Be prepared for a cool morning and a slightly warm afternoon.

Leaders: Howard Friedman, (408) 806-6772 and Susan Tenney (408) 802-6184

Loaner Binoculars Available, Family Friendly Ages 14 and up

Meet: Ranch House parking lot

Directions: From US-101 exit Capitol Expy in San Jose and continue east for 1.7 miles, turn right onto Quimby Rd and continue for 7 miles. Turn right onto CA-130 E and continue for 0.2 miles. The park entrance is on the right. After passing through the park entry kiosk, continue into the park for about 300 ft. At the brown sign directing you to the park office and ranch, turn left into the parking area. Park near the restroom and green barn. Note that google maps “Ranch House Parking Area” will take you to a different location in the large parking lot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.337493, -121.716896

Facilities: bathroom, ADA accessible pit toilet, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, parking fees

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.