Los Trancos Open Space Preserve

Sierra Azul Preserve, managed by Midpen, encompasses over 19,000 acres of wilderness in the Santa Cruz Mountains, featuring diverse landscapes such as serpentine grasslands, rocky chaparral, and dense oak woodlands. The preserve offers 26 miles of multiuse trails for hiking, biking, dog walking, and horseback riding, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, and coyotes.

Notably, the area is steeped in history, having been inhabited for millennia by Native Americans, as well as German and Austrian settlers in the late 19th century. The site also includes the summit of Mount Umunhum, which has historical significance from its time as a Cold War Air Force Station, and features an accessible pathway with interpretive displays for visitors to explore and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

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