Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve 2015-10-06

One of the first few hikes we'd done in February was at Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. After a long break, we were back at this beautiful preserve to try few other trails in the Kennedy-Limekiln area. The trails in the section we hiked today actually commence from Alma Bridge Rd in the Lexington Reservoir County Park. Parking for a handful of vehicles is available off street on Alma Bridge Rd (trail head is about 1.6 miles from Hwy 17 N exit). If you are coming down Hwy 17 S, take Bear Creek Rd exit and follow the directions to Alma Bridge Rd. 

The road side parking offers great views of the Lexington reservoir and the Santa Cruz mountains. We started our hike from Priest Rock trail. The wide fire road dirt trail climbs gradually from Alma Bridge Rd. In the first 1/4 mile or so, the trail goes by some tall and mature madrone trees and oaks before opening up. 

Until you cross over into the Sierra Azul property, Priest Rock trail climbs up gradually. Right after you cross the border, the trail starts ascending somewhat steeply. I'd say most hikers will notice this unless they are exceptionally fit. Over the next 1/2 - 3/4 mile, the climb is relentless. As always, Apollo negotiated the climb better than me!

Don't let that intense climb come in the way of looking behind you or around you to enjoy the views of the reservoir and the mountains as you steadily gain altitude. The heavily wooded mountain side all around is a stark contrast from most hikes that sport a lush green in spring and a brown face in summer and fall. 

Our turnaround point was the intersection of Priest Rock and Limekiln trails. The junction is on a plateau with sweeping views all around. Both Priest Rock and Limekiln trails start at Alma Bridge Rd, cross over at this junction and go further into the preserve. We turned left on Limekiln trail hiking back towards Alma Bridge Rd. 

Limekiln trail is also a wide dirt trail. However, it is definitely more rugged than the other. In addition, we were walking in a westerly direction with the sun behind us. Limekiln trail is also very well shaded winding through the forests of Sierra Azul. The lighting was perfect, mountains majestic, the trail rugged and nicely shaded by the woods making the next 2+ miles one of the best hikes we've done recently.

The beauty and serenity was only disturbed for a brief while by the heavy machinery and trucks when we hiked close to the Lexington quarry. The descend was gradual all the way as Limekiln trail took us out of Sierra Azul and into Lexington Reservoir park once again. The trail runs parallel to Alma Bridge Rd for a while before going up the mountains for one short stint.

We had to walk a brief while (between 1/4 - 1/2 mile) on Alma Bridge Rd to reach where I'd parked the car by Priest Rock trail. The low water levels in the reservoir was quite obvious as we completed our 5+ mile loop that involved about 1100 feet ascend.

More pictures from our hike today.
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