Hiking, climbing and biking, oh my!
By Amanda Vasquez
As Santa Clara students enter week four of the fall quarter, anxiety is high and tension is in the air.
With midterms looming, college is less beer pong and new Facebook pictures and more studying and time spent in the library.
Luckily, there is an easy way to relieve stress in the form of outdoor recreation; there are numerous hiking and biking destinations well within reach of campus for busy weekends.
Allow that anxiety and tension to be replaced by adrenaline while rock climbing at Castle Rock or escape muddled city smog and experience a breath of fresh air at Alum Rock Park.
Alum Rock Park is home to 13 miles of lavish trails that can be experienced on horseback, bike or on foot. The most popular route is the South Rim Trail, which takes you along the Penitencia Creek as well as the canyon rim.
The best part about the hike, which takes about two hours, would have to be the spectacular views of the Santa Clara Valley and the surrounding foothills, which you can view from several lookout points along the trail.
There are six other trails to choose from, all with different terrain, distances and sights, so there are many options to suit whatever you are in the mood for. A trip may include experiencing the wild flowers, watching the red-tailed hawks or possibly even catching a glimpse of the elusive bobcat.
The park is just under ten miles from campus, and transportation shouldn't be an issue, even without a car. The 23 or 25 VTA bus in San Jose drops you off less than a half mile from the park entrance.
Alum Rock Park has been around since 1872, despite being almost completely destroyed and declared endangered during World War II. It has since been restored and visitors continue to enjoy the beauty it has to offer.
Castle Rock is just a little farther away at 18 miles, but if you have the car and the time, it comes highly recommended. It is in a prime location just east of San Jose, nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Its unique rock formations make it popular with rock climbers of all levels. The sandstone is fragile and slippery when wet, so make sure to plan your climbing adventure before if gets too rainy.
If you're not up for the climb, there are 32 miles of trails that weave through the forest. For those who feel like staying overnight, there are two backpacking trail camps along the way.
If you are just looking to camp and have a good time, then Castle Rock Trail Camp is your ideal spot, located less than three miles from the parking lot.
The trails are part of a larger, more extensive trail system that connects to Big Basin Redwood State Park and a number of other destinations.
For those who end up in Big Basin, make sure to take the Redwood Trail, which is less than a half-mile long.
Along the way you will have the opportunity to view some of the oldest redwoods, including the "Mother of the Forest" at 329 feet tall, and the "Santa Clara Tree", which is 17 feet in diameter;
For the intense bike riders, there is always the Saratoga Gap Loop, just north of Castle Rock.
The single-track dirt road trail is a great escape and a thrilling ride. It will generally take about 2-3 hours to complete the mountain bike trail, but the views make it all worthwhile.
Making your way out to just one of these pristine wildlife locations will surely cure your nature deficit disorder and help put you in a good mood for when you get back to school and resumes studies once again.
Contact Amanda Vasquez at avasquez@scu.edu.