The preserve contains the historical site of the Alma College, a former Jesuit seminary that operated from 1934 to 1969.
The property was once owned by James 'Squire' Flood, son of a wealthy Comstock Lode mining tycoon, who built a large estate on the land.
The preserve is home to the 'Old Growth' redwood remnants that survived the intensive logging operations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
It serves as a critical watershed for the San Lorenzo River and Los Gatos Creek.
The site includes remnants of an elaborate 1920s-era fountain and garden structure from the Flood estate era.
Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a 1,432-acre protected area in the Santa Cruz Mountains featuring second-growth redwood forests and historic estate ruins. The preserve maintains a diverse trail network totaling approximately 10 miles, offering varying degrees of difficulty for hikers and equestrians. Visitors can explore the Alma College site, which contains the remnants of a Jesuit college destroyed by fire in the mid-20th century. The preserve acts as a crucial wildlife corridor, protecting habitats for mountain lions, bobcats, and various raptor species. Unlike many other regional preserves, certain sensitive areas remain strictly monitored to preserve local ecosystems. The topography ranges from lush canyon floors to ridgetop vistas overlooking the surrounding Santa Cruz range. Restoration efforts are ongoing to remove invasive species and improve forest health following past logging and private residential use. The preserve is managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
The ruins of the Alma College site offer unique, atmospheric composition opportunities against the forest backdrop.
Download the official trail map or use a GPS app before arriving, as cellular service is highly inconsistent within the canyons.
Bring extra water and snacks as there are no potable water sources or vendor services available within the preserve boundaries.
Check for trail closures on the official website before departing, especially following heavy rainfall.
Attempting to explore off-trail or fenced-off historical ruins, which are structurally unstable and hazardous.
The preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset, but parking lots may reach capacity during peak weekend hours.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitat; pack out all trash; dogs are not permitted.
