Glenwood Preserve has two entrances – the east and the west, that lead to over seven miles of trails. We decided to go to the East Glenwood entrance and followed the red path. A short 1.2 mile hike, not too hard in elevation changes and with some shade along the way. The trail is open to hikers and horses, but because of the grazing cows, no bikers or dogs are allowed. The red trail leads you by a pond with a lot of water lilies in it.
I misjudged the sun’s intensity and came back with a sunburn. So, make sure you bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Bathrooms are at the adjacent park. We did not see the endangered Ohlone Tiger beetle that is endemic to the Santa Cruz Mountains. They come out late January to early April to mate and lay their eggs. But there are a lot of wildflowers still in bloom.
I found the wildflowers plentiful – not like a superbloom, but many varieties, like the California poppy and lupine. If you like to look up what flowers are blooming, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has published the Sierra Azul Wildflower Guide with 100 of the most common species.
East Glenwood Open Space Preserve is open sunrise to sunset.
Where do you go to see wildflowers?
For more ideas on wildflower hikes you should check out my post: Hunt for wildflowers.
Or these websites:
https://hilltromper.com/article/spring-wildflower-hikes-santa-cruz-county
https://www.openspace.org/visit-a-preserve/plants-wildlife/wildflowers