Uvas Canyon County Park - Waterfall Loop

 Waxing Gibbous Moon

Yesterday I returned to Uvas Canyon Park to hike the Waterfall Loop, plus the Contour Trail and the Alec Canyon Trail. It was a most pleasant way to spend a few relaxed hours on a partly cloudy, mildly cool day. These trails are not as strenuous as the Knibbs Knob Trail, so I didn't get as gassed as I did on Monday. There were many things to see and admire, but little wildlife. The presence of a half dozen small groups of hikers and their chatter saw to that. I'm sure they didn't mean to be loud and obnoxious and scare away the deer, they just weren't very aware of their surroundings. City folk. Different stroke.

The waterfalls were small but fun - nothing like the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range waterfalls I am used to - but hey, what can you expect. I enjoyed walking along the creeks and seeing/hearing them, realizing how special this place is so close to large population centers. 

I especially like the way the flowing water sculpts and colors the rocks and the contrasting colors of the trees and moss. This park is really pretty and the trails are in tiptop shape. The Contour Trail provided some fun ups and downs and a few long views, reminding me of the views from Knibbs Knob. Along the way were some interesting mushrooms and tree shapes.

The Alec Trail led me to Triple Falls and the site of an old logging camp. The quality of my pictures doesn't do justice to the beauty of Alec Canyon's trees. This stretch is really special.

My 2,022 in 2022 goal is progressing without a hitch and it has pushed me to explore new (for me) places in the nearby woods. I  think next week I will try to climb Bald Mountain and maybe one or two others. I will definitely be hiking some more trails in the area south of San Jose. Fun!

Peace, Love, and Footsteps,

Jim