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Picchetti Ranch Preserve is potentially the unicorn of easy, nearby hiking spots for families in the South Bay. The trails are kid-friendly and there is a wine tasting room(!!) at the trailhead. A portion of the trails can be navigated with a jogging stroller, as long as you bring your muscles, as there are a few hills. The scenery is beautiful and you may get to see deer, bobcats or a peacock. My recommendation is to head out on the Zinfandel trail past the winery. Take the first left onto the Orchard Loop Trail, then right on the Vista Trail (through the orchard), and continue down the Vista trail to the typically dry pond where you can climb a fallen tree. Go left on the Zinfandel trail if you want more hiking, or go right on the Zinfandel trail to get back to the winery.
Alert: If you continue on the Zinfandel trail away from the winery, eventually you will reach a gate that is impassable by stroller. You can ditch stroller and walk a bit with kids, but there are some slight cliffs so you will need to hold their hands.
Bathrooms
Yes, at the trailhead only, behind wine-tasting building. Rating: Nice!
Playground
No
Kid transportation
Jogging stroller (there are some hills, so you need strength, but it is doable), child carrier, kids can walk most of the way.
No bikes allowed.
Suggested Route
Park at the main parking lot for Picchetti Ranch Preserve off Montebello Road. Start on the Zinfandel trail → Go left onto the Orchard Loop Trail → Go right onto the Vista Trail → At the pond, right on Zinfandel Trail back to the winery. (Approx. ~1 mile loop)
Difficulty
Moderate. These trails are hilly, so if you're pushing a stroller with two kids bring extra muscles.
Parking Situation
Moderate (a huge dirt lot). The lot can fill up on the weekends in warmer weather.
Entrance Fee
None. But the wine is gonna cost you.
Bonus
Picturesque winery buildings, a wine-tasting room, a picnic area with visiting peacock, delicious wine. Check their website for hours so you aren't disappointed.
Official Park Website
https://www.openspace.org/preserves/picchetti-ranch Trail map: https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/map_PI.pdf Winery: http://www.picchetti.com/index.cfm
Date Updated
December 2018
