Near High Meadow Trail
At the vista point at the end of the trail, a great view of the South Bay Area comes into view. You can see the communities, bay, and the surrounding hills.
Near High Meadow Trail
The trail begins to emerge from the woods and views of the South Bay stretch out before you.
Near High Meadow Trail
Weather-wise, this was the coolest part of my day. Plenty of canopy cover with intermittent sun. Photo shows the trail above an overgrown culvert with running water.
Near High Meadow Trail
Incredible views from the Wildcat Trail.
Near High Meadow Trail
Wildcat Loop Trail. Switchbacks are numbered, 3 of 7.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

High Meadow Trail

3.5 (2 Ratings)
A climb through the Rancho San Antonio Preserve to meadows and a views of the South Bay area.
1
mi
Distance
478
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
ViewsWildlife
Access Issues
The preserve is open year round from dawn until half an hour after sunset. While other trails are open to mountain bikers, this trail is not.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.96mi
Distance
478ft
Elevation Gain
0ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
910ft
High Point
432ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The High !Meadow Trail climbs for .9 miles from the Coyote Trail to a set of fields in the upper hills of Rancho San Antonio Preserve where good views of the South Bay area await you. In the morning and evenings, deer and turkeys can been seen feeding in the fields. It's a nice uphill hike that can be combined with trails like the Wildcat Loop Trail to create a nice loop hike instead of simply hiking out and back. The trail starts from the junction of the Coyote Trail and Wildcat Loop Trail and climbs uphill through the preserve. The doubletrack dirt and gravel trail climbs to the right and works its way around the hillside before entering the woods. At around .25 miles, the trail begins to climb up a series of switchbacks. Around .6 miles, the trail begins to emerge from the woods and obscured or limited views of the South Bay begin to appear. Meadows begin to open up on the left hand side of the trail. At .7 miles, the trail begins to climb more steeply until it reaches the intersection of the Wildcat Loop Trail. The trail climbs up to the left to a vista point where the best views from the trail of the Bay Area spread out before you. It is a great place to view the sunset before taking one of the trails back down to your car. You can follow the trail back down to your vehicle or follow the Wildcat Loop Trail which goes off to the right and makes its way down a series of switchbacks back to the Rogue Valley Trail and then back to the parking area.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Nearby Hike Routes

Rogue Valley + Wildcat Loop

Hike Route

Rogue Valley + Wildcat Loop

Views
easy
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+611 ft
Wildcat Loop

Hike Route

Wildcat Loop

River/Creek
moderate
4.85 mi
+624 ft
Upper Rogue Valley - Upper High Meadow - PG&E Loop

Hike Route

Upper Rogue Valley - Upper High Meadow - PG&E Loop

Birding
strenuous
9.33 mi
+1,620 ft
Rancho Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Rancho Ridge Loop

Less Crowded
strenuous
13.39 mi
+2,432 ft
Lower Meadow Trail to Deer Hollow Farm

Hike Route

Lower Meadow Trail to Deer Hollow Farm

Wildflowers
easy
1.94 mi
+103 ft
Coyote, Lower Meadow, and Permanente Creek Loop

Hike Route

Coyote, Lower Meadow, and Permanente Creek Loop

Birding
moderate
3.03 mi
+268 ft
Contributors
David Hitchcock