Important: you will need gate codes in order to enter BORR. For directions, click the link and replace “Edwards Loop Trailhead” with your starting location. This will avoid incorrect routing directions when driving from the north. Roads may be muddy during the winter. Check the weather and contact BORR staff about road conditions.
Google Maps Link
Blue Oak Ranch Reserve 16070 Mt Hamilton Rd., Mt Hamilton, CA 95140
Important Note
Double-check that your route goes through BORR’s front gate.
Check the weather and contact reserve staff for road conditions if needed.
Always keep the gates closed and locked.
Drive slowly (15 mph on reserve roads). Be vigilant for snakes, toads, and other herps on the road and help them cross if needed. Drive especially slowly near the facilities.
Written Directions
From the South: Take Highway 101 north to 680 north, and take the Alum Rock Avenue exit. Proceed east on Alum Rock Rd. for 2.2 miles to Highway 130, Mt. Hamilton Road, and turn right.
From Berkeley and points north: Find your way to Highway 880 south, and continue to Warren Ave./ Mission Blvd/262 exit to Highway 680 south. Drive south towards San Jose on 680 and exit at Alum Rock Avenue. Proceed east on Alum Rock Rd for 2.2 miles to Highway 130, Mt. Hamilton Road, and turn right.
Then: Continue up Mt. Hamilton Road for 6.7 miles until you reach two metal gates on the left and a large rusty barn off in the field. The first gate is a pedestrian entrance for Joseph Grant Park, and the yellow and blue gate to the right is our entrance. The street address 16070 is visible on a blue fencepost. If you reach the intersection of Quimby Rd. and Mt Hamilton Rd., you have gone too far.
Use the gate combination given to you in advance and proceed on the gravel road past the old Washburn Barn for 1.5 miles until you reach a second locked electric gate. The same gate combination applies, but add the # sign after the four numbers. Continue for 2 more miles until you reach the Cedar Barn. All visitors must check in as soon as they arrive.