After heavy rainfall this past winter, the trail needed
maintenance
By Jessica Thy Nguyen Special to the Dispatch
Gilroy – Now that the weather has heated up, Paul Gianelli spends at least four days a week hiking the Gavilan College trail.
The Gilroy native said he has hiked the trail for many years, including running it when he was a teen.
With the heavy rainfall this winter and spring, much of the 2.5-mile trail had fallen into disrepair and was rarely used. But with the onset of the summer season and renewed interest in outdoor activities, locals such as Gianelli, are heading to the recently maintained trail.
A portion of the trail extends into residential areas but only the section on Gavilan College property is kept up by maintenance crews. This section of trail is groomed by a tractor, while the immediate surrounding area is mowed in order to prevent fire hazards.
Gavilan College students often run the trail to get into shape for sports.
Mike Lango, a current student said he likes it because it’s quiet.
“A walk on the trail helps (me) to relax,” he said.
The Gavilan trail has been around since before 1972 and the original plans for Gavilan College included a nature trail. Its maintenance is part of an ongoing effort to preserve the surrounding lands of the college.
During the rainy season, the trail erodes from the rain, but Jan Bernstein Chargin, public information director for Gavilan College, said the grading has been a lot nicer on the path and a new tractor has smoothed out a larger area.
Hikers on this trail can spot lizards, squirrels, and the occasional wild turkey. The trail winds through mountain lion territory, so it is suggested that hikers always be accompanied. There have been no recent sightings, however.
But perhaps the best thing about the trail is the view from the top, Chargin said.
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “You can see from Hollister to Morgan Hill. You can see the whole district.”
