Antler Point Loop Hike

Three of us started out from the trailhead at Grant Lake for our nearly eight mile trek up to Antler Peak in the Joseph Grant County Park near San Jose.  Despite fog covering the cities along the route up to the park, it was sunny at the trailhead.  We did see a few other folks leaving on the same trail just before us but they must have opted for other destinations in the park as we never saw another human the rest of our hike. Just after starting out, we passed Grant Lake which was brimming with waterfowl and was several feet higher than its normal level due to recent rains in Northern Calif..  Trees weren't out yet but the grass was green and fairly lush.   Although there was much evidence of their destructive presence in the park (rooted up grass, droppings, etc.), we never saw any of the 500+ wild pigs that are supposed to live in the area.  Arriving at the summit about 2 1/4 hours after starting, we had great, clear views of San Jose, the surrounding mountains, and the southern San Francisco Bay.  Stopping for lunch at an interesting cabin, currently undergoing renovation, we learned that it had been an early 20th century hunting lodge for notables including President Hoover, a personal friend of the owner of Grant Ranch.  After an easy descent through green meadows and cow pastures (with a couple of easily-spooked cow and steer herds), we returned to the trailhead about 3pm.  All agreed that the hike had been a fine way to spend a Wednesday: hiking Antler Peak on a warm, early Spring day!  And special thanks to Dave from Cupertino for taking the great photos in this trip report!

We'll begin our hike inside the Joseph D. Grant County Park at the Grant Lake trailhead.  The hike is about 8.8 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet.  From the trailhead, we'll edge around Grant Lake itself, then take the Halls Valley trail to the Los Huecos trail.  Heading mostly uphill, Los Huecos trail is known for great birdwatching, so if we're lucky we may spot hawks, eagles, and other raptors perched about in the area.  At the top of Los Huecos, we'll take the Canada de Pala trail with fine views of San Jose and South San Francisco Bay.   Before reaching the summit of Antler Point, we'll bear right onto the Pala Seca trail for the last 1.6 miles through grasslands to the top.  

For the return, we'll take a different track on another section of the Canada de Pala trail, then take the Halls Valley trail back to Grant Lake.  One notable feature of the Halls Valley area are the packs of goofy wild pigs that live in the area.   Fear not, though, as most are afraid of the mighty human.

Participants on this hike should wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch as the hike generally takes about 5 hours.  Be mindful also that there is very little shade on these trails, so sunscreen is appropriate for most.