Exploring the Wooded Hill Cemetery and Los Gatos Ravine Loop Trail

Overlook

Last Thursday morning, we ventured out to the Laguna Mountain area to hike the Wooded Hill Cemetery and Los Gatos Ravine Loop Trail. At 7.0 miles in length and moderately challenging, the trail offered the perfect mix of physical activity and peaceful surroundings.

Overlook

An Overcast Start to the Day

Trail View

As we began our hike, the sky was blanketed with a soft, gray overcast. The cool air and muted light gave the trail a tranquil, mysterious quality. It felt like stepping into a serene natural escape, setting the tone for a memorable outing.

Trail View

Spotted Towhee Kicks Off the Adventure

Spotted Towhee

Not long into the hike, we heard the distinctive call of a Spotted Towhee. It perched briefly on a branch, its vibrant red sides and dark plumage standing out against the subdued backdrop of the morning.

Trail View

Acorn Woodpeckers and Mountain Chickadees

Acorn Woodpecker

As we climbed higher, the rhythmic drumming of Acorn Woodpeckers echoed through the forest. We watched a few of them busily stashing acorns into the bark of trees—a fascinating behavior that always impresses us.

Jeffrey Pine

Nearby, a chorus of Mountain Chickadees filled the air with their cheerful "chick-a-dee-dee" calls, bringing a sense of energy to the quiet forest.

Mountain Chickadee

Nuthatches and Juncos Along the Way

Pygmy Nuthatch

We were thrilled to spot both a Pygmy Nuthatch and a White-breasted Nuthatch during the hike. The Pygmy Nuthatch worked its way down a tree trunk, while the White-breasted Nuthatch explored a higher branch.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Meanwhile, a flock of Dark-eyed Juncos foraged on the ground, their soft trills harmonizing with the natural ambiance.

Dark-eyed Junco

The Sun Breaks Through

Trail View

Midway through the trail, the overcast sky gave way to bright sunshine. The forest transformed, with sunlight filtering through the trees and highlighting the vibrant greens and browns of the landscape. It was a stunning shift, lifting our spirits even higher.

California Rose

A California Scrub-Jay and Steller’s Jays

California Scrub-Jay

As the trail wound through a more open area, a California Scrub-Jay flew into view, its blue feathers gleaming in the sunlight. Shortly after, a pair of Steller’s Jays made an appearance, their bold crests and striking coloration adding a touch of drama to the scene.

Steller’s Jay

An American Kestrel in Flight

American Kestrel

Toward the end of the hike, we spotted an American Kestrel soaring above the trees. Its graceful flight and sharp silhouette against the blue sky were mesmerizing, a fitting highlight for the final stretch of the trail.

Overlook

Conclusion

Overlook

The Wooded Hill Cemetery and Los Gatos Ravine Loop Trail offered everything we could hope for in a hike—varied terrain, beautiful scenery, and a delightful array of birds. The Acorn Woodpeckers, in particular, were a joy to watch. Starting under overcast skies and ending in sunshine made the experience even more special, a reminder of nature’s ever-changing beauty.

Broom Snakeweed