Bunny Loop Trail

Hidden Villa

"Inspiring a just and sustainable future through our programs, land, and legacy." --Hidden Villa Mission Statement

Directions: From Highway 280, exit at El Monte/Moody Road. Continue west past Foothill College to the stop sign. Turn left and stay on Moody Road for 1.7 mile. Enter Hidden Villa gate (26870 Moody Road) on the left. There are two parking areas, the first by the Visitors Center and the second opposite the hostel, near the Tin Barn.

Grade: Easy to moderate. Elevation gain of 440 feet.

Distance: Two miles.

Time: One hour.

Special Conditions: Trail is good for children. Dogs not allowed on trail, but are permitted on leash in the farm area. Equestrians are permitted on some trails; bicycles are not permitted. Hidden Villa is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to dusk. Closed Mondays. Also closed for nine weeks during summer camp except for select open weekends. There is a $5 parking charge. For information, call 650-949-8660 or http://www.hiddenvilla.org./

We've heard much about Hidden Villa, but this was our first visit, and we found it to be a great place for an afternoon family outing. Hidden Villa was founded by Josephine and Frank Duveneck in 1924, and it is now owned and maintained by the private non-profit trust for Hidden Villa. Its uniquely innovative programs promote justice and sustainability while responding to community needs. To quote from the Spring 2002 newletter, ". . .the land provides the classroom and the model of sustainability. The programs give voice to the land and the value of diversity. The legacy of community activism inspired by the Duveneck family provides the courage to reach for goals as lofty as justice and sustainability."

A hike through Hidden Villa recalls history dating from the late 1800s. The White Barn, the White House, and Brownlee Cottage date back to the 1880s. You can see a blacksmith's forge, originally built and used by Frank Duveneck, next to the White Barn. The Duveneck family house was completed in 1930. And the oldest operating hostel in the United States, established in 1937, is available for overnight accommodations.

The "working farm" programs of Hidden Villa feature horses, milking cows, sheep, hogs, goats, and chickens--all on display for the enjoyment of children of all ages.

Our hike on the Bunny Loop Trail started from the first parking area next to the Visitors Center. Do take a few minutes to walk through the center. It offers pictures and information on the villa and items for purchase. Volunteers at the center can give you information on continuing programs and special events.

Two annual events were highly recommended to us by a fellow hiker. A Mother's Day Concert featuring Nancy Cassidy and Lisa Atkinson performing original music will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. A Father's Day Concert will feature the Banana Slug String Band from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 16. These are fundraisers for the villa, so bring the whole family: $15 for adults, $12 for students or seniors, $7.50 for children 12 and under.

Back to the hike. Leave the Visitors Center, and follow the Nature Trail, also known as the West Loop, around the edge of the pasture (Steinmann's Field). Along the way are a number of labeled shrubs and trees common to the area. The trail parallels Adobe Creek, then meanders by the vegetable garden and Tin Barn. Continue on the road to the Duveneck House, and pass the pigs and poultry area on your left.

Watch for the Bunny Loop trailhead sign at a picnic area in a small oak grove. The trail starts to wind up into the Bunny Creek Canyon. The creek bed is mostly dry (early March), although you will find some small pools on your climb into the canyon. The forest overhead is mostly oak and bay, and the trail is heavily shaded. Soon you will come to an intersection with the short Bunny Loop Trail to the left. This trail is not on the map, but it cuts the hike in half for both distance and elevation. We took the "long" trail, crossed the creek, and switchbacked up the opposite slope. A bit farther along is an unmarked shortcut trail to the left that joins the main trail just before crossing back over Bunny Creek for the last time.

Climb five wood timber steps, and cut back to your left. Good views of the South Bay are ahead, and the terrain turns to dry chaparral. Below, you can see the pasture at Hidden Villa. At the ridgeline ahead, you are at the high point of the hike (440 feet above the trailhead). Stay on the trail and start switchbacking down to West Fork. Along the way, watch for a special spring flower at the trailside. The Indian Warrior (pedicularis densiflora) blooms from January to July, and it is abundant in this area. It looks a bit like the more common Indian paintbrush with deep red flowers atop a 6- to 20-inch stem. Legend has it that each of these beautiful plants grows for a fallen Indian warrior. The genus name (pedicularis), means "louse," not quite so romantic. An old superstition has it that sheep became infested with lice when they ate this plant. ("Plants of the Coast Redwoods Region" by Lyons and Cooney-Lazaneo). The plant is a pretty mix with the blue blossoms of the Western hound's tongue, also common along this trail.

After a series of many switchbacks, the trail ends up at West Fork, a fast-moving stream that soon intersects with Adobe Creek. Turn left at the creek, and pass by Gibraltar Rock--a series of two large rocks that you can climb up and over, with two interesting bay trees on top. Each of these trees has a ground-level base with eight large multiple trunks.

Hike along the creek a few steps to the junction. From here, you can take a more ambitious hike to the Duveneck Windmill Pasture area of Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve or to the summit of Black Mountain (3.5 miles and a 2,300-foot elevation gain).

We turned left and walked toward the White House in the distance. After checking out the historic structures and farm equipment, we meandered down the road to the parking lot.

This is an interesting area with lots to see and do. It's a good trailhead for aggressive hiking and a fine place for a family outing.

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

E-mail to: trekertom@aol.com.

Footnote: Check out the Weekly Walker Web site at www.weeklywalker.com.