Come start the new year right with a grand history of these lush and scenic forest ridgelands. Former Castle Rock Ranger Miles Standish will take you through a series of short walks. The walk will touch on the entire history of these mountains from prehistory to the first peoples of the Ohlone to the American pioneer times and into the modern era. The hike will be broken into multiple pieces as participants have the option of following in their own cars to additional trailheads with (former)Ranger Standish to explore a variety of historically and naturally significant areas. Total hiking distance will be around 2-3 miles, total (optional) driving distance will be approximately 7 miles.

The hike is at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, and begins at the Saratoga Gap Parking Lot.

Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat; bring water and snacks; and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Significant rain or wind will cancel.