I focused on the park’s ranching heritage.

Often called Grant Ranch in honor of Joseph Grant, who once owned this vast, mountainous tract east of San Jose, the park still has plentiful reminders of its ranching heritage: old windmills, rusty barbed-wire fences, ponds to store drinking water for thirsty bovines.

Most of Grant’s 50-plus miles of trails are dusty roads from the ranching era, many steep enough to convey the advantages of horse-powered travel. The rewards of enduring Grant’s hills include colorful wildflower displays in mid-spring and an entertaining chorus of birdcalls throughout the year.

Click the above link for suggested hikes. Note: My spies tell me flower season is not quite in full swing at Grant. Perhaps in a couple weeks.