North to South from Silicon Valley

Start at Ridge above Cupertino.  Next is Cooper-Garrod, only 25 minutes from San Jose or Palo Alto; 50 minutes from San Francisco. Then drive through the lovely towns of Saratoga and Los Gatos to Silver Mountain, in the hills above Los Gatos, 20 miles (about 40 minutes away). You can bring a picnic, stop for lunch in Saratoga or Los Gatos or at the Summit Store deli. From Silver Mountain, continue your drive down the ocean side of the mountains to Storr's in Corralitos, 20 miles (about 35 minutes). Next, back through Santa Cruz to Big Basin in Boulder Creek. Finally, enjoy dinner at any one of a number of excellent restaurants in Aptos, Soquel or Santa Cruz.

South to North from Santa Cruz/Watsonville

Start at Big Basin in Boulder Creek or Storr’s in Corralitos. If you’re already hungry, stop at the Corralitos Market for a sandwich of house-smoked meats or sausages. Next is up the mountain to Silver Mountain. If you’re just now hungry, check out at the Summit Store. From Silver Mountain, down the mountain to Cooper-Garrod above Saratoga. Our final stop is Ridge, above Cupertino.  For dinner, excellent restaurants abound in Cupertino, Saratoga and Los Gatos.