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Culture
History, Museums, Retreats & More!
History, Museums, Retreats & More!
Happening on the Blog
The Eight Verses Trail is a short meditative loop designed to help hikers calm their minds and contemplate Buddhist teachings. Walking under the canopy of redwoods, you’ll find the Eight Verses written in beautiful script on signs posted every 15 or 20 minutes along the trail.
Discover the Outdoors
The park’s connection to California Indian and Ohlone history is rich as is its archaeological significance, as it lies directly along an ancient trading and seasonal migration route, mainly used by the tribelet that controlled the area, the Quiroste (KEER-osh-tee). Now it’s a green and pleasant park, great for day hikes of all sizes, car camping, and short backcountry overnight trips.
Named for the explorer Gaspar de Portola, whose 18th-century overland expedition passed nearby, the rich ecology of the area once supported one of the largest Ohlone tribelets, the Quiroste. Now it’s a mainstay for savvy mountain visitors who’ve already gotten their fill of other, more popular parks in the area.
Though it’s not the biggest park in the county, there are hiking, biking, and equestrian options beyond what’s described here. It’s strongly recommended that adventurers go by the Visitor Center and talk to the docents about hike ideas, trail closures, wildlife sightings, and whatever other...
