History and the hiker: Borges Ranch

When we hike, we often tramp through areas that have been preserved and which retain some historical value--if we can figure out what it is that happened under our feet and around the trails upon which we step.

This blog will help to remind the hiker to look for clues and information to the history of place, which will only enrich the experience of hiking.

Let's start with the hike to and around Borges Ranch, Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, California.

The immediate impression when hiking these trails is that the hiker is surrounded by beautiful oaks, many of which seem to be pretty old. There is a lot of wild grass, and there are signs of wildlife--rattlesnakes, deer, birds. The trails are not difficult, and wind nicely around the hills.

 When you reach the ranch, you see a few goats, hear the sounds of chickens, and after your snack at the picnic tables you can peek into a barn filled with old implements, or you might look at the old tractors standing in the yard. The scene is peaceful and you might leave barely wondering what is the history of this place? It is easy to pick up your feet, take to the trails, and leave such thoughts behind.

Let's take an easy path, but not quite so easy as that. There is a history and knowing it will enrich the stomping and tramping and will help with the little challenges along the way--sweating, avoiding snakes, ignoring that knee pain--you get the picture.

Borges Ranch was established in 1899 by Francisco Borges, one of many immigrants from the Azores to California, for his family. His wife was ill with malaria, and he had been advised to find a place with a good climate for her to recover in. It is not well-known these days that malaria was once a common malady in America. Just imagine the hardship for families who endured it.

Borges and his wife moved from Elmira (in Solano County) to the hills behind Mount Diablo. They established a cattle ranch in an area that just happens to be beautiful, and which has now  been preserved as Open Space.

You could drive to Borges Ranch, but all the better to hike in and see the beauty of the rolling hills, feel the sun, and pound that earth beneath your feet.

For more information see The City of Walnut Creek website about Borges Ranch.