Who says you can’t have your pie and eat it too? On November 29, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM PST, the Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve serves a unique post-Thanksgiving treat: Hike Your Pie Off! This event, featured in our Thanksgiving Guide 2024, promises to be the perfect remedy for those feeling a bit stuffed after the holiday feast.
Located at 9611 Malech Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, this preserve is a stone’s throw away from Silicon Valley but feels like a world apart. It’s the ideal spot to shake off that turkey-induced stupor and replace it with some good old-fashioned outdoor fun.
From Couch Potato to Trail Blazer
After Thanksgiving, most of us feel like we’ve been stuffed more thoroughly than the turkey. But fear not! The “Hike Your Pie Off!” event is here to rescue you from your food coma. This two-hour adventure is designed to get you moving, laughing, and possibly regretting that extra slice of pumpkin pie – but in the best way possible.
The hike takes you through the stunning Máyyan ‘Ooyákma preserve, a sprawling 1,859-acre wonderland home to rare plants, endangered butterflies, and views that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy. And the best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker to join in. This event welcomes everyone from couch potatoes to trail veterans.
A Feast for the Senses
As you trek through the preserve, you’ll be treated to a buffet of natural wonders. The rolling hills of serpentine grassland stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with wildflowers that somehow manage to thrive in this harsh soil. It’s like Mother Nature’s way of showing off – “Look what I can do with next to nothing!”
Keep your eyes peeled for the Bay Checkerspot butterfly. These little flutterers are the VIPs of Máyyan ‘Ooyákma, and spotting one is like seeing a celebrity in the wild. Just remember, no autographs – they’re endangered, after all.
The Great Pie Debate
As you hike, why not engage in some friendly debate with your fellow trekkers? Important questions need answering: Is pumpkin pie really the king of Thanksgiving desserts? Does anyone actually like mincemeat pie, or is it just something we pretend to enjoy? And the age-old question: Is cheesecake a pie or a cake? (Spoiler alert: It’s delicious, regardless of classification.)
A Guilt-Free Indulgence
Here’s a fun fact to mull over as you climb those hills: The average slice of pumpkin pie contains about 300 calories. This hike? It could burn anywhere from 400 to 800 calories, depending on your enthusiasm and how vigorously you debate pie flavors. That means you’re not just breaking even – you’re earning yourself another slice!
More Than Just a Walk in the Park
The “Hike Your Pie Off!” event isn’t just about burning calories. It’s a chance to learn about this unique ecosystem. The preserve protects the largest continuous serpentine grassland in the southern Bay Area, which is a fancy way of saying it has some seriously cool and rare plants and critters.
You might also pick up some interesting trivia. For instance, did you know that the preserve’s name, Máyyan ‘Ooyákma, is the Chochenyo translation of “Coyote Ridge”? Impress your friends with that little nugget at your next trivia night.
A New Thanksgiving Tradition?
Who says Thanksgiving traditions have to revolve around sitting on the couch watching football? (No offense to football fans, of course.) This hike could be the start of a new, healthier holiday tradition. Imagine telling your grandkids, “Back in my day, we used to hike off our Thanksgiving dinner. Uphill. Both ways. In the California sunshine.”
The Fine Print
Before you lace up those hiking boots, remember a few things. Register for a free “Butterfly Pass” to access the trails. It’s like a VIP pass but for nature lovers. Also, leave Fido at home – pets aren’t allowed in the preserve. And as tempting as bringing a drone for those epic landscape shots might be, they’re not permitted either. The butterflies prefer their privacy, thank you very much.
So, there you have it – “Hike Your Pie Off!” at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma. It’s an event that combines the best of Thanksgiving: food (well, the memory of it), family fun, and a hearty dose of the outdoors. Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor wanting to walk off that holiday feast, this hike promises to be as sweet as pie.
Source: allevents.in
Header Image Source: Jonatan Pie on Unsplash
