In January 2017, BenitoLink and author Jim Ostdick embarked on a new adventure: a series of free, public walks in San Benito County. The series was written and led by Jim Ostdick, a retired teacher and author. In the series of articles, local adventurer Ostdick introduced readers to the many walking opportunities available to us.

Author and human powered traveler, Jim Ostdick. Photo courtesy Jim Ostdick.
Author and human powered traveler, Jim Ostdick. Photo courtesy Jim Ostdick.

The prior year, BenitoLink readers followed his long route as Ostdick traveled on-foot from the East Coast all the way home to San Benito County.

A San Juan Bautista resident, Ostdick described his big interests as energy conservation, outdoor recreation, and human-powered travel. He was an Adopt-a-Highway volunteer and served on the board of R.E.A.C.H. San Benito Parks Foundation 2015-2017.

At the end of his nearly year-long series, Ostdick wrote to his readers:

“The BenitoLink Walking San Benito series showcasing some of the many hiking opportunities in San Benito County has been fun and educational for me. My hope is that each of you who have read the articles also enjoyed them. Even more than that, I hope you will grab a partner and get outside to walk and observe this awesome countryside for yourselves. Happy trails!”

These walks are now recorded and tested out on-foot, with wonderful descriptions of the unique qualities of each location. BenitoLink appreciates Ostdick’s dedication for this project and his patient message to try a slower pace and enjoy the beauty of San Benito County. Enjoy the trip…and Ostdick would say, “please folks, do not litter.”

Click on the images below to get started and learn about all the great places to explore in San Benito County.

San Juan Bautista Loop

On a Mission 

Everybody’s Mountain

Baler Strong 

Tres Pinos

St. Francis Loop

The Art and Science of Downtown Hollister

The San Benito County Historical Park

Mudstone Ranch

Hollister Park Loop

Pinnacles National Park South Wilderness Trail 

San Juan Valley 

Quien Sabe Road

Pinnacles National Park North Wilderness Trail

Griswold Hills

Pinnacles National Park High Peaks Trail

The Panoche Hills Badlands

Laguna Mountain Doubleheader

Pinnacles National Park Balconies Trail

Laguna Falls Teaser

Pinnacles National Park Chalone Peak Trail

Pinnacles National Park Bacon Ranch

The Path of Padres