A small food jar hidden at Grizzly Flat, and just off Skyline Drive. The extra wide roadside here is a popular entry point for both Long Ridge OSP and Upper Stevens Creek County Park. The cache is a short walk into the Long Ridge side.
In wondering about the name of the location, I found the following online: "According to local lore, Grizzly Flat was named in honor of a bear whose scratches were noted on a bay tree near the creek...In the late 18th Century grizzly bears thrived in the Santa Cruz Mountains, feeding on the rancheros’ plentiful herds of cattle. Extensive hunting...eventually wiped out the population in California."
I didn't originally intend to place a cache here. But on my recent visit I took a last-minute detour to enter this lovely grove, and then I realized there were no caches within 0.1 mile. (One just across the road must have been archived). I decided it was a shame not to place something in such a nice spot. Plus I was able to find a hide location that was mostly hidden from both roadway and trail.
I normally ignore park-n-grab caches (I'd much rather hike a few miles for a find) but this one probably qualifies, noting it's at least a 100 ft stroll from any parked vehicle.
To avoid tearing up the hilside: Enter the Long Ridge OSP gate and make an immediate left. Then turn right onto the social trail at the top of the rise (near the Long Ridge OSP sign).