Visited Skyline on a Saturday in July at 9am! Decided to do the Horseshoe lake, Alpine pond, and Borel Hill trail counterclockwise and the parking lot was right by the trailhead. Trail was well-maintained and there were markers throughout. Didn't encounter too many other people. Nice views of the Bay Area - the park is high up so it was cool being above the clouds! Took me about 2 hours and 30 min to finish and I would say the hike was easy-moderate! The roads leading up to the park are a bit windy so just be mindful of that. Would recommend to those looking for beginner friendly hikes! read more

See all

This is a great space for stargazing and panaromic views of the bay area. I wish the drive to get there wasn't as hard as it is.

Ridge Over Troubled Water 2,143-acre park located in La Honda, whose landscape is expansive from ridge vistas to lush meadows. The Good: *Free! *David C. Daniels Nature Center *Mountain Biking trails available (see website) *Equestrian Trails available (see website) *Restrooms *Several small loop trails (Alpine Lake & Horseshoe loop) makes this a very kid-frendly place to bring children. *Amazing views The Meh: *No dogs *Nature Center is only open Sat & Sun and hours are seasonal (see website for details). *The drive here ain't no picnic The Ugly: *Parking is limited and can be tough to find during busier times/seasons. Conclusion: Fantastic park with plenty of trails and views. read more

See all

For the past year, I've been wanting to find female friends to do outdoor activities with.  So I was excited to go hiking with 2 co-workers on a Sat in Sep. (coincidence to be Chinese Mid Autumn Fest). The weather forecasted 20% rain, so I calculated that as 80% probability of no rain.  But my math was wrong, it rained. But the good news was that we had the entire area to ourselves, we did not see anyone else crazy enough to hike in the mist, drizzle, rain. We arrived at the empty free parking lot at 10am.  It took us 45 min to walk 2 loops of Horseshoe Lake loop, ~3 miles. It was a good time to chill with friends, share snacks, get our hiking shoes muddy, and enjoy the fresh air in the beautiful outdoors. read more

See all

This is a really scenic place. The only thing that disturbs the peace sometimes are loud motorcycles screaming along Skyline. A number of the trails in this park are not too far from this road. The main parking lot has quite a bit of parking, I would guess enough for about 30 cars. As expected there is a big map on the trailhead and maps you can take with you (and return). We did a short hike today, taking Sunny Jim Trail out from the Skyline Ridge parking lot to Alpine Pond and then back on the Ipiwa trail (about 3 miles total). We were on the hunt for wildflowers and were mostly successful, but it looks like there is a lot more blooming to happen here in the next few weeks. read more

I love hiking at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. The park is located about 20-25 minutes from Saratoga up several winding roads. The trails are pretty moderate. The park has two lakes- Alpine Pond and Horseshoe Lake. Horseshoe Lake is pretty close to the main parking lot off Highway 35, while Alpine Lake is a few miles into the park. The park also has some nice overlooks off the Ipiwa Trail, which starts at the parks main trailhead. The park has a variety of both sunny and covered sections. Skyline Ridge also connects to two more parks- Long Ridge and Russian Ridge OSP for those looking for an extra long trail run or hike. The main parking lot is located off Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd). This parking lot has plenty of parking and bathrooms. If you come early enough, there should be no problems finding parking. Happy trails! read more

See all

Surprised I never review this place as it's an amazing hiking spot. There are some treacherous paths, but overall its a fun one. This is a perfect spot for a long walk while taking in the fresh air and getting your vitamin D especially now with COVID. Again, a pretty nice spot overall. read more

Beware - very windy road to get to. I get car sick so I made sure to eat before driving. Lots of cyclists on the windy roads so be careful. I got there at noon on Sunday and got the last available parking spot. Clearly marked trails. The Horseshoe Lake and Alpine Lake were ok. Very muddy. A few ducks. Lots of groups of kids and no masks. Bring a warm parka! I never get cold and I was shivering. read more

See all

Last hike park 4/4 - we did Russian Ridge, Coal Creek, Monte Bello, and last Skyline Ridge. This park is nice because it's got a view of the Horseshoe Lake - it was blue is all I remember, I didn't take a pic then when I asked my friend he said we weren't going there or seeing it again I was so bummed. So if you see something nice just take the damn picture!!! There was a nice overlook that I took pictures at. They have a nice Nature Center that inside the volunteer told me about the live garter snake inside the tank. I was rushing to get there since it was a bit after 4pm, lucky for us it was open until 5pm! It's a seasonal Nature Center so check their website for hrs. Nice pond you can look at right outside their doors. Worth a visit and good for kids. Parking is across the street at Russian Ridge. You walk under a tunnel that's cool! read more

See all

Growing up in northern California has had a big influence on my love and respect for the outdoors. When I lived in Oakland, we would think nothing of driving to Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz one day and then driving to the foothills of the Sierras the next day -- Tom Hanks The Santa Cruz Mountains are one of the most gorgeous areas of hiking that is also very close to a major population area. I have been to most of the State & County Parks in this area but based on Bradley N's 01-17-13 review of Skyline Ridge, I decided to give this Preserve a chance. Bradley wrote what probably is the definitive review so I will just add that he is right and I will include some photos of the amazing views. There is a small lake and nature center but the "show piece" part of this park is the mile trail after the rattlesnake sign with a spectacular visage out to the Pacific Ocean. Well worth a stop off of Skyline Blvd...see attached photos... Highly Recommended! read more

See all

This is a neat location. I've come here for stargazing, hiking and cycling. The parking lot is giant - which was perfect for having a large group to gather for stargazing. (Note - park is not opening at night normally. We got special permits. Please don't stay at night without permits!) Hiking is nice. Lots of trails that vary in hiking level. You can do a short hike or make it longer and continue to south to long ridge or north to russian ridge. Cycling also nice here. Bikes allowed. Single track trails and fire roads. Good place to bring a group :) read more

Really fun, theres a loop trail called "horseshoe" and that's a short one for views and scenery. The other trails take you deeper into the woods and that's just all you see. Not much after that. read more

See all

I keep having to pass up hike events posted by Yelpers because let's face it, I am out of shape. So, Sunday, after eating a Super Burrito al Pastor (nom nom nom), doing something active seemed much more prudent than watching TV, playing video games, or even -gasp- Yelping. If only those things burned calories! So, I pulled out the easy hikes guide, went to DSW for some hiking shoes, and hit the trail. It was cool, so I didn't worry about the rattlesnakes and I went from Horseshoe lake (probably the easiest hike from the parking lot) and then a steep climb to Russian Ridge, passing another lake, some rabbits, and then up to a hill. It was a wet weekend, and that made the trails from the parking lots very muddy and difficult. Ultra slippery and I almost lost my shoe in it after stopping for some water. SportsTrack of the hike, complete with elevation, my slow pace, pictures, and music playlist: http://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/workoutdetail/index.do?id=950379 The elevation oscillated from 1900 - 2400ft but for the most part rolling hills so it wasn't difficult once past the mud. read more

See all

I signed up for a docent led hike through Openspace.org, a great resource for local bay area hikers and totally free. Our docent brought along his grandson who was a mere 12 years old. But this kid sure knew his stuff on plants and local animals. The hike was about the many plants in the area, used for medicine, mostly. At first I was a little concerned that we would not be getting any shade on this path, from the parking lot, located at Russian Ridge Preserve, it seemed fairly dry and not very cool. Luckily we did walk by some cool patches that trees canopied over, mostly oaks. About three fourths in to the hike we ascended some hills and stopped at a good view of the reserve, trees, birds, and more trees were visible from this point. On the way up we spotted a rattle snake, hiding in between two rocks attempting to blend in and cool off. Near the end of the journey we stopped by some benches and had a peaceful lunch while listening to our docents history of the preserve and where it's name originated. We stopped along the nature center and got a great few of the small lake that mirrors the center. This was a very short easy hike, only two miles long, but it was so warm that day that I was red and sweaty anyway. read more

See all

Michael and I came here on a lovely spring evening when the half-moon was high. Alpine Pond is a magical misty place, full of energy and life... and the hilltop beyond the lake was reminiscent of the legendary Tor at Glastonbury. Ducks and cormorants floated along the rippling dark waters, and a bench at the far side provided views of the mirroring surface. Such an amazing, spirit-connected place... read more

See all

Skyline Ridge is one of those parks that has played two different roles in my adult life. Firstly as an outdoor destination with the kids (when they were very young). That's because it featured some short loop hikes, and these circled picturesque lakes (with the bonus of fish, bird and frog watching). And it was relatively easy to get to. It's second role started a several years ago, when I started to do much longer hikes through this area. I was amazed at the trails I had missed in this park, and discovered some wonderful spots to linger. As the name suggests, Skyline Ridge covers part of the upper reaches of the Santa Cruz range. But it's not the only one - There are four other parks next door: Russian Ridge OSP, Monte Bello OSP, Los Trancos OSP, and Coal Creek OSP.. In fact it is possible to visit all five parks in one, 9-mile loop hike, as I did recently with a group. (A much longer loop - about 16 mi - could be made if nearby Long Ridge OSP were added to the mix) And since Skyline Ridge is not on most hiking top ten lists, it's not a bad place to start a big loop hike. The main parking lot holds about 30 cars and is almost never full, even on beautiful days. But for avid hikers, there's a catch. There really aren't any good, long loop hikes contained solely within the park. Sure, there are some longer trails that drop down into canyons (Lambert Creek Trail; Old Page Mill Trail) but these terminate at dead-ends. So the only choice is a there-and back hike. Other trails, like the Ipiwa trail, connect the southern section to the northern section of the park, but alternate return trails (e.g. Sunny Jim) are scrappy, eroded, steep or downright ugly. So really, the only options for good, long loop hikes must include other nearby parks. On the plus side, Skyline Ridge is one of the only parks in the Santa Cruz range with lakes - not just one, but two. Alpine Pond is on the northern side of the park and is most easily accessed from the parking lot at Russian Ridge OSP. A short trail circumnavigates the pond and there's an excellent nature center with a dock. Horseshoe Lake is on the southern end of the park and is well-named for it's shape. A hike around this lake involves a bit more climbing, but those above the age of 5 or so should have no problem. And the lake (and views) are a little more impressive. There is one other shining jewel in this park that I discovered only a few years ago - the Gene Sheehan Overlook on the Ipiwa trail has become one of my favorite spots in the Santa Cruz range. It's at a point where the trail circumvents a rocky knob, and the steep drop-off reveals gorgeous views to the southwest. Two miles away (and 1700 ft below) is the secluded, old-growth forest of Peter's Creek. The hills of Pescadero Creek County Park rise beyond that; and further beyond lie the ridges of Butano. On non-foggy days, the ocean is visible through a couple of gaps in the distant peaks. I don't know what it is about this spot. Maybe it's the consistent, updraft breeze from the redwood valleys below; or maybe it's the ever-present hawks circling for their lunch. But I've never spent less than 15 minutes here drinking in the scenery. Here are a few short hike suggestions within Skyline Ridge: -- Horsehoe Lake loop (1.4 mi): From the Skyline main parking lot, follow signs to the Horseshoe Loop trail, which will circle the lake and eventually return you to where you started -- Alpine Pond mini-loop (0.7 mi) From the main parking lot at Russian Ridge OSP, enter Skyline ridge park through the under-road tunnel. Take the loop hike around the pond and visit the nature center on the way -- Lake-to-lake loop (4.3 mi). Starting at Skyline Ridge parking, visit the Horseshoe Lake per the hike above, but shortly after crossing the dam, head steeply uphill on the Sunny Jim Trail until you reach the Ipiwa Trail. Take the Ipiwa trail all the way to end, via beautiful vistas, where you will eventually encounter Alpine Pond and the nature center. Re-trace your steps, but on the return trip take the Ipiwa trail all the way back to parking. Rating this park is tough. Skyline Ridge OSP doesn't really offer enough for those who want to hike for an entire afternoon and see a wide variety of terrain. In that respect, it doesn't hold a candle to the likes of Purisima, Butano or Portola Redwoods. Grading on a "hiking curve" it really only garners an average rating. But some of its offerings are unique among the Skyline Rd. parks, so I'll add one more star. Hiking Spot Checklist: -- Parking: Yes; medium dirt lot that is rarely full; overflow parking also available -- Bathrooms: Pit toilets at main parking; pit toilets at Russian Ridge when visiting Alpine pond -- Potable water provided: Yes, but only at nature center next to Alpine Pond -- Maps provided: Yes -- Highlights: Two lakes; a gorgeous overlook; kid-friendly hikes My Peninsula Hike Collection is here: (https://www.yelp.com/collection/qBI6U6Lz9LJQjnGjFW6ubg) read more

See all

The official Skyline OSP parking lot is off Skyline Blvd. and it is in the middle between their two main trail lines (Horseshoe Lake and Alpine Pond at opposite ends). The unofficial parking lot is at Russian Ridge OSP Download the trail map here https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/map_SR.pdf If you are parking at the Skyline OSP parking lot, you can start with the Horseshoe Lake trail, extend to and through the Fir Knoll Trail and Tree Farm Trail, for about 2 Miles, loop back to the parking lot and start towards Alpine Pond on Ipiwa Trail, loop the Alpine Pond, come back on Sunny Jimmy Trail and cut through Butano View Trail, for about 3 Miles. Overall, great trail, more than half of the trails are shaded, the Butano View Trail offers the best view IMO There is a restroom in the parking lot, no water fountain. There is also a disability parking lot as well read more

See all

One of my favorite places/area to go to whether its during daytime or nighttime... In the morning its nice for a hiking or just a small picnic but be careful - it has rattle snakes... At night time it's the perfect place for stargazing and to just enjoy the beautiful weather... read more

I'm really surprised I haven't reviewed this picturesque open space preserve. I remember going here years ago on a regular weekend basis. The rain didn't stop me from biking the trails and getting dirty. I wasn't the only one on the trails today, many mountain bikers and cyclists were out there, so don't call me crazy. Despite the rain, the trails were identifiable. Montebello and Saratoga Gap are my favorites: single track and steep. It's definitely a great place to hike during the spring/summer time. Lots of trees which means lots of shade. It's grazed with lots of grass, flowers, and little squirrels etc. It's refreshing to visit in any weather. read more

Accessibility is underrated. At least this is generally the case with me, especially when I am hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The more remote, steep, and inaccessible, the better! That's why I didn't visit Skyline Ridge OSP for several years, despite having spent considerable time in its surrounding preserves and parks - Russian Ridge, Monte Bello, Long Ridge, Stevens Creek, Butano Ridge, Big Basin, Pescadero Creek, and Portola Redwoods. It seemed, well, TOO accessible: a nature center, lakes for the kids, wide, multi-use trails for horses and bikes. Even a U-Pick chestnut orchard and Christmas tree farm, for goodness sake! So I wisely left Skyline to those people living on the Peninsula who appreciated things like accessibility, while I roamed the far reaches of places like Purisima, El Corte de Madera, or the Peters Creek Grove alone. It seemed like a good system. But then I realized that I was missing out on what Skyline Ridge has to offer: it's so obvious that I missed it for many years. What did I miss? What was so obvious? The name! Skyline Ridge. Not Horseshoe Lake or Daniels Nature Center or "that place with the chestnuts and Christmas tree farm." There is an actual ridge here ("literally!", as the late Huell Howser might have said): a North to South trending spine of stone, trees, and grassy meadows. It does what all great ridges in the area do. It elevates you to a location where panoramas are possible, vistas that are never the same thing twice: of Monte Bello Ridge, exposed and elemental in mid-morning sun; of redwood-crusted Butano Ridge looming like the back of an emerald green, sleeping dragon; of small creeks and steep ravines and hidden watersheds that descend from Skyline to the Pacific Ocean, which you'll see on the horizon, deep, eternal, and blue. And no matter how times I gaze upon the Pacific from 2,000 feet above, I just can't get enough. It's the mother of all views, and one major reason why these particular preserves are so special and deserving of public use. So, if you want to experience Skyline Ridge the Santa Cruz Mountain way, head out on foot on the Ipiwa Trail, beginning at the Horseshoe Lake parking area. It's just down the road on Skyline Boulevard from the Alpine Road and Page Mill Road intersection. Avoid the multi-use trails if you can, as they get muddy and rutted from bike tires and horses' hooves. Once you climb above the lake and see the Rattlesnake Sign (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#ItbFn4fGbejK_8FbOym-Rw), you'll know you are on the right path. From there, the next mile is spectacular, if the skies are clear and the foot traffic light. It's a microcosm of what makes the West Side open space preserves so wonderful. Behind you, Monte Bello Ridge and the Black Mountain summit rise up from Stevens Creek (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#msnmkZfCfQ4UEmAK17ZJdw), while above the grass-covered hillsides shimmer in seasonal colors - yellow, gold, or green depending on the time of year (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#guJeLWY5a0JByEDdjgeXFA). The trail itself winds around the ridge edging even closer to the ocean, with simple but satisfying views of the landscape below, heading towards Pescadero (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#sLLpc1vI_nDTqroZgkYKHw). Nothing snow-capped here, no alpine lakes and rocky ramparts, but beautiful in a serene kind of way (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#cBB0VKjoUrqOrLjouRQQ8Q). If there is no fog that day, you'll soon spot the blue horizon of the Pacific, just enough to attract your eye's attention (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#ubaRNUxeHvYLteYA3njHJA). Soon enough you'll approach the Notch, a stone outcropping secured with cables and poles for those who might be inclined to imitate the birds by attempting to soar into space (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#xgz5Yl7WdIBznBskOEH1RA), and then you'll reach the Eberhardt Bench (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#Yeke9s8tsqQH_RYLJo8nag), a worn wooden resting spot named for a hiker, nature lover, and advocate of the Mid-Peninsula regional open space movement (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/skyline-ridge-open-space-preserve-los-altos#Alx4xQiQYV3unKx4nCS_wA). There's more to Skyline than the Ipiwa Trail, which does double duty as a leg on the Bay Area Ridge trail (and thus can be hiked through as part of a point-to-point hike to Saratoga Gap and beyond). But for me, this tiny stretch of single-track trail is the heart and soul of the place: quintessential Santa Cruz Mountains. It's so simple to find, but it's really hard to forget. Accessibility. It has its appeal ... read more

See all

Thought this was an okay hike - we were looking for something super-easy & a gateway back into the hiking arena & were fool enough to believe this would be a nice easy trail.....let me just assure you it's not. Well, maybe it's easy but not the *super* easy hike I was hoping for. And the roads to get up here will have you in need of a break for sure! TONS of hairpin turns & cyclists tackling the mountain - very harrowing! It took us longer to drive up there than it took to hike the short trail :-( Maybe for those experienced, in-shape people but for someone who's trying to rebuild her stamina, it seemed like the longest 3 miles of my life Thank goodness it was a cool day so we didn't have to beware of the Rattlesnakes & the guide-writer mentioned seeing a Bobcat here once...again, PHEW! read more

Skyline Ridge offers pretty ridge views, miles and miles of challenging trails, meadows, ponds, and Horseshoe lake for a quiet picnic. The trails are rarely crowded and make for an intimate run or hike. About two and a half miles into the preserve is Alpine Pond with a nature center that handed out free bandannas in honor of Earth Day! Not sure if it was the new altitude or beginning of really warm weather that had us sucking wind, but my BF and I were having a tough time getting up to the first ridge! We are intermediately experienced hikers so a couple of miles with intermittent grades of 20-30 degrees is usually a piece of cake for us. Would of been nice if this particular trail had more trees for us to take a break under the shade. Anywho, the somewhat steep inclines and declines SROP offers makes for great Half-Dome training. We aren't nearly in shape for a 17mi hike with a 60 degree incline (not to mention the BF has a light fear of heights) . :/ But we're getting there! read more

This space is awesome! There are so many hikes in this district that it would take you days to complete them all. Some of the more popular hikes are: -Coal Creek -Long Ridge - Los Trancos -Monte bello - Rancho San Antonio - Russian Ridge - Saratoga Gap -Skyline Ridge My favorites are the Russian Ridge and Skyline Ridge. A word to the wise, when you part definitely ask for a trail map. You can easily get lost in this open space preserve and since its so large - just get a map! The hikes are nice but not too many "views" on the trails I went on. Beware of the heat too- Saratoga gets really warm in the summer so be sure to pack plenty of water! read more

As the name tells, you can hike on the rige trail. From the trail, sky is so blue and beautiful. Hills are so green and pretty. This scenery makes me refreshed, think to my self. read more

I like Skyline Ridge. It's one of the least crowded parks along Skyline and there are numerous places where you can have a private chat or share a moment with a special someone. However, it is lacking in views compared to the absolutely spectacular Russian Ridge just to the north, and it lacks the ambiance of Long Ridge just to the south. There are some days when you just want to be out there alone though, and I'm glad they set it aside for that. read more

Horseshoe lake is a nice little place to stop and rest. The trails are well maintained, although not all are covered under the canopy and on a hot day I can see the sun being a problem. Overall I think I'd restrict visits here to winter days when it's cool out and you can enjoy the views and hikes more. read more

I hiked many hours and many trails at Sklyline Ridge with Team in Training when I was training for an all day hike of the Grand Canyon. The wonderful, beautiul great outdoors. Make sure you get a map if any are available at the main trail entrance stand. read more

Has nothing on Russian Ridge, but it has some nice views to the coast, an old farm area that seems to be a favorite for deer, and a nice pond with ducks. The southern part of the preserve is a major letdown; everything is between two crests, so there are no views, and the trails are not well kept. read more

Skyline Ridge Preserve - Hiking Near Me

Hiked here many times, wide open views, open sky~ great hike out to the pond and back over the fire trail ~ great cardio that way, under trees* Yes, great for small picnic, and wonderful hike in the mornings or late afternoon as the sun is lower in the sky* Going back soon!* read more

Great place to hike with kids. Staff at the Nature Center are very friendly and there are good interactive exhibits. Check out the Ohlone Indian acorn grinding stone and natural slide near the pond--my kids love it! read more

Skyline Ridge is a great place to hike. There are beautiful sites that look out over rolling mountains and in the distance the pacific ocean. For Children, there is Nature center that is stroller friendly. There is Toilet located nearby. Bicycles: are allowed on many of these trails. Horses: Allowed on some trails and there is a staging area located at nearby Skyline Ridge Preserve. Dogs: Allowed in park but not on some trails. The area around the nature center is stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible. There is a toilet in the parking area. For a useful trail map: search for "Silicon Valley Trails" and then select Russian Ridge. read more

This is beautiful for sight seeing but easy on exercise. It didn't feel like a workout, but more like a beautiful walk. Stunningly beautiful vista point and a picturesque lake. read more

See all

A nice mix of sun and forest. a good trail hike for the day! I ran the horseshoe lake trail marathon here about 2 weeks ago but did a mild jog here about a month ago before that. Getting here had plenty of curvy roads and bikers so be careful when driving up here. Parking wasn't too bad when I came here, didn't seem like too many people came here. There are a few trails here and most of them are decent to hike. Not a lot of great views unless your into the forest and enjoy trees. I ran across a location that actually grew christmas trees and sold them there during the season. There are plenty of better hike's in california I think, this is a decent one. There are a few signs that show that bobcats are in the area...never saw one. Maybe a few birds, a snake, and some deer. Bottom line: if you feel like going out and getting some fresh air, this may be good to try. Bring some water and enjoy the sun. Inclines weren't too bad for hiking, there were a few spots that were difficult but overall, it wasn't too strenuous. read more

If you can make this drive, then it's well worth it. More of a side of the road/shoulder pit stop but that doesn't take away anything from the views. Recently added more safety features for bad drivers as accidents used to happen pretty often! Great on an evening where it isn't cloudy. Parking spots may be filled and it will get pretty crowded on an evening of a meteor shower or other astrological wonder. read more

It's a nice place to walk or go for a run. Not much of a picnic spot or friend hangout.

I hiked both the trails in this preserve and in the neighboring Russian Ridge within months of one another. For now I've come to the conclusion that I like this one letter. This may be smaller in size and lack the view from Borel Hill looking down on the Palo Alto area. However, I feel the equally good view along with that of two lakes on the prescribed figure eight hike which I did more than makes up for it. Certain Bay Area hiking books describe Russian Ridge as a premier hike bit more likely I will be revisiting Skyline Ridge instead. read more

Tried this place out on a Saturday morning. My friend and I took the Ipiwa trail to then the Sunny Jim Trail back. There was nice shade here and there and incline wasn't too bad. There were a few spots of dead on sun but it was an ok day so it wasn't too bad with breeze every once in awhile. Not a lot of people were out but there were several people around everytime we walked. Hiking trails were good enough space and had wonderful views everywhere. I'd definitely come again or all the nearby preserves around the area. read more

Any open space preserve, in my opinion, deserves 5 stars for providing an experience closest to nature that may not be around in 100 years. Yet I'm giving 4 stars solely based on my almost 4-yr-old's perspective. We observed a couple of deer on the road while driving, went through a little tunnel, stood on a shaky plank watching cattail and ducks in tiny Alpine pond, saw a dozen holes that used to be mortars by native Americans (shouldn't these be fenced?), and walked around horseshoe lake. We did not find any wild mushrooms that appeared so often on signs. The nature center was not open at the time of visit. I was surprised to see so few people during our hike (fewer than 70). Most people were pretty nice when I asked how to get from point A to point B. Only two mothers supervising 6 girls simply replied "there's the map". Overall it's a great place to enjoy panoramic views as long as you don't have motion sickness. read more

Peaceful place to go for a walk and to break up the drive on Skyline. Come prepared for a range of weather as even in summer the fog can be super cold. read more

Skyline Ridge Preserve - Hiking Near Me

Fabulous trail in SKyline OSP. It's not a maintained trail, but partly an old road and partly deer trail. It loops through a centuries old chestnut orchard. The ORchard is located about a mile southg of Skyline OSP via the ridge trail. Walk cross country up through the beautifulk orchard to where you encounter a fence, hike up the hill and you will be rewarded with a beautiful ocean view as well as the many ridges tot he west. HIke south along the ridge, following the many deer trails. Stay to the left of the house/yard and you will encounter an old road that returns to the base of the chestnut orchard. I've never encountered anyone else. Although not a marked and maintained trail, it is perfectly legal to hike off trail at the mid-pen reserves. The fact that this is not a maintained trail makes it even more of a delight. Enjoy! read more