Cougar Mountain- Bear Ridge Trail

Date of Hike: March 2008

Hike Route: Bear Ridge (E3) -> West Tibbetts Creek (E10) -> Protector Trail (E9) -> Shangri La (E1) -> West Tibbets Trail -> Bear Ridge

This is a great hike if you want to stay away from the crowds. There is only space for three cars in the parking lot off of SR 900. The lot is located after the Talus intersection and before milepost 20 on SR900.

The hike is a basic lollipop, with the first mile of the hike being almost all uphill gaining about 600 feet from the start of the hike.

At the beginning of the hike, there are a couple left turns to keep on the Bear Ridge Trail. These are well marked.


Since it was March, the forest was pretty barren, which provides for some interesting views normally hidden by dense brush. I should say there are no real "views" on this hike, but there are some nice filtered views of Tiger Mountain when you get up above 800 feet.

The Bear Ridge trail is the only way to get to "Fantastic Erratic" Glacial Boulder. Its a nice place to stop and take a break along the way.

As you continue past the Boulder, you can see back toward Tiger Mountain for some nice sunrise views, if you start early enough. The Bear Ridge trail meets with the West Tibbetts Creek trail which continues up toward the Tibbetts marsh area of the mountain.

The West Tibbetts trail goes up to about 1200 feet, when you turn right on to the Protector trail (via a short connection on the Tibbetts Marsh trail). This 0.3 mile trail seems to be used very seldomly and is fairly narrow but offers some nice hiking with a cool redwood glen walk through. The county trail map shows a look-out point on the Protector Trail, but I didnt see any point -- maybe I missed it.

The Protector trail meets up with the Shangri La Trail at "Pulper Junction". The Shangri La trail is fairly wide and provides some more nice filter views of Tiger Mountain during the winter.

The Shangri La Trail crosses a couple feeder creeks during the winter -- not sure these would be active during the summer. Considering it had rained the day before, the trail was very dry for having so much water running on small creeks nearby. There were only a couple muddy points, but really most of Cougar Mountain's trails are pretty dry even after a winter storm.

On the way back you return via Bear Ridge Trail. There is an option to return via the West Tibbetts Creek Trail - but I didnt do that on this hike.

Here is a short video of one of the creeks running by the trail:

Overall a very enjoyable and peaceful 2-hour hike on a Sunday morning. The 4.2 mile trek is a good workout for the first mile or so as you get up onto the mountain. Once you reach the Boulder the rest of the hike is fairly easy with enjoyable trails and random creeks which lead to the west fork of Tibbetts Creek.

If the parking lot is full, you can continue west on SR 900 to two other trailheads:
Squak Mountain Connector Trail (you can choose to go to Squak or Cougar Mtn from here)
Wilderness Creek Trail (large paved parking lot)

More Photos from Hiking on Cougar


Basics:
Area - Talus Open Space / Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (Near Issaquah,Washington)
Trails - (Trail Map)
Length - 4 miles lollipop - Two-hour easy hike (moderate uphill on the first mile)
Trail - Lollipop, dirt trail, limited stops along the way. Well marked and maintained.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Not really any true "views" but there are some interesting spots along the hike
Getting There - Google Map
Fee- None, free very limited parking
Other Trails - tons! There is a longer version of this hike on page 33 in This Book

Arnold might close some State Parks

Under a proposed budget plan, the California Governor will close 48 state parks out of 278 existing parks. The plan would close two major hiking areas in the Bay Area including Henry W. Coe State Park and Portola-Redwood State Park.

While I have not hiked Henry Coe yet...it does seem to be a favorite hiking park for many.

Portola-Redwood State park is one of my favorites, given how truly "remote" it is -- even though its a short drive from the Peninsula or the South Bay. It provides a number of hikes including one long remote 13-mile hike that I did last year.

For a map and list of the proposed closures, click here

More coverage of the proposed park closings:
SFGate.com
LATimes.com

Best Bay Area Hikes of 2007

Here are some of the best bay area hikes that I have done this year...

Best Overall Hike:

Montara Mountain North Peak hike
World Class views on a clear day of the Pacific Coastline and the Bay Area (if you reach the top).

Best Book on Hiking on the Peninsula:

Peninsula Trails: Outdoor Adventures on the San Francisco Peninsula (Trails)
Lots of detail and decent maps and directions

Best Hiking with a Dog:

Hamms Gulch-Windy Hill Loop
It can get wet during the winter storms, but its a great dog trail

(runner-up) Pulgas Ridge Open Space
A true Dog trail, but a bit bland


Best Trail overrun by bikers:

El Corte De Madera Creek - North
Its a great area and nice trails, but its overrun by mountain bikers on weekends


Best Trail WAY OUT there:

Portola Redwoods Park - Peters Creek Loop
Not only is this park remote, but the trail is very lonely on weekdays -- I did not see anyone the whole 13 miles.


Best Trail for views of San Francisco:

San Bruno Mountain - Summit Loop Trail
On clear day, you can see all around the Bay Area... but on foggy days -- not so much

Whats your favorite hike this year? (Post in Comments and I will tally them)

happy hiking!

Windy Hill - Razorback Ridge Trail

This hike starts from the Willowbrook/Alpine Road entrance to the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. I have often done a similar hike up to Windy Hill, but using the Spring Trail on the return. This hike starts on the same Hamms Gulch trail, but instead of turning north -- you continue south on the Lost Trail and then connecting to the Razorback Ridge Trail.

An alternate route is to do the simple out and back on the Razorback Ridge trail, but I had time and wanted to do a "loop"

Trail Route (loop) : Hamms Gulch Trail -> Lost Trail -> Razorback Ridge Trail -> Eagle Trail/Alpine Road
Alternate Route (Out and back) : Eagle Trail/Alpine Road -> Razorback Ridge Trail and back

Near the summit, you will reach the end of the Hamms Gulch trail. At this point you continue south (left) on the Lost Trail.

Since you are at the summit of the mountain, the Lost Trail mostly in the open with high brush on either side. There are some shady areas, but there is lots of open sunny path.

The Lost Trail is fairly narrow and is mostly a single track trail. It is very well maintained and provides a great experience on the top of the ridge.

At one point, you will pass a small water trough for horse. This water comes from a nearby spring in the mountain.

After passing the water trough, you will soon reach the intersection with the Razorback trail. Here you continue downhill to the left.

The razorback ridge trail is fairly enjoyable, and provides mostly shade all the way down to Alpine road. However, this trail is full of tight switchbacks. It should be called "switchback" ridge trail, but Razorback sounds better.

At some points the sides along the trail are fairly steep, but the trail is very well maintained. no bikes are allowed on this trail -- but it is popular with runners/joggers.

The Razorback Ridge Trail provides a couple view points along the way -- more than the Hamms Gulch trail provides.


Some guide books suggest this routing as one of the "Best Hikes in the Bay Area" -- but this seems odd, since you completely miss the fantastic views from Windy Hill back to Bay Area. I would highly recommend this hike, if you want to experience one of the REAL Best Hikes in the Bay Area.

The Razorback Ridge trail ends on a private drive near Alpine Road.


One the way back to the parking lot, you can either walk down Alpine Road (paved road) or take Eagle Trail side trails.

The Eagle Trails are ok and run along the Corte Madera Creek. They are single track trails.


The Eagle Trail will end at this road, you should turn right to get back to Alpine Road. If you turn left, you can connect back with the Hamms Gulch trail.

This was an enjoyable hike, but if you want to avoid switchbacks and have a really nice view you should take the Hamms Gulch - Windy Hill loop instead.

More photos of Windy Hill

Basics:
Area - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District - Windy Hill in Portola Valley
Trails - Hamms Gulch Trail/Lost Trail/Razorback Trail/Eagle Trail (Trail Map)
Length - 8.2 miles roundtrip - Easy Hike (uphill, but easy)
Trail - Loop, dirt trail, limited stops along the way. Well marked and maintained, dry starting in May.
Dogs - Some (not allowed on Razorback Ridge Trail)
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike, allowed on other trails
View - Just a few
Getting There - Google Map Take 280 to Alpine Road Exit, head West toward Portola Valley. The parking lot is before Willowbrook Road.
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Lots of Shade, can be wet at the top if very foggy during the summer.
Other Trails - there are other trails nearby including the Windy Hill Loop and Portola Ranch Trails

Portola Redwoods Park - Peters Creek Loop

UPDATE 10 Jan 2007 - This park has been targeted to be closed due to State budget cuts. Enjoy it while you can! SFGate.com story on the park closures, click here

Portola Redwoods State Park offers a number or short and long hikes. This state park has a number of camp sites and group areas, so its mainly populated with Campers -- rather than day visitors.

A couple precautions about this park:

Bring Pants - while most of this hike is in the redwoods, there are a number of areas where the brush has overgrown the trail. You can avoid ticks and scrapes by wearing pants.
Bring lots of water, food - since this is a 13 mile hike, you should bring ample water and food. There is no public water near the trail.
Drive carefully (with lots of gas) - Alpine and Portola State Park Roads are VERY narrow and multiple points can not fit two cars. The nearest gas station is about 20 mins away.



After paying at the main Park Office, you continue crossing a bridge and park near the trailhead.
Hike Route: Old Lone Tree -> Slate Creek Trail -> Bear Creek Trail/Peters Creek -> Peters Creek Loop

The Lone Tree trail starts right off the main park road and is well marked.


Turn Left on the Slate Creek Trail (to Trail Camp) and continue up a steep (but short) hillside.

The Slate Creek Trail is a very nice trail -- well marked and maintained. Near the top of the hill it will meet with the Summit Trail (which was closed on the day I was there).

At 1000 ft elevation you will reach the Trail Camp area. There are six campsites located in this area. Some trail books suggest having lunch at this point, but to be honest there is really nothing there other than some trash containers and a storage locker.


There is a very cautionary sign located at the start of the Bear Creek Trail. At this point the Bear Creek trail is a very wide and gentle logging trail, but soon it turns into a much different kind of trail experience.


About midway between the Trail Camp and Peters Creek the trail becomes fairly narrow and very overgrown. The weeds and brush on the day I was there were over my head.

After reaching the summit the trail starts downhill quickly, there is ONE point where you have a great view of the nearby mountains. Other than this spot, there are no views -- but the Redwoods provide a very scenic experience.

After a very quick down hill trek, you reach Bear creek and cross a small footbridge.

Bears Creek trail leads to the Peters Creek Loop, you can turn right or left at this point. This is the best part of the hike, so enjoy it! There are no bridges across Peters Creek, but there are enough rocks to make it without getting wet.


The hike back up from the Creek is not to be under estimated. It is fairly steep, but once you climb out of the creek area you have a gentle downhill hike back to the trailhead.

I have mixed feelings about this hike. On the good side, its a good long hike that has a nice creek payoff. On the not so good side, there are no views and the trail is fairly overgrown in parts. I did this hike on a Thursday morning starting at 6am and never saw a single person in the park or on the 13 mile hike.

On weekends, this park is probably fairly busy and the trails will have hikers and campers.

All in all, not a bad hike -- but not my favorite.

More Photos

Basics:
Area - Peters Creek Loop
Trail - Slate Creek, Bear Creek, Peters Creek Loop (Trail Map)
Length - 13 miles Out and Back- Easy Hike (Moderate uphill return)
Trail - Old logging roads, single track trails -- well marked, somewhat overgrown.
Dogs - None - not allowed
Bikes - None - not allowed
View - none, other than redwood trees
Getting There - Google Map From Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd), take Alpine Road West, continue on Portola State Park road to the Park. This is a VERY narrow and somewhat dangerous road.
Fee- $6 self-pay at the Park Office for Day Use Parking
Weather - Since this trail is all shade, its good year round -- including hot summers
Other Trails - there are other trails in the park and nearby County Park.

Sweeney Ridge GGNRA - Sneath Lane to Portola Gate

This has to be one of the most underrated hikes on the San Francisco Peninsula. It has great views of the Bay -and- the Pacific Ocean plus includes the real "discovery" site of the San Francisco Bay Area -- made famous by Spanish Explorer Captain Juan Gaspar de Portola in 1769.

There are a couple different trailheads for the Sweeney Ridge area. For this hike I started at the Sneath Lane Trailhead. There is a small road side parking lot for about 12 cars, there is also ample parking up the road in the nearby neighborhood. Since this trail is very close to San Bruno Highlands area, it can get quiet busy on the weekends. The best time to take this hike is EARLY on a clear day.

There are no restrooms or maps at the trailhead, so its best to be prepared before you start the hike. The best MAP of the area can be found on the National Park Service site.

The Sneath Lane part of the hike is on a narrow paved road. The road is well maintained and makes for a good all-weather surface.

Quickly the hike introduces you to the San Andreas Reservoir to the south. This is part of the Peninsula Watershed and is off limits to the public since it is part of the public water system for the city of San Francisco.

The Sneath Lane road starts to become a moderate incline at the "Fog Line", which helps bikers and hikers on foggy days. On busy days it does help seperate the uphill and downhill traffic.

The hike continues to be a bit of a steep climb until you reach the bench that overlooks San Bruno mountain to the northeast.
At the crest of Sweeney Ridge, Sneath Lane meets with the Sweeney Ridge Trail. To the Left leads to the Portola Gate and to the right it leads to the Nike Missile Control Site. For this hike we headed south to the Portola Gate. This intersection is well marked and designates this part of the trail as the (incomplete) Bay Area Ridge Trail.


The southern part of the Sweeney Ridge Trail is a dirt road. The trail leads past the Portola Discovery Site which has two markers explaining the "discovery" of the San Francisco Bay Area by Captain Portola on November 4, 1769. The elevation here is 1220 feet and its the highest peak in the Sweeney Ridge area.

After the Discovery site the trail intersects with the Baquiano Trail which leads to Pacifica and Cattle Hill. Continuing on Sweeney Ridge Trail south, you will lose some elevation but its not much and the views of Montara Mountain and the Pacific Ocean are very nice.


After about a mile past the Discovery Site, you will reach the Portola Gate. This gate is at 1195 feet elevation. Be careful near the gate, there was a very active bee hive located in the gate pole on the day I was there.


From here you retrace your steps back down to the Sneath Lane Trailhead.

One reason this hike maybe not highlighted as a Top Hike is it does get popular on the weekends with hikers, dogs and mountain bikers. Luckily the trails are all very wide so there is ample room for everyone. The views are the best of both worlds on clear days, offering the best views the Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean. In addition, there are constant views of Pacifica, San Bruno & Montara Mountains, the Peninsula Watershed and even the San Francisco Airport (SFO).

More Photos

Basics:
Area - Sweeney Ridge - Golden Gate National Recreational Area
Trail - Sneath Lane and Sweeney Ridge Trail (Trail Map)
Length - 6 miles Out and Back- Easy Hike (Moderate/Easy uphill)
Trail - Paved road to the ridge, dirt road from ridge to the Portola Gate. Well maintained and marked.
Dogs - Some -- good dog hike, since there are almost no foxtails or brush with ticks.
Bikes - Yes
View - Almost all views - San Andreas Reservoir, Montara Mountain, Pacific Ocean, Pacifica and more.
Getting There - Google Map Take 280 or 35 to Sneath Lane, head west until the road ends.
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Avoid if foggy, almost no shade. Bring water and sunscreen on hot days.
Other Trails - there are other trails nearby including Mori Ridge and Baquiano

Montara Mountain - Saddle Pass

Montara Mountain has two main peaks in the Park. The main and highest peak (1899 feet high) is North Peak which I hiked on a clear sunny day. The other peak is Saddle Pass which is only 924 feet high. Since it was a very foggy morning I decided on the Saddle Pass hike today.

The hike starts at the same limited parking lot on the east side off Highway 1. From the parking lot you can hike toward the Rangers Residence or take the cut-over trail toward the Gray Whale Cove trail.
The cut-over trail provides the best views of the Montara Beach area. Along this trail you can hear the waves crashing on the beach.

After turning right on to the Gray Whale Cove Trail, you will soon be on the Old Pedro Mountain Road. The trails are VERY well marked and in good condition.
The old Pedro Trail Mountain Road is similar to the North Peak Access Road -- it was a former paved road that has slowly eroded away leaving a decent trail surface.

The trail intersects with the North Peak Access Trail, if you stay to the left you will travel on a rarely used trail around one of the hillside peaks. After this it will meet up again with the North Peak route and finally veers off to the left. This final intersection is well marked, but make sure you follow signs for "Old Pedro Mountain Road - Pacifica".

The top of Saddle pass is not marked, but you will see a single trail marker and some power towers nearby. For the BEST view from the top of Saddle Pass, take a unmarked trail toward the ocean. Pictured here:

This very narrow trail will lead to a clearing (below) where you have an great vantage point to see the Pacific. Obviously on this day, it was too foggy to see anything.


More Photos

Basics:
Area - McNee Ranch - Montara State Park
Trail - Old Pedro Mountain Road
Length - 6.4 miles out and back - Moderate Hike (900' Elevation gain)
Trail - Out and Back-style, dirt trail/paved road, some stops along the way. Very well marked and maintained.
Dogs - Some
Bikes - Yes - this is a popular bike route to/from Pacifica
View - Most of the way
Getting There - Google Map North of Montara on Highway 1
Fee- None, free parking (two parking lots)
Weather - It can be very foggy during Summer
Other Trails - the other main hike is to the North Peak. The Montara State Beach is located on the west side of the highway.

Portola Valley - Toyon Trail

This trail starts across Alpine Road from the Hamms Gulch Trail. It shares the same parking lot -- however it is a very different trail from those in the Windy Hill Open Space

The trailhead has a sign which describes the trails, usage, etc. There were no maps, so I suggest having a good book (Peninsula Trails by Jean Rusmore - Wilderness Press) or printing out the Map of Portola Valley Trails before starting your hike. There are numerous trails within the area, many connecting (and reconnecting) with other trails along the way -- so it can be a bit confusing without a map for first timers

My hike started up the Toyon Trail (single track trail), which is almost all in shade all the way to the intersection of the Lake Trail. The trail is for hiking only, there are several boards and logs that act as water diversions and prevents bikes from using the trail. Note- this trail complex is very popular with joggers/runners since its only for hiking and is shaded.


The Trail crosses a couple seasonal creeks. One of the crossings involves a narrow cut log with a rope to assist you across.


There are a few places where you break out of the shade and can view the gulch with Corte Madera creek running at the bottom. Early in the morning on a Winter/Spring day, you hear lots of water running and birds.




At the end of the Toyon Trail is two very small lakes. This one was covered with Algee, with a lone duck enjoying the day.

On the return trip, I opted to go via the Old Spanish Trail, Arroyo and Bay Laurel trails. This trails are on the east side of the Coal Mine Ridge and are much closer to the annoying McMansions of the Blue Oaks development. Within the Coal Mine Ridge area there a couple different benches and even swings for the kids.

The Old Spanish Trail is nice, but often has views of the over-sized houses nearby.


One highlight of the Arroyo trail is it opens to a nice meadow that is full of wildflowers during the spring.


Overall, not the most exciting trail. But this would be a good trail for kids or not serious hikers.

More Photos

Basics:
Area - Portola Valley
Trail - Toyon Trail (Town Trail Map)
Length - Approx. 4 miles roundtrip - Very Easy Hike (limited uphill, but very easy)
Trail - Up and Back-style or Loop -- depending if you take other trails. Dirt Trail that is well marked and maintained, can get muddy after rain storms.
Dogs - Not allowed
Bikes - Not allowed
View - Not really any
Getting There - Google Map Take 280 to Alpine Road Exit, head West toward Portola Valley. The parking lot is before Willowbrook Road.
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Can be cool -- lots of shade, great for a sunny hot day.
Other Trails - there are other trails nearby in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Portola Valley - Hamms Gulch Trail

The Hamms Gulch trail is the less popular trail in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. The Trailhead is near Alpine and Willowbrook road in Portola Valley. There is a good size parking lot -- which also serves the Coal Mine Ridge trailhead.

The trail starts up Alpine road past the Willowbrook intersection. The trail is open to hikers and horses -- no bikes. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the trails. On this day, Jake the dog came along for a nice long hike.


This trail is very well defined and well marked, typical for Open Space trails. The trail crosses Corte Madera Creek (no bridge), which was running fairly strong after a recent rain storm.


While the trail is wide enough for easy hiking, there was a ton of Poison Oak along the trail. From the creek crossing the trail goes uphill in a very gentle way. Its a very nice cool hike with lots of shade.

A couple switchbacks are along the trail, with very limited views. There were about four points where you have a view of Portola Valley and the Bay.

If you want views of the Bay Area, this is not the trail to take. For great views, take the Spring Ridge Trail from the Portola Road trailhead.




Basics:
Area - Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District - Windy Hill in Portola Valley
Trail - Hamms Gulch Trail (Trail Map)
Length - 6 miles roundtrip - Easy Hike (uphill, but easy)
Trail - Up and Back-style, dirt trail, limited stops along the way. Well marked and maintained, can get muddy after rain storms.
Dogs - Some
Bikes - None - not allowed
View - Just a few
Getting There - Google Map Take 280 to Alpine Road Exit, head West toward Portola Valley. The parking lot is before Willowbrook Road.
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Can be cool -- lots of shade, great for a sunny hot day.
Other Trails - there are other trails nearby Eagle Trail, Coal Mine Ridge Trail, Meadow Trail

Montara Mountain - McNee Ranch Hike

This was the best hike I have done thus far this year. Its a long uphill hike, but on a clear day it provides for the best views of the Pacific Coast and the Bay Area that you can get.

This is one of the Best Hikes in the Bay Area in my book. But go EARLY to avoid the mountain bikers.

The Hike is called the Montara Mountain North Peak hike, along the North Peak Access Road. The trail is located within the McNee Ranch, which located within the Montara State Beach. There are a couple different ways to start this hike, the first option is the Limited Parking area located on the East side of Highway 1, after the Montara Beach main parking area. The second parking lot to the north on Highway 1 is bigger and has beach access.


The trail is well marked, and it starts right from the Highway, leading past a Rangers Residence. The North Peak Access Trail is more of a dirt road for the first section. This is an all purpose trail with Bikes, dogs and horses allowed. After passing the Ranger's house, the trail starts up -- and it is fairly steep.


On the way up there are a couple different trails to get some great views of the Pacific Ocean. In addition, there is a connection trail (the Grey Whale Cove trail) that leads to the larger parking lot.
There are some wildflowers and wildlife along the way, but this hikes biggest asset is the View! The view was great since this was a fogless day the day after a Spring storm. This area is very prone to fog during the summer/early fall.

On the way up to the top you get views of Pacifica, San Francisco and the Marin Headlands. You can even see the Golden Gate Bridge from a number of stops along the way.


The Trail goes from Dirt to pavement to rock cut out of the mountain. Its a very interesting trail surface near the top.

At the top, you can access some great views from the San Francisco Watershed gate.

For the best view, head up to the Communication Tower access road (currently covered in Black gravel). Around the highest tower, you will find a small unmarked path leading to a clearing at the very top of the North Peak. Here you have 360 views of the Bay Area and the Pacific Coast. On this day I could see Mt Diablo, The Santa Cruz Mountains and all the way to Mount Tam to the north.
On a clear day you can see down the Pacific Coast toward Santa Cruz.


The way down is very easy, since its almost 99% down hill. This was a very enjoyable hike and had the best views of any hike I have done.

More Photos

Also - I highly recommend the book Peninsula Trails by Jean Rusmore (Wilderness Press) -- The Fourth edition is very up to date.

Basics:
Area - McNee Ranch - Montara State Park
Trail - North Peak Access Road
Length - 7.8 miles out and back - Difficult/Moderate Hike (1800' Elevation gain!)
Trail - Out and Back-style, dirt trail/paved road, some stops along the way. Very well marked and maintained.
Dogs - Some
Bikes - Yes
View - This trail is ALL Views
Getting There - Google Map North of Montara on Highway 1
Fee- None, free parking (two parking lots)
Weather - Only do this hike on a CLEAR day
Other Trails - there are other trails within this park. The Montara State Beach is located on the west side of the highway.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space

The Pulgas Ridge Open Space is VERY dog friendly. All the trails allow dogs and there is a HUGE off-leash area located in the middle of the preserve. Almost every hiker I ran into had a dog (or two) with them. My friends dog "Jake" enjoyed the hike and meeting all the other dogs along the way.

The Trailhead is located on the west side of the good size parking lot (which has room for about 15 cars or so). Past the restroom, the Blue Oak Trail starts uphill. The trail is well defined and is well maintained.



This area has the typical trees and brush of the mid-peninsula, but I did notice an over abundance of Poison Oak along the sides of the trail.

The Blue Oak trail meets up with the Hassler Loop trail, that acts as a boarder around the off-leash area. Since its a paved road, I opted for turning Left on to the Sagebrush trail and heading to the Top of the Hill.

The Sagebrush trail is very nice, providing with some great views and small clearings. It leads up to the Hassler Trail which is paved.

Going up the Hassler Trail, you will notice one of the Vista Points off of 280 on the left side. There are triple fences separating the trail from the Vista Point parking lot -- probably a good thing.

There is a interestingly looking trail that is closed which appears to provide a very scenic view of the area. In any case, upon reaching the top of the Hassler Trail, you will experience a number of great views.

Since "Jake" was getting a bit tired we decided to head back the way we came, rather than doing a loop via the Polly Geraci trail to the parking lot.

All in all, not a bad hike -- kind of bland, but the dogs seemed to REALLY enjoy it. Plus the off-leash area has to be one of the biggest in the Bay Area. I did this hike on a Friday and only ran into 3 people, on the weekends it might be fairly busy with dog owners.

More Photos

Basics:
Area - Pulgas Ridge Open Space
Trail - Blue Oak/Sagebrush/ Hassler Trail (Trail Map)
Length - 2.6 miles out and back - Easy Hike
Trail - Out and Back-style, dirt trail/paved road, some stops along the way. Very well marked and maintained.
Dogs - Yes - Lots!
Bikes - Not allowed in the preserve
View - Some
Getting There - Google Map Edgewater Road to Crestview, turn Left on Edmonds Road. The Parking Lot has a sign and will be on the Right after the "Redwood Center"
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Usually no fog, can get hot in the summer sun.
Other Trails - there are other trails within this park. Trail info available at the Parking Lot.

San Bruno Mountain - Summit Loop Trail

This is a great hike for a very CLEAR day in the Bay Area. There are multiple places to take great photos, but again its best when its a very clear day. From the summit loop trail you can see San Francisco, Colma, and the Pacific Ocean.


The trail leads from the parking lot straight up the mountain to the Radio/TV Towers. Its a -very- single file dirt trail, no dogs or bikes allowed.

A popular trail book says to take start at the Trailhead at the Parking lot...but I would say its a much better "payoff" to start the trail from the service road (basically the reverse route of the normal way).

This way you will capture the BEST views on your way back and while you are headed downhill -- so you have view all the way down, rather than having to turn around each time to enjoy the view.

All in all, it was a nice morning hike that I would do again on a very clear day.

More Photos


Basics:
Area - San Bruno Mountain State and County Park
Trail - Summit Loop Trail (Trail Map)
Length - 3.13 miles - Moderate Hike, 2 hours with stops
Trail - Loop-style, Single File dirt trail, some stops along the way. Crosses two roads at the top, no traffic. Somewhat well marked.
Dogs - No
Bikes - No (I did see one, but its clearly NOT a bike trail)
View - Plenty, bring a camera
Getting There - Google MAP Note - The Radio Road turnoff on Guadalupe Canyon Parkway is where the entrance is located. Its well marked. Get to the Trailhead by turning RIGHT after passing the Gatehouse, the road will go back under the Parkway.
Fee- YES, currently it was $5
Weather - It can get windy so bring a jacket, plus if its Foggy it will be very cool.
Other Trails - there are other trails within this park


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