The best walks and hikes in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed Area)

The 'Closed Area' designation on some maps refers to specific zones restricted for resource management, wildlife protection, or temporary safety reasons like fire danger. The preserve itself is generally open, but it's always best to check the latest alerts from the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District before your visit. For example, Mindego Hill can close during Red Flag Warnings.

The main parking area is located on the corner of Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Road. This lot provides direct access to the ridgetop trails and is a popular starting point for many hikes. It can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

Yes, the preserve offers several accessible trails with great views. The Charquin & Ridge Trail loop is a great option, offering a relatively gentle walk along the open grasslands with expansive vistas. It's a good introduction to the landscape of the preserve without a major climb.

Spring is the most spectacular time for wildflowers at Russian Ridge. From March through May, the grassy hills are covered in a vibrant display of California poppies, lupine, and other native flowers. Later in the season, into June, you can find species like gumweed and farewell-to-spring.

For some of the most impressive panoramic views, the Mindego Hill Trail is an excellent choice. The trail ascends an ancient volcano, rewarding hikers with incredible vistas of Mindego Lake, the San Gregorio Creek Valley, and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains.

The preserve is a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing. It's considered one of the best places in the Bay Area to see raptors like red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, and golden eagles soaring above the ridges. Coyotes are also frequently spotted patrolling the open grasslands, and you may see deer in the wooded areas.

Yes, bicycling is permitted on most of the wider ranch road trails within the preserve. However, some narrower single-track trails are designated for hikers and equestrians only. Always check the trail signs at junctions to ensure you are on a bike-legal trail.

The open, west-facing ridgetop trails are perfect for watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. A hike to Borel Hill, the highest point in San Mateo County, offers a stunning 360-degree vantage point. The initial sections of the Ridge Trail from the main parking lot also provide excellent, easily accessible sunset viewing spots.

There are over 120 different routes to explore throughout Russian Ridge and the surrounding area. The network includes everything from short, easy loops on open ridges to longer, more strenuous hikes that dip into forested canyons, offering options for all ability levels.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the preserve's stunning panoramic views that stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay, the beautiful wildflower displays in spring, and the well-maintained network of ridgetop trails.

While known for its open ridges, the preserve also has beautiful wooded sections. The Ancient Oaks Trail loop from La Honda is a perfect example, taking you through a welcoming canopy of arching oak limbs and into shaded canyons, providing a cooler alternative to the exposed ridgetops.

For those seeking a longer day out, the East Brook, Pomponio & Bear Ridge Trail loop in the adjacent Sam McDonald State Park is a great choice. This nearly 14 km (8.6 mi) hike offers a challenging route through varied terrain, including redwood groves and forested hillsides.