Summer Outings: Hot Picks for Cool Hikes
- When the temperature is rising, enjoy one of these short, shady hikes along Skyline Ridge. To stay cool, get up early and hit the trailhead by 8 a.m., when the air is cleaner, views are better and temperatures more moderate. If you think you’ll be socked in by fog, think twice—summer hikes along Skyline often dazzle with otherworldly, above-the-fog views. Always bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
- Built with a grant from POST, the specially surfaced 1/4-mile Redwood Trail is suitable for visitors of all physical abilities. Wind your way down the path and, after marveling at the redwoods, turn toward the ocean for views of Half Moon Bay. Then follow the trail to your picnic table for an alfresco breakfast!
- Directions: From Highway 92, turn south on Skyline Blvd. (Hwy 35) and go 61/2 mi. to the 11-car parking area.
- From Horseshoe Lake just west of the bridge, turn due south on a wide track. You’ll descend the trail under oak, bay and fir trees that overarch the trail, making a nice, shady lane. Continue on the path, and you’ll come to a clearing with a large fallen tree, perfect for relaxing. 11/2 miles, round trip.
- Directions: Preserve entrance is about 1 mi. south of Skyline Blvd. and Page Mill/Alpine Rd. intersection.
- When you get up early and keep it short, almost any hike is doable in summer. The Ancient Oaks Trail at Russian Ridge, a favorite of POST President Audrey Rust, winds almost 3 miles through a forest of live oaks, California bay and madrone and connects to the Mindego Ridge Trail.
- Directions: Main parking area is on northwest corner of Skyline Blvd. and Page Mill/Alpine Rd. intersection..
Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve—Redwood Trail
Lambert CreekSkyline Ridge Open Space Preserve—Lambert Creek
Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve—Ancient Oaks Trail
Ancient Oaks