Author: Sharon Bone

Dog-friendly Ridge Trail Hikes
Looking to bring your furry friend on your next adventure? Check out four of our favorite Ridge Trail hikes that both you and your four-legged friend can enjoy!

Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve
County: Marin
Distance: 8.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
The largest of Marin County Open Space District’s holdings, these nearly 1600 acres of oak savanna and grasslands are interspersed with dense woodlands. Start your day at O’Hair Park’s aptly named Dogbone Meadeow, and climb through grasslands dotted with ancient oaks to spectacular vistas of North Bay ridges from the 1558-foot peak of Mt. Burdell.

Dogs: On leash on trail, under voice control on fire roads.

Directions: Starting from Ohair Park’s Dog Bone Meadow, start your hike at the Dwarf Oaks Meadow Trail head just north of the park across Novato Blvd. Follow the Dwarf Oaks trail north about 2 miles to the San Andreas fire road and continue north to connect the Deer Camp fire road. Follow the Deer Camp fire road for about 2 miles and continue to on the Cobblestone fire road. Follow the Cobblestone fire road just over 2 miles to reach the trail junction. Take a left to reach the Mt. Burdell summit and return back the way you came

Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve Map
More info on Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve

Moore Creek Park
Hikers, mountain bicyclists, equestrians and nature lovers will find nearly six miles of trails for exploring 673 acres of oak woodland, grasslands, Madrone and Douglas Fir forest, and patches of chaparral. Trail visitors will enjoy Moore Creek Trail’s rustic character as it meanders through the newly-opened park, along the ridge and then in and out of shade provided by creekside trees and native bushes.

Valentine Vista/Moore Creek Trail 
County: Napa
Distance: 4.7 miles (9.4 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
The Valentine Vista Trail takes hikers up the hillside and offers breathtaking views of the valley, Lake Hennessey and beyond, before descending down to the Moore Creek Trail near the middle of the park. The trail got its name because of the great views and because the route was first scouted by volunteers on Valentine Day.

Directions: Starting at the park entrance, head north on the Valentine Vista Trail following it north 3.1 miles to the Moore Creek Trail. Continue north (right) on the natural surface, multi-use Moore Creek Trail (another Ridge Trail section) which crosses each of the several low creek crossings on wooden timbers. This is not a steep trail (400′ elevation gain/loss) so it offers opportunities to slow down, enjoy the creek, trailside flora and fauna, and views up the steep slopes to the sky on either side of the narrow canyon. Return back the way you came, using the Valentine Vista Trail; or stay entirely on the Moore Creek Trail.

Make it a loop…
Want a little more time to explore the valley? Try this shorter loop (4.3 miles) and take in the great views on Valentine Vista Trail and still have time to visit a few nearby wineries and amazing restaurants.

Directions: Starting at the park entrance, head north on the Valentine Vista Trail following it north 3.1 miles to the Moore Creek Trail. Continue south on the Moore Creek Trail (1.2 miles) back to the park entrance

Moore Creek Park Map
Moore Creek Park & Lake Hennessey Map

Windy Hill Preserve
Named for its distinctive and breezy grass-covered hilltop, Windy Hill Preserve features 1,335-acres of open grassland ridges and forests of redwood, fir, and oak. Aptly named, Windy Hill is great for kite flying–you may even see some paragliders along your hike. Cap off your adventure at the preserve’s picnic tables, perfect for a post-hike or ride gathering.

Windy Hill Summit
County: San Mateo
Distance: 3.2 miles (6.4 miles out & back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Follow the Windy Hill ridgeline through a sheltered forest and across rolling grasslands on a narrow footpath and broad wagon road. After initially descending, you gradually gain 234 feet on a final short climb to the knobs of Windy Hill–a peninsula landmark. Your climb will be rewarded with sweeping views of the San Mateo Coast and the Santa Clara Valley.

Directions: Starting at the Razorback Ridge Trailhead, follow Razorback Ridge Trail 0.3 miles to the Lost Trail. Continue on the lost trail for 2.3 miles to the Anniversary Trail. Follow the Anniversary Trail for about 0.5 mile to reach the Windy Hill summit trail. Return back the way you came.

Make it a loop…
After you’ve summited, keep the adventure going and extend your hike another half mile and make it a loop.

Directions: Starting at the Windy Hill Summit, return to theAnniversary Trail and follow it north 0.5 miles. Continue south on the Fence Trail (which connects to the Anniversary trail just before you reach the Spring Ridge parking lot) for 0.5 miles. Continue on the Lost Trail back to the Razorback Ridge Trailhead.

Make it a mini-loop…
Looking for something a little shorter? Start your adventure at the Anniversary Trailhead. Find a place to fly a kite, climb up to the Windy Hill summit, and cap it off with a post-hike bite at the trailhead’s picnic area.

Directions: Starting from the Anniversary Trailhead, follow the Anniversary trail 0.5 miles to the Windy Hill Summit Trail. Return to the Anniversary Trail and follow it north 0.5 miles. Continue south on the Fence Trail (which connects to the Anniversary trail just before you reach the Spring Ridge parking lot) for 0.5 miles back to the Anniversary Trailhead and picnic area.

Windy Hill Map
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Map

Horseshoe Lake & Tree Farm Trail 
Take in the cool air and the scent of fir along the trail on these hikes in the Skyline Wilderness Open Space Preserve. Take a leisurely stroll and stop to picnic at Horseshoe Lake, or go a little further and explore the Skyline Ranch Christmas Tree Farm.

Horseshoe Lake Loop
Distance: 1.1-miles
Difficulty: Easier
Perfect for just about anyone, no matter their size or ability, this leisurely hike is perfect for taking in the serenity of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The trail tread up to the dam is easily wheelchair/stroller accessible, with a handicapped lot next to the trail. 

Directions: Starting at the Horseshoe Loop Trail Head, take a left at the first intersection of the Horse Loop Trail. Follow the trail 0.4 miles, then continue on the Ridge Trail. At the next trail junction, stay to your right and follow the Ridge Trail back to the Horseshoe Loop trail, and continue back to your starting point. 

Extended your loop…
Keep the adventure going and extend your hike another mile to the to the Fir Knoll trail. While oaks dominate most of the region, this trail leads you up a hill presided over by these tall majestic firs.

Directions: Starting at the Horseshoe Loop Trail Head, take a left at the first intersection of the Horse Loop Trail. Follow the trail 0.4 miles, then turn left and follow the Tree Farm Trail 0.3 miles and turn right to continue on the Fir Knoll Trail. Follow the Fir Knoll back to the Tree Farm trail and turn left to continue on to the Ridge Trail and back to the Horseshoe Loop trail to complete your loop. 

Tree Farm Trail Point-to-Point
Distance: 2.6-miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This part of Skyline Ridge Preserve is scattered with the remains of an old Christmas tree farm. From 2003-2010, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District worked to restore this habitat. Many of those old trees still remain and hikers can enjoy a unique view of coastal hillsides dotted with oversized Christmas trees. If you don’t get your fill, the trail continues through the Skyline Ranch Tree Farm – a family-owned business which began in 1958 and continues to operate on 63 acres, where you can harvest your very own Christmas tree. 

Directions: Starting at the Horseshoe Loop Trail Head, take a left at the first intersection of the Horse Loop Trail. Follow the trail 0.4 miles, then turn left and follow the Tree Farm Trail 0.6 miles through the Skyline Ranch Tree Farm.

Skyline Ridge Preserve Map
Saratoga Gap to Skyline Ridge Map
Skyline Ranch Christmas Tree Farm 

Refuel at some of our favorite nearby restaurants:
Snacks and sweets:
Tin Pot Creamery
Manresa Bread

Napa County Ridge Trail Loops
Loop your way through Napa County on three of our favorite Ridge Trail loop hikes. Explore tranquil forests, trek across rugged terrain, and step off the beaten path to experience the beauty of Napa County beyond its picturesque vineyards

1. Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Distance: 3.3-Mile Loop, 590-foot ascent and descent
Difficulty: Easier
For a relaxing outing under the cool redwoods and firs take this easy loop along both sides of scenic Ritchey Creek. Start on the Redwood Trail just past the visitor center; continue on this trail until it crosses the creek and ends at the Ritchey Canyon Trail, then return via the Ritchey Canyon Trail. The further you travel into the creek corridor, the more you’ll notice the exquisite quiet of the forest.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park Map

Stay a little longer:
Extend your visit by camping in the park or renting a yurt, then spend time at the pool or explore the visitor center, pioneer cemetery, and native plant garden.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park Info

Refuel at some of our favorite nearby restaurants:
Cafe Sarafornia
Sam’s Social Club

2. Moore Creek Park Loop
Distance: 4.1-miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Explore a less-frequented part of Napa County in a quintessential California landscape. You’ll experience grassy hillsides, oak woodland, and a secluded canyon. Climb the Valentine Vista Trail through the woodlands to reach open grassland and sweeping views of the remote landscape, including the Moore Creek canyon, Napa County’s peaks, and Lake Hennessey. The trail winds into the canyon through the chaparral; when you reach the Moore Creek Trail at the bottom, head back to the trailhead on the unpaved road.
Moore Creek Park Map

Refuel at some of our favorite nearby restaurants:
The Model Bakery (the best English muffins you’ll ever have, seriously)
Gott’s Roadside
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

3. Skyline Wilderness Park Loop
Distance: 7.2-mile Loop, 1,935-foot ascent and descent
Difficulty: Difficult
Climb to the park’s prominent 1,630-foot peak on this challenging loop, observing the impacts of the 2017 Atlas Fire. Take the Lake Marie Trail to the Skyline Trail, passing ponds and climbing over grassy hills and through oak woodland. Enjoy sweeping views of the Napa Valley and marshlands edging the bay before arriving at quiet Lake Marie. Beyond the lake take the Rim Rock Trail to climb and descend Sugarloaf Peak on a narrow, steep trail, where you’ll have fabulous views on the way, and end on the Lake Marie Road to get back to the trailhead.
Skyline Wilderness Park Map

Refuel at some of our favorite nearby restaurants:
Oxbow Public Market
Zuzu
Grace’s Table

County: Santa Clara County
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Difficult

Explore the ridgeline of two vast parks–Sanborn County Park and Castle Rock State Park. Wind along the protected east side of the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains through forests of Douglas fir and oak. Passing immense sandstone outcrops and vestiges of early homesteaders’ orchards and dwellings, this fairly level trip is ideal for warm days–entirely in shade on a trail that varies in width from wide to narrow. Take a side trip along the way at Indian, Summit, or Castle Rock. Stay a little longer at Sanborn County Park’s walk-in campsite and explore more of what these two great parks have to offer.

Directions: Starting at the north side of the Sunnyvale Mountain trailhead, follow the Skyline trail north then make a left at the fork. Follow the Skyline Trail for the next 5.8 miles to the Saratoga Gap Preserve. Return back to the Sunnyvale Mountain trailhead via the Skyline trail.

Take a side trip:
Todd Creek Redwoods (0.3 miles): This grove of redwood giants is one of our favorites. Continue on the Sanborn trail to Sequoia/Peterson Grove Picnic Area or Sanborn County Park’s walk-in campsites.
Directions: Follow the Skyline trail 1.2 miles to the Sanborn Tail. Continue north on the Sanborn trail 0.3 miles to the Todd Creek Redwoods.

Indian Rock (1.2 miles): Stop by Indian Rock for some of the best views on the trail The sandstone outcroppings are great for climbers and a perfect perch for enjoying a backpack lunch.
Directions: Follow the Skyline trail 2.3 miles to the Indian Rock trail. Continue 1.2 miles gently uphill to the summit.

Summit Rock Loop (1.2 miles): Get a bird’s eye view of Sanborn County Park and Monte Bello Ridge to the north from the top of Summit Rock.
Directions: Follow the Skyline trail 2.7 miles to the south end of the Summit Rock Loop trail. Continue on the Summit Rock Loop for 1.2 miles back to the Skyline Trail; or head for the top via the Summit Rock trail (0.2 miles)

Sanborn County Park & Castle Rock State Park Map

Stay a little longer:
Extend your stay and spend the night nestled in the forest at Sanborn County Park’s walk-in campsite.
Sanborn County Park Info

Refuel at some of our favorite nearby restaurants:
Saratoga:
Breakfast:
Bell Tower Cafe

Simple lunch:
Big Basin Cafe
Big Basin Burger Bar

Less fancy dinner:
Pasta Armellino

Nicer dinner:
La Fondue 
Plumed Horse

Los Gatos:
Snacks and sweets:
Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company
Mama’s Bakery

Decadent breakfasts:
Cafe Dio
Southern Kitchen
Los Gatos Cafe

Simple lunch:
Purple Onion Cafe

Less fancy dinner:
Enoteca La Storia

Nicer dinners:
Nick’s Next Door
Dio Deka

On the way back to San Francisco:
Take the scenic route back to SF along Skyline Boulevard and stop at the famed Alice’s Restaurant in Woodside. There is plenty of seating out back and on the side complete with horseshoe pits and plenty of space for little ones to run around, while you enjoy a cold post-hike brew. It does get hectic with bikers on the weekends.