60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Twenty-eight
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Blue Oak Trail at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

What it's like:
2.5 miles of scenic mixed woods, pockets of chaparral, and grassland, near Redwood City.

Why now:
Late winter flowers thrive in these lovely woods and manzanita is blossoming in the chaparral.

If you can't make it this week:
Pulgas is small but diverse, so it's fun to hike here year round (although I tend to stay away when the temperatures soar above 70).

Insider tip:
Extend this hike 1.3 miles by substituting Dusky-footed Woodrat Trail for Polly Geraci. This option offers more elevation change as well as longer stretches of woods and chaparral. Pulgas is very canine-friendly -- if your dog likes to romp, there is an off-leash dog area on Hassler Trail.

Pulgas is hike number 47 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
When March weather is lovely and warm, my thoughts lead to camping. If you are so inclined, consider a quick weekend getaway to Del Valle Regional Park, near Livermore. There are several options for hikes through oak-studded grassy hills surrounding a reservoir -- here is my favorite.

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