60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Sixty
Batteries to Bluffs

Just some of the steps on Batteries to Bluffs Trail, a San Francisco treat

What it's like:
Just under 2 miles out and back and up and down coastal bluffs in the Presidio, just south of the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to showing off exceptional views, this hike visits quiet Marshall Beach.

Why now:
Lovely October weather allows clear vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.

If you can't make it this week:
This hike has become one of my City standards. Year round it picks up my spirits and gives me great exercise.

Insider tip:
You can easily extend this hike north to the scenic Golden Gate Bridge overlook near Battery Godfrey, or keep trekking on Coast Trail, pass under the bridge, and descend to the Warming Hut at Crissy Field for lunch. Check this map for details and other Presidio hike ideas.

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

Alternate choice:
Hiker's choice -- suggest some trails!

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

Thanks for hiking along for 60 weeks.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-nine
Annadel State Park

Black oak leaves at Annadel

What it's like:
Just over 6 miles through woods and grassland east of Santa Rosa.

Why now:
Oaks, oaks, oaks! Gorgeous black and white oak leaves are a-changing.

If you can't make it this week:
Spring at Annadel is spectacular -- expect meadows packed with purple lupines in late April.

Insider tip:
Nearly every Annadel trail is multi-use, so be alert for cyclists.

Annadel is hike number 2 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Mount Madonna County Park is well south of San Jose, and a considerable drive for most Bay Area hikers. The trails here wind up and down through grassland and woods, like many other peninsula/south bay parks. One feature really sets Mount Madonna apart -- YURTS! In addition to their fine traditional campground, there are 5 yurt spots ripe for the glamping.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-eight
Morgan Territory

Black oak leaves along Coyote Trail

What it's like:
Although this preserve is practically on the shoulder of Mount Diablo, when I hike Morgan Territory I feel far away. Maybe it's the views east to the Central Valley or the lonely trailhead. This 4.7 mile loop wanders through grassland and woods north of Livermore.

Why now:
Enjoy autumn's color palate of golden grassland and changing leaves on blue, black, and valley oaks.

If you can't make it this week:
Morgan Territory is one of my favorite spring hikes -- some years there are flower carpets stretched beneath huge oaks.

Insider tip:
The preserve stretches west from Morgan Territory Road as well as east. On the west side hikers, equestrians, and cyclists have opportunities to pack on the miles on several long trails. Check the map!

Morgan Territory is hike number 28 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Burdell Mountain, in Novato, has two separate sections for hiking. Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve, on the western part of the mountain, is mostly grassland. Olompali State Park, on the eastern slope, hosts more trees. Both are beautiful, but Olompali, with oak and mixed woodland forests, is great in autumn. Note: if you've been to Olompali before but not lately, there is a new way to get to the park. Previously if you were coming from the south you reached the park by making a u-turn on 101; from the north there was a simple exit off 101. Now, everyone exits at Atherton Avenue (south of the park) and drives north on an access road along 101. Beware if you use a maps app to reach the park, as the access road is not known to many at this time.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-seven
Sunol Regional Wilderness

Sunol's Flag Hill

What it's like:
Sunol is a paradise of rolling hills, creeks, and fascinating rock outcrops. This loop is only 4 miles, but there is considerable elevation change. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there is none at the trailhead.

Why now:
Golden sycamores glow along Indian Joe Creek Trail, and up on the high ridges grassland is bleached blond and valley oaks are shedding their leaves.

If you can't make it this week:
Spring at Sunol is hard to beat, but beware in winter when cows can muck up trails.

Insider tip:
Once we get some rain, consider visiting the Little Yosemite area of Sunol. It's an easy hike to a pretty little waterfall rushing down Alameda Creek.

Sunol is hike number 34 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Just a few miles east of US101 near Windsor, Foothill Regional Park is an ideal dog-friendly destination for an easy autumn hike.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-six
Round Valley Regional Preserve

Autumn foliage at Round Valley

What it's like:
An easy 4.1 mile loop through oak grassland north of Livermore.

Why now:
Sycamores and oaks are beginning to shake off their colorful leaves.

If you can't make it this week:
Outstanding in late winter. Round Valley hosts many golden eagles; they nest in spring, but you may see some any time of the year.

Insider tip:
Round Valley offers a (hike in) group camp site that is sometimes available to backpackers.

Round Valley is hike number 33 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Enjoy autumn foliage at Shiloh Ranch, north of Santa Rosa. This 3.7 mile loop edges along a vineyard and climbs through oaks and bigleaf maples. Great views of surrounding Sonoma County.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-five
Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Maples leaves, ready to crunch through at Almaden Quicksilver County Park

What it's like:
7.6 miles through grassland and mixed woods south of San Jose. Former mine site.

Why now:
Happy autumn! Get in the seasonal spirit at AQ, where bigleaf maples are tossing their leaves onto the trails.

If you can't make it this week:
Highly recommended for spring, when there are extravagant displays of wildflowers.

Insider tip:
This time of year substitute Deep Gulch Trail for English Camp -- this alternate is almost totally shaded.

Almaden Quicksilver is hike number 36 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Explore a different side of Mount Tam from a small trailhead in Mill Valley. This lovely 6.6 mile loop climbs through chaparral, partially following the old railroad grade that used to chug to the top of the mountain. The return route is a mix of sun and shade, and offers outstanding views.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-four
Tomales Point

Elk at Tomales Point

What it's like:
9.5 miles out and back along a bluff at the northern tip of Point Reyes.

Why now:
It's elk rut season! Enjoy the show (from a safe distance of course). From the trail you can see for miles on a clear day, and it's all beautiful.

If you can't make it this week:
This exposed landscape is often very windy in summer. Early spring is my favorite -- lots of wildflowers bloom through grassland along the trail and the road to the trailhead.

Insider tip:
This hike does not offer beach access, but you can walk to McClures Beach -- from the trailhead follow Pierce Point Road to its deadend, then take the trail the rest of the way.

Tomales Point is hike number 13 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Thornewood  is a small open space preserve accessed from CA84, west of Woodside. A narrow path winds through mixed woods and ends at a little pond. This 1.2 mile out and back hike is very easy and super pretty this time of year as bigleaf maple and black oak turn orange and gold.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-three
Los Vaqueros Watershed

Sun-baked grassland at Los Vaqueros

What it's like:
4.2 miles looping through grassland west of the Altamont Pass.

Why now:
I know more than a few City dwellers (especially those on the west side) who are feed up with our summer gloom. This Los Vaqueros hike will give fog-weary folks a healthy dose of hot! While you're hiking keep an eye out for tarantulas wandering the hillsides looking for love.

If you can't make it this week:
Early spring, when the grass is short and the flowers are blooming, is sublime. Golden eagles nest at Los Vaqueros; your best chance to see them is late winter to early spring.

Insider tip:
Los Vaqueros has two separate, non-contiguous areas -- check out the northern trailhead via Marsh Creek Road.

Los Vaqueros is hike number 26 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
It's incredibly easy to drive right past Upper Stevens Creek Canyon's trailhead -- there is no parking lot on Highway 35, just scant roadside parking. This 5.5 mile loop descends on fire roads, then climbs back to the trailhead on a narrow path. The mostly-shaded hike passes through mixed woods (lots of madrone, oaks, California bays, and some Christmas tree farm escapees) and is quiet and lonely.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-two
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve

Buckeyes on Bella Vista Trail

What it's like:
I get relaxed just visualizing this 6.5 mile loop. I love the majestic oaks, the shady canyon, the views from Black Mountain (see if you can spot the radar tower on Mount Umunhum), and everything else along the way.

Why now:
I totally discounted this hike in summer until I had a magnificent late August trek here. Yes, the exposed grassland is hot, but the woods are cool, the buckeyes colorful, and I saw a coyote.

If you can't make it this week:
Pretty but muddy in winter. I love Monte Bello in spring when I spot flowers throughout the grassland and woods.

Insider tip:
If 6.5 miles feels too far, divide and conquer. For mostly woods, make a loop out of White Oak and Canyon trails. To visit the grassy summit, choose Canyon, Indian Creek, Monte Bello Road, Old Ranch, and Bella Vista trails.

Monte Bello is hike number 45 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Hike with the locals at Indian Tree Open Space Preserve in Novato. This 5.5 mile loop is mostly wooded and offers a cool refuge on a hot day. If you want to avoid the sunny grassland (the woods are prettier this time of year), string together Big Trees, Ship's Mast, Indian Tree Fire Road, Deer Camp, and Upper Meadow trails. Print out a map before you go, as there are none at the trailhead.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty-one
Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve

An old stone wall and wind-sculpted trees near Mount Burdell's summit

What it's like:
Nearly 5 miles up and down trails and fire roads in Novato, with sweeping views south of Mount Tam and beyond.

Why now:
Autumn is coming early this year, and you can feel it at Mount Burdell. The buckeyes are dropping leaves and acorns are popping out on oaks.

If you can't make it this week:
Emerald green in late winter and early spring, with great wildflowers in April and May.

Insider tip:
Dogs are allowed here, and even permitted off leash (under voice control) on fire roads.

Mount Burdell is hike number 6 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
The gloomy days of "Fogust" are coming to a close and this is a fantastic time to check out Devil's Slide Trail. When the sun is shining and there is no fog the views from here are incredible -- you can see all the way to Point Reyes. If you're a birder, bring binoculars and look for peregrine falcons on western side's rock formations.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Fifty
Samuel P. Taylor State Park

Devil's Gulch Road and the side path leading to the bridge and Bill's Trail

What it's like:
6.5 miles of nicely-graded trail and steeper fire roads, on the forested and grassy slopes of Marin County's Barnabe Peak.

Why now:
Bill's Trail is scheduled to close on August 20, for more than one year -- the improvement project will widen the narrow path to a multi-use width. Get there before you miss your chance!

If you can't make it this week:
Well, you'll have to wait until the trail reopens. This is a fantastic hike in every season.

Insider tip:
The two SPT hikes described on BAHiker are different from the book version. If you don't have the book, use this map and follow these directions: start at the Devil's Gulch parking pullout, walk on the paved Devil's Gulch Road, then bear right onto the sidepath (see above photo) that leads to a junction and bridge. Cross the bridge, turn left onto Bill's Trail, and hike uphill to the junction with Barnabe Road. Here, make the optional hike up to the fire lookout, then return to this junction and descend to Gravesite Road. Turn right and return to the junction at the bridge -- retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Total mileage (including the out and back to the lookout) is 6.5 miles. Once Bill's Trail is closed, use this route to access the fire lookout/summit.

Samuel P. Taylor is hike number 16 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this trailhead here.

Alternate choice:
Enjoy the deeply shaded woods at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, on this 6 mile loop that passes through an old plane crash site and visits a massive tafoni rock formation.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Forty-nine
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve

Cool woods on Wildcat Canyon Trail

What it's like:
Rancho San Antonio is like the United Nations. On this 5.5 mile loop through woods, chaparral, and grassland, count the languages you hear. I commonly hear natives from Russia, India, Asia, and more I can't recognize. It's inspiring to see so many people from all over trekking on these trails!

Why now:
Deciduous trees are already dropping their leaves, and Wildcat Canyon is delightfully cool on a hot day.

If you can't make it this week:
I could hike here every day of the year. In winter the old oaks stand bare and waiting, spring flowers are varied and gorgeous, summer is hot but pretty, and autumn, oh autumn! The bigleaf maples are so lovely.

Insider tip:
Rancho is the busiest local-hiked trailhead in the bay area. The lower parking lot seems to fill within a minute, but there is an upper lot as well. I always find a spot eventually.

Rancho is hike number 49 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Sebastapol is a popular destination for apple picking this month, and Ragle Ranch, just north of Bodega Highway, is a quaint little park with easy hiking trails and more than a few fruit trees (and blackberry thickets). How many edible "wild things" can you identify on your hike?

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 HIKES IN 60 MILES IN 60 WEEKS: WEEK FORTY-SEVEN
SIERRA AZUL OPEN SPACE PRESERVE

MOUNT UMUNHUM FROM WOODS TRAIL

What it's like:
5.4 miles out and back only partly up this obscure (for now) mountain south of San Jose. Exceptional views of the surrounding hills and up to the sugar cube top of Mount Umunhum.

Why now:
Turns out I really needed another whole month of May for this project, but there wasn't one to be had, so here we are, hiking in the summer heat. Look for the shade, get an early start, and bring lots of water.

If you can't make it this week:
A must in spring or late winter -- loads of wildflowers and clear skies.

Insider tip:
The trailhead parking lot is small, so if it's full, park in the Alamaden Quicksilver lot just across from the Mount Unumhum Road junction.

Sierra Azul is hike number 52 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Another Sonoma coast hike -- I can't help myself -- this one is just a bit south of the Russian River. The 3.3 mile out and back on Kortum Trail is breathtaking in summer fog, and perfectly delightful on a sunny day too.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Forty-six
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Spring Ridge Trail at Windy Hill

What it's like:
7.4 miles from the flats of Portola Valley to the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and back!

Why now:
The long days of summer give us the opportunity to stretch in every sense of the word. Give your legs and your brain 1/2 day to explore Windy Hill's woods and grassland. Enjoy the sites and smells of summer -- the maple syrup-sweetness of grassland, spicy California bays in the woods, and dragonflies and butterflies of every color.

If you can't make it this week:
Windy Hill's grassland spring wildflower display is a bit tame, but the woods are spectacular. Starting in February expect exceptional displays of hound's tongue, trilliums, and milkmaids along Hamms Gulch Trail.

Insider tip:
Since this a loop, you can approach the hike one of two ways. Start early and get the climbing done first on sunny Spring Ridge Trail, or arrive whenever and ascend through Hamms Gulch Trail's cool woods.

Windy Hill is hike number 56 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
I love Sonoma County daytrips -- a little wine, some spectacular food, a beautiful drive... and a hike! One of my favorite easy coastal access trailheads is Pinnacle Gulch, southwest of Bodega. It's just 1/2 mile downhill to a gorgeous beach, but that hike separates you from the throngs who aren't willing to walk that far.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Forty-five
Black Diamond Mines

Nortonville Trail descending toward Rose Hill Cemetery at Black Diamond Mines

What it's like:
Black Diamond Mines, in northeastern Contra Costa County, is a former coal and sand mine. Today trails snake through grassland and chaparral, with fascinating rock formations and an informative underground (!) visitor center with loads of historical information. Check it out on this 3.5 mile hike.

Why now:
If you don't mind the heat, BDM is a great destination for summer hiking. Bring the kids for an educational adventure (who knew coal was mined in the East Bay?) and then post-hike pop off to adjacent Contra Loma Reservoir for a dip in the swim lagoon.

If you can't make it this week:
Black Diamond Mines is a wildflower delight in late winter and spring.

Insider tip:
A section of the main access road to the park (Somersville Road) is closed for repaving until mid-September. Follow posted detour or make a slight alteration to the driving directions on BAHiker and in the book: exit CA4 on Contra Loma, drive south on Contra Loma, turn right onto James Donlon, and then turn left onto Somersville Road into the park.

Black Diamond Mines is hike number 21 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Coastal hikes are always a gamble in summer. Some days are warm and clear, while others are fogged in. While our local white pea soup does obscure views, it ensures cool comfortable hikes and keeps the trailside vegetation lush. See for yourself on this 5 mile loop up and down Marin Headland's Wolf Ridge.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Forty-four
Skyline Wilderness Park 

Skyline Wilderness Park

What it's like:

Explore an unusual volunteer-run park in the rugged hills east of Napa featuring trails through oak grassland and chaparral on this 5.8 mile loop.

Why now:
Enjoy summer in wine country! Loads of sunshine and butterflies and dragonflies everywhere.

If you can't make it this week:
Lovely in spring before the grass turns golden; colorful oak and maples leaves in autumn.

Insider tip:
Drive your RV or little camping trailer to Skyline Wilderness and make it a budget-friendly weekend. Bring some bicycles and zip into Napa for dinner, or tour a few local wineries.

Skyline Wilderness is hike number 17 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
In summer I crave deep woods. Fall Creek offers an almost entirely shaded 7 mile loop near Felton. Look for historical displays along the trail explaining how limestone kilns were constructed in these canyons during the gold rush.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Forty-three
Cataract-Potrero Meadow Loop

Leopard lilies blooming along Cataract Creek

What it's like:
This is a cream of the crop 6.5 mile Mount Tamalpais excursion along a creek, through deep woods, meadows, and chaparral. I have had some unforgettable moments on this loop; you will too!

Why now:
Woods are shaded and cool. Expect to see clouds of damselflies, butterflies, and dragonflies.

If you can't make it this week:
There may be no better Bay Area hike to experience our seasons. Rushing water and falls on Cataract Trail are the essence of winter. Wildflowers brighten the forest floor every February, when the exotic Calypso orchid blooms midst more prosaic milkmaids, hound's tongue, and shooting stars. Some flowers persist into summer; look for leopard lilies at the edge of upper Cataract Trail and azaleas near streams in the woods. In autumn bigleaf maples are gorgeous crunching underfoot.

Insider tip:
Some hikers have reported that this hike feels considerably longer than the stated distance. I concure (although I believe the mileage is correct, based on my GPS and checked against other maps). Cataract has some short steep rocky sections, High Marsh constantly dips up and down, and Kent and Benstein are narrow paths that often require concentration. The elevation changes and rocky bits add up, making the hike pretty challenging. Consider shortening this hike to about 3 miles (with easier elevation change) with this combination: Cataract, Mickey O'Brien, and Simmons. A detailed map and good navigation skills are essential for hiking this part of Tam.

Cataract-Potrero Meadow Loop is hike number 7 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
When my son was a preschooler we spent many a morning hiking at kid-friendly Milagra Ridge. This small preserve east of Pacifica is mostly coastal scrub, with sweeping 360 degree views. Trails are nearly flat and in summer look for a variety of colorful butterflies, including the endangered San Bruno elfin and mission blues.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Forty-two
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Chalky white trail at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

What it's like:

Although under 5 miles, this loop features a ton of variety. Trails wander through a diverse landscape of redwoods, chaparral, riparian, even ponderosa pines.

Why now:
Henry Cowell is exceptional in summer. This state park maintains a great campground close to Felton and the cool San Lorenzo River runs through the park. Take the train to Santa Cruz for the day, then return to your campsite for sweet dreams.

If you can't make it this week:
Wildflowers in spring, maple leaves in autumn, quiet in winter.

Insider tip:
Print out a map from the Henry Cowell website (or buy one of the commercial maps available -- this is my favorite) in advance, in case the visitor center is closed upon your arrival. Get an early start to beat the crowds in the redwoods; once past the heritage grove trails are uncrowded.

Henry Cowell is hike number 41 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
The Sonoma coast is a lovely destination for a day trip (or weekend). When you're rambling up and down CA1 and get the urge to stretch your legs, check out Bodega Head. This easy 3 mile partial loop offers outstanding views of the ocean and coastline.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Forty-one
Angel Island State Park

What it's like:

A 5 mile loop packed with unforgettable, one-of-a-kind views of Mount Tam, the Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco.

Why now:
It's a spare the air day as I'm writing this, and Angel Island is one of the Bay Area's premier public transit hikes. If you live in San Francisco (or are visiting) make the trip door to trail without your car. Take BART or Muni to Pier 41, then enjoy a lovely (and cool) ferry ride to Angel Island.

If you can't make it this week:
Ferry service from San Francisco is limited in the "off season" (late autumn and winter). An early spring visit (via the Tiburon ferry) offers colorful wildflowers and lonely trails.

Insider tip:
North Bay folk, catch your Angel Island ferry in Tiburon. East bay peeps, get yours in Vallejo or Alameda.

Angel Island is hike number 1 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Coal Mine Ridge, at the edge of Portola Valley, is a small preserve laced with easy-going trails. This 3.1 mile loop is a good one for new hikers or families, and is mostly shaded. Be sure to visit one of my most beloved Bay Area trees, an ancient sprawling coast live oak near the junction of Old Spanish Trail and Coal Mine Ridge Trail.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.

60 Hikes in 60 Miles in 60 Weeks: Week Forty
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve

Sticky monkeyflower and yerba santa in bloom along Ipiwa Trail

What it's like:
This preserve, stretched out along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offers many delights along a 4 mile loop: two cute ponds, grassland, woods, and chaparral, with stunning views west.

Why now:
Time to catch the last grassland bloomers, clarkia, brodiaea, California poppy, and golden mariposa lily, plus aromatic displays of yerba santa, sticky monkeyflower, and chamise.

If you can't make it this week:
Silktassel, manzanita, and buckbrush plus early spring flowers make this loop a favorite April hike.

Insider tip:
This preserve is just made for picnicking. There are three prime spots: at a picnic table under the oak trees on the north side of Horseshoe Lake, at a bench on the south edge of Horseshoe Lake, and at benches and picnic tables near the Nature Center at Alpine Pond. Or find your own blissful piece of paradise along the trail!

Skyline Ridge is hike number 53 in 60 Hikes in 60 Miles: San Francisco (third edition). Read about this hike on BAHiker.

Alternate choice:
Giacomini Open Space Preserves is one of the best "never heard of it" Marin County hiking destinations. The trails are mostly steep rocky old ranch roads that wind along lonely ridges just south of Woodacre. Explore woods, chaparral, and a tiny Sargent cypress forest on this 4.1 mile hike.

Post your comments and experiences here or on the BAHiker Facebook page.