1.2 hr
Overview
The Mindego Hill Trail departs from the parking area along Alpine Road near the Audrey C. Rust Commemorative Site, where there is a lot for about 20 cars. Follow the gravel trail downhill along Alpine Road until you see a gate along Alpine Road and the trail breaks off to the right down the gravel road. The trail is a wide gravel road that begins to descend rapidly for the next half mile. <br><br>As the trail drops 350+ feet, views of the surrounding hills can be seen off to the left side of the trail. Several homes can be seen in the distance, a reminder of what the area would be like if it wasn't protected. The destination, Mindego Hill, can be seen off in the distance during most of the outing. Just past half a mile, the Charquin Trail breaks off to the right into the woods. The trail levels out for a little bit before climbing gently into a wooded area, which provides a nice break from the sun, even in the middle of the day. Leaving the woods, the trail descends again until it reaches the lowest elevation at around 1.25 miles.<br><br>The trail begins ascending toward Mindego Hill and the summit at this point. There is a cattle corral on the right hand side of the trail used to transport cattle out of the area around Mindego Hill. At 1.6 miles, you go through a gate system that provides access to the Mindego Hill area, where cattle graze as this area is largely private property. Please respect the land owners and leave the gates as you find them. <br><br>After going through the second gate, the trail climbs more steeply and breaks off to the right and circles around a small hill. There are signposts along the path at this point to help you determine where the path is amidst the cattle tracks. Use caution if cattle are close to the trail, especially if calves are present. The trail passes through a third and final gate before climbing up a series of switchbacks before emerging close to the top of the hill. Leveling off, the trail circles around the hill before reaching the summit of Mindego Hill, at 2,143 fee
Trail Stats
4.0 km
123 m
691 m
535 m
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Photos
The gravel trail descends from the Audrey Rust Commemorative Site into the preserve.
The gravel trail descends from the Audrey Rust Commemorative Site into the preserve.
At this point, no mountain bikes are allowed on the trail to help protect San Francisco Garter Snakes, which can be found in the area.
At this point, no mountain bikes are allowed on the trail to help protect San Francisco Garter Snakes, which can be found in the area.
View of Mindego hill near sunset.
View of Mindego hill near sunset.
The gate system indicates the end of the preserve and allows you to enter the Mindego Hill area. There are 3 gates you have to go through. You can see the trail breaking around the hill in the distance.
The gate system indicates the end of the preserve and allows you to enter the Mindego Hill area. There are 3 gates you have to go through. You can see the trail breaking around the hill in the distance.
Views of the surrounding hills and mountains can be seen off to the left side of the trail.
Views of the surrounding hills and mountains can be seen off to the left side of the trail.
The trail can be seen making its way toward Mindego Hill off in the distance.
The trail can be seen making its way toward Mindego Hill off in the distance.
From the summit, you can see the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains.
From the summit, you can see the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains.
Cattle can be seen feeding in the area. Caution should be used when encountering them, especially when calves are around.
Cattle can be seen feeding in the area. Caution should be used when encountering them, especially when calves are around.
A group of hikers can be seen making their way back down from the summit of Mindego Hill late in the day. The view is popular, so you probably won't be the only one at the summit.
A group of hikers can be seen making their way back down from the summit of Mindego Hill late in the day. The view is popular, so you probably won't be the only one at the summit.
Mindego Hill can be seen throughout the hike off in the distance. The summit of the hill is your destination, despite the fact the trail descends at this point.
Mindego Hill can be seen throughout the hike off in the distance. The summit of the hill is your destination, despite the fact the trail descends at this point.
Numerous hills surround Mindego Hill. The hills are green in the winter, thanks to the rain storms that blow through.
Numerous hills surround Mindego Hill. The hills are green in the winter, thanks to the rain storms that blow through.
The summit of Mindego Hill offers a gorgeous view toward the west and the Pacific Ocean.
The summit of Mindego Hill offers a gorgeous view toward the west and the Pacific Ocean.