35 min
Overview
The Franciscan Trailhead is located .2 miles from the start of the Ridgeview Trail. The Franciscan Trail cuts to the left as it climbs the hillside. Although the views are obstructed to the west, the noise of the interstate reminds you that you are near a major population area. Lizards scurry along the trail as the trail curves around the hill through the woods and the sounds of the interstate fade the deeper you get into the preserve. At roughly .25 miles, the Live Oak Trail cuts back to the right and climbs the hill while the Franciscan Trail continues straight ahead. The trail emerges from the woods and views of the Serpentine Trail, Old Stage Road, and Bay area spread out before you. A short distance past the intersection, a small trail on the right leads uphill to a bench where you can enjoy views of the preserve and bay area to the east.<br><br>The trail continues its descent until the Serpentine Trail intersects with the trail. The Franciscan Trail continues straight ahead as it transforms from dirt to gravel. The trail rises and falls as it wraps around the hillside. The fields on either side of the trail are feeding areas for wildlife in the evenings and good for seeing wildflowers in the spring. At roughly .7 miles, there is a bench to enjoy the views of the preserve and bay area. Entering the woods, the trail narrows and at .8 miles, the Baywood Glen Trail goes off to the right while the Franciscan Trail continues to the left and circles back around the hills. The trail weaves in and out of the woods until it crosses the Old Stage Road. Entering the woods again, the trail narrows as it descends via a set of switchbacks until it terminates at the Edgewood Trail.<br><br>At this point, you can return to your car via the path you traveled. If you want to take the Edgewood Trail, go to the left and follow that trail back to where the Ridgeview Trail starts. You can also follow the Franciscan Trail back to any of the trails that intersect with the Franciscan Trail and use those trails to explore more of the
Trail Stats
2.1 km
34 m
224 m
160 m
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Photos
The trail as it emerges from the woods and it meets the Franciscan Trail.
The trail as it emerges from the woods and it meets the Franciscan Trail.
Turkeys in Edgewood Park.
Turkeys in Edgewood Park.
The trail is a narrow dirt track, but nice for running.
The trail is a narrow dirt track, but nice for running.
The trail climbs up the hillside. Views are obscured by trees and shrubs at various points along the way.
The trail climbs up the hillside. Views are obscured by trees and shrubs at various points along the way.
Forest in Edgewood Park.
Forest in Edgewood Park.
The trail emerges from the woods and enters the grasslands. Views of the surrounding hills spread out before you.
The trail emerges from the woods and enters the grasslands. Views of the surrounding hills spread out before you.
Views of the Sunset Trail, fields, I-280, and the Santa Cruz Mountains stretch out on the right hand side of the trail (west).
Views of the Sunset Trail, fields, I-280, and the Santa Cruz Mountains stretch out on the right hand side of the trail (west).
The trail enters the woods and the shade of the trees.
The trail enters the woods and the shade of the trees.
Views of Interstate 280 and the Santa Monica Mountains come into sight on the left hand side of the trail.
Views of Interstate 280 and the Santa Monica Mountains come into sight on the left hand side of the trail.
The trail enters the woods and has nice shade through this section.
The trail enters the woods and has nice shade through this section.
Views of I-280 and the Santa Cruz Mountains in the late afternoon as the Franciscan Trail departs the Ridgeview Trail.
Views of I-280 and the Santa Cruz Mountains in the late afternoon as the Franciscan Trail departs the Ridgeview Trail.
The trail narrows after it passes the Old Stage Road and approaches the Edgewood Trail.
The trail narrows after it passes the Old Stage Road and approaches the Edgewood Trail.
The trail enters the woods and the shade is welcome.
The trail enters the woods and the shade is welcome.
The trail descends toward the Serpentine Trail.
The trail descends toward the Serpentine Trail.
The Franciscan Trail ascends into the woods from its junction with the Ridgeview Trail.
The Franciscan Trail ascends into the woods from its junction with the Ridgeview Trail.
A hummingbird rests in the evening alongside the trail.
A hummingbird rests in the evening alongside the trail.
The trail hugs the hillside as it works its way through the preserve. Deer, turkeys, and other animals can be seen feeding in the fields in the evening.
The trail hugs the hillside as it works its way through the preserve. Deer, turkeys, and other animals can be seen feeding in the fields in the evening.
The trail descends toward the Old Stage Road Trail. The trail is rougher through this part of the trail.
The trail descends toward the Old Stage Road Trail. The trail is rougher through this part of the trail.
The Franciscan Trail as it drops towards the Ridgeview Trail.
The Franciscan Trail as it drops towards the Ridgeview Trail.
The trail meanders through the grasslands toward the Serpentine Trail.
The trail meanders through the grasslands toward the Serpentine Trail.
The trail as it descends through the woods.
The trail as it descends through the woods.
The trail as it makes its way into the grasslands. The trail levels out at this point.
The trail as it makes its way into the grasslands. The trail levels out at this point.
The trail begins to emerge from the woods and views of the San Francisco Bay area stretch before you.
The trail begins to emerge from the woods and views of the San Francisco Bay area stretch before you.
After coming out of the woods, the views are great.
After coming out of the woods, the views are great.
The fields light up in the evening as the sun sets.
The fields light up in the evening as the sun sets.
The Serpentine and Old Stage Road Trails can be seen off to the left.
The Serpentine and Old Stage Road Trails can be seen off to the left.