24 min
Overview
The Ridgeview Trailhead can be accessed by hiking roughly .7 miles from the Edgewood Trailhead on Edgewood Road and then going left at the junction with the Sunset Trail. The Ridgeview Trail breaks off to the right as it becomes a narrow dirt and gravel trail as it gently climbs up the hill. It cuts back to the right and continues to climb up the hillside. Wildflowers and rye can be seen on the lefthand side of the trail above the trail. Off on the right, Interstate 280 makes its way up the peninsula and the Santa Cruz Mountains stretch out before you. Due to its close proximity to the interstate, traffic noise is found all along the trail.<br><br>At roughly .2 miles, the Ridgeview Trail intersects with the end of the Franciscan Trail, which goes off to the left as the Ridgeview Trail continues to climb gently up the hillside. Lizards scramble along the trail and under your feet as you move along. Views open up on the right hand side of the trail and the Sunset Trail can be seen running parallel below the trail. The trail curves around the hillside until it reaches the intersection with the Live Oak Trail. The Ridgeview Trail goes off to the right and climbs a hill to where views of both sides of the preserve can be seen. On the right hand side of the hill, views of the Santa Cruz Mountains spread out before you. On the left hand side of the trail, obscured views of the San Francisco Bay area spread out before you. There is a bench to enjoy the view, and a tree that provides shade while you gaze out over the bay area.<br><br>At this point, you can return to your car via the Ridgeview Trail, or follow the Live Oak Trail and Franciscan Trail back to the Edgewood Trail and your car. Another option is to explore the other trails in the preserve and enjoy the area.<br><br>More information about the trail can be found <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://parks.smcgov.org/ridgeview-trail">here</a>.
Trail Stats
1.1 km
71 m
245 m
174 m
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Photos
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.
Views of the San Fransico Bay from the trail.
Views of the San Fransico Bay from the trail.
The Ridgeview Trail as it leaves the Edgewood Trail. It is a single dirt track as it begins to climb to the hilltop.
The Ridgeview Trail as it leaves the Edgewood Trail. It is a single dirt track as it begins to climb to the hilltop.
Views of the San Francisco Bay can be seen from the saddle where the Live Oak Trail meets up with the Ridgeview Trail.
Views of the San Francisco Bay can be seen from the saddle where the Live Oak Trail meets up with the Ridgeview Trail.
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).
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.
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.
Views of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the West.
Views of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the West.
The trail enters the woods and has nice shade through this section.
The trail enters the woods and has nice shade through this section.
The end of the Ridgeview Trail offers shade under the tree and a bench to enjoy views off to the east and the west. It's one of the best views in the preserve.
The end of the Ridgeview Trail offers shade under the tree and a bench to enjoy views off to the east and the west. It's one of the best views in the preserve.
The trail continues to climb the hillside.
The trail continues to climb the hillside.
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.
The Serpentine Trail and Sylvan Trail as seen from the Live Oak Trail.
The Serpentine Trail and Sylvan Trail as seen from the Live Oak Trail.
The Franciscan Trail as it drops towards the Ridgeview Trail.
The Franciscan Trail as it drops towards the Ridgeview Trail.
The trail as it heads uphill and away from the interstate.
The trail as it heads uphill and away from the interstate.
Views of the San Francisco Bay off to the east. Some of the view is obscured, but its still fantastic.
Views of the San Francisco Bay off to the east. Some of the view is obscured, but its still fantastic.
The trail hugs the hillside, as views of the fields below the trail spread out before you. You can see the yellow flowers blooming in the spring in the distant fields. Deer have been seen feeding in these fields.
The trail hugs the hillside, as views of the fields below the trail spread out before you. You can see the yellow flowers blooming in the spring in the distant fields. Deer have been seen feeding in these fields.
The Sunset Trail winds through the preserve as fields of wildflowers can be seen on either side. The gentle climb on the Ridgeview Trail offers great views.
The Sunset Trail winds through the preserve as fields of wildflowers can be seen on either side. The gentle climb on the Ridgeview Trail offers great views.