28 min
Overview
The Clarkia Trail starts at a parking area on Ca\u00f1ada Road, which is popular with cyclists on the weekends, and climbs up the side of the road and into the Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve. It is a narrow dirt trail as it begins to move away from the interstate. Trees provide shade along the trail at this point as it moves uphill and away from the grasslands. <br><br>Around .4 miles, the trail passes by a rock field on the left hand side of the trail as the environment begins to change from grassland to shrubs and trees. As it approaches the ridge, the lower portion of the trail begins to erode away in areas before it emerges at a connector that leads to the Sunset Trail. At this point, the fields open up and views of the surrounding hills spread out before you. The Clarkia Trail continues to go off to the right.<br><br>The trail gets noticeably rougher through this portion of the trail. Shrubs line both sides of the trail and there are limited views of the hills and homes in the area. The trail emerges from the shrubs at the junction with the Sunset Trail, where the Clarkia Trail ends. There is an information board at the end of the trail that provides trail information and other important news related to the Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve. Going to the right, the trail exits the preserve at Hillcrest Way and Sunset Way. Following the Sunset Trail to the left, you can either explore the Sunset Trail or Serpentine Trail. In order to get back to your car, follow the path back to your car.<br><br>More information on the trail can be found at the park's <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://parks.smcgov.org/clarkia-trail">website</a>.
Trail Stats
1.4 km
72 m
227 m
155 m
—
Photos
Deer on the hillside.
Deer on the hillside.
The trail as it leaves Cañada Road and climbs away from the interstate.
The trail as it leaves Cañada Road and climbs away from the interstate.
The trail as it winds up into the preserve. In the spring, the grasslands are at the bottom of the trail.
The trail as it winds up into the preserve. In the spring, the grasslands are at the bottom of the trail.
Homes at the end of the Clarkia Trail.
Homes at the end of the Clarkia Trail.
On the lefthand side of the trail, a rock field emerges from the grasslands above the trail.
On the lefthand side of the trail, a rock field emerges from the grasslands above the trail.
Gold Nuggets.
Gold Nuggets.
Wildflowers bloom in the spring. California Poppies are seen here.
Wildflowers bloom in the spring. California Poppies are seen here.
The trail ends at an information kiosk with a map of the preserve and other important information. You can also tell that the trail has become rockier in this section.
The trail ends at an information kiosk with a map of the preserve and other important information. You can also tell that the trail has become rockier in this section.
Several varieties of wildflowers can be seen in the spring alongside the trail.
Several varieties of wildflowers can be seen in the spring alongside the trail.
The trail changes from grassland to shrubs in the upper parts of the trail.
The trail changes from grassland to shrubs in the upper parts of the trail.
The trail works its way through shrubs at the end of the trail. It also transforms from a dirt track to more gravel and rock.
The trail works its way through shrubs at the end of the trail. It also transforms from a dirt track to more gravel and rock.
Looking back at the Sunset Trail as it makes its way toward the west and Interstate 280.
Looking back at the Sunset Trail as it makes its way toward the west and Interstate 280.
A small connector goes off to the left while views of the surrounding hills come into view. The views are great, and fields full of wildflowers in the spring.
A small connector goes off to the left while views of the surrounding hills come into view. The views are great, and fields full of wildflowers in the spring.
Views of San Francisco Bay are off to the right hand side of the trail.
Views of San Francisco Bay are off to the right hand side of the trail.
The sunset trail as it winds its way through the fields in the preserve. Wildflowers bloom in the fields in the spring, and animals feed in the fields in the evenings.
The sunset trail as it winds its way through the fields in the preserve. Wildflowers bloom in the fields in the spring, and animals feed in the fields in the evenings.