2.6 hr
Overview
Enjoy the Peninsula's finest views and most spectacular spring wildflower displays on these ridgeline trails through Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Climb through open grasslands to high knolls with gradual elevation gains and losses. These exposed ridge tops can be foggy and windy; trails on south- and west-facing slopes offer only intermittent shade.<br><br>This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Bay Area Ridge Trail Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads and more <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16685&cat=0&page=1&utm_source=BARTsite&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=BayAreaRidgeTrail">buy the book</a> from Wilderness Press.
Trail Stats
8.8 km
247 m
772 m
596 m
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Photos
The Skyline Field Office of the Midpen Regional Open Space District.
The Skyline Field Office of the Midpen Regional Open Space District.
The trail crosses the Sunny Jim Trail and proceeds to Alpine Pond.
The trail crosses the Sunny Jim Trail and proceeds to Alpine Pond.
The trail as it approaches Alpine Pond.
The trail as it approaches Alpine Pond.
The trail as it makes its way through the woods. The oak trees are large throughout the woods.
The trail as it makes its way through the woods. The oak trees are large throughout the woods.
The trail climbs up the hillside.
The trail climbs up the hillside.
A storage shed and an old basketball court come into view as you approach the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Skyline Field Office.
A storage shed and an old basketball court come into view as you approach the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Skyline Field Office.
First time at Skyline Ridge. Heading in!
First time at Skyline Ridge. Heading in!
The trail descends through the woods as it makes its way toward Alpine Pond.
The trail descends through the woods as it makes its way toward Alpine Pond.
The nature center is situated on the pond. It's an easy hike that's good for families.
The nature center is situated on the pond. It's an easy hike that's good for families.
Enjoy this view from the summit of Borel Hill looking west.
Enjoy this view from the summit of Borel Hill looking west.
A view from he Vista Point overlooking the Stanford Dish Area and the South Bay area.
A view from he Vista Point overlooking the Stanford Dish Area and the South Bay area.
The view of Horseshoe Lake from the trail.
The view of Horseshoe Lake from the trail.
From the Ridge Trail, you can see the Hawk Trail descending the hillside and the Alder Spring below that.
From the Ridge Trail, you can see the Hawk Trail descending the hillside and the Alder Spring below that.
A windmill sits along the preserve boundary, with the bay area spreading out before you.
A windmill sits along the preserve boundary, with the bay area spreading out before you.
Horseshoe Lake
Horseshoe Lake