Coal Road Trail

Overview

The Coal Road Trail allows for a lollipop hike when combined with the Crazy Pete's Road Trail and an alternate access route to the Alpine Road Trail. This trail can be taken on its own or in reverse, but the climb back up the Crazy Pete's Road Trail is steeper than the climb up this trail. To access this trail, park along Skyline Boulevard and hike down the Crazy Pete's Road Trail for .4 of a mile for the first cutoff, or continue to hike along the trail until .9 miles, where the Coal Road Trail breaks off to the right at a fork in the trail.<br><br>The Coal Road Trail dips slightly as it leaves the Crazy Pete's Road Trail before it starts climbing uphill toward the entrance gate. The trail is wide, composed of mainly dirt, leaves, and grass. It climbs steadily uphill through an oak and madrone forest, which provides ample amounts of shade, even in the middle of the day. Since the trail is used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, you need to pay attention as you hike for others who might be using the trail.<br><br>The trail swings back to the right around the .3 mile marker, following the preserve's boundary as it begins to level off. On the left hand side of the trail is private property while on the right hand side, views of the South San Francisco Bay are obscured by trees and brush. Every once in a while, you'll get a glimpse of the bay as you hike along, but most of the views are obscured. After .6 miles, the trail begins to climb again as it makes its way back to the Crazy Pete's Road Trail and the entrance to Coal Creek Open Space Preserve. From here, you can follow the road to the left back to your car. If you accessed this trail from the Alpine Road Trail, you can take a right and follow Crazy Pete's Road Trail back down to where the Coal Road Trail breaks off. <br><br>When combined with Crazy Pete's Road Trail, this offers a great lollipop hike. It's also great when you need to hike in the middle of the day as the forest provides shade and relief from the heat.

Trail Stats

Photos

Views of the surrounding hillsides are few and far between, but occasionally you can see of into the distance.

Views of the surrounding hillsides are few and far between, but occasionally you can see of into the distance.

Due to the wet environment, mushrooms can be found growing beside the trail throughout the year.

Due to the wet environment, mushrooms can be found growing beside the trail throughout the year.

The trail swings back to the right and runs along the border of the preserve. Fences and signs indicate private property.

The trail swings back to the right and runs along the border of the preserve. Fences and signs indicate private property.

The trail climbs back to the junction with the Crazy Pete's Road Trail.

The trail climbs back to the junction with the Crazy Pete's Road Trail.

The trail begins to ascend up the mountain, but the dirt, grass, and leaves make for pleasant going.

The trail begins to ascend up the mountain, but the dirt, grass, and leaves make for pleasant going.

Coal Road Trail as it departs from the Crazy Pete's Road Trail.

Coal Road Trail as it departs from the Crazy Pete's Road Trail.

Coal Road Trail breaks off to the right and climbs back to the entrance. The grade is less steep than retracing your steps.

Coal Road Trail breaks off to the right and climbs back to the entrance. The grade is less steep than retracing your steps.

The trail as it climbs up a small hill after passing the Coal Road Trail split.

The trail as it climbs up a small hill after passing the Coal Road Trail split.

Around .4 miles, the road ends, and you pass through this gate system. The Coal Road Trail breaks off to the right shortly after passing through, while the Crazy Pete's Road Trail continues straight ahead.

Around .4 miles, the road ends, and you pass through this gate system. The Coal Road Trail breaks off to the right shortly after passing through, while the Crazy Pete's Road Trail continues straight ahead.

Views of the San Francisco Bay are often obscured by trees, but you can catch glimpses every once in a while.

Views of the San Francisco Bay are often obscured by trees, but you can catch glimpses every once in a while.

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