2 min
Overview
Alpine Pond to Horseshoe Lake is a mixed shade and sun hike looping around two placid ponds on the western slopes of Skyline Ridge Preserve. As well as the gorgeous ponds, this hike features wildflowers, wildlife, bedrock mortars, and vistas of the redwood-flecked Santa Cruz Mountains. The ponds have benches and picnic tables, and there are also wheelchair and stroller-friendly trails at both that make wonderful options for the little ones. Peaceful views at Horseshoe Lake Begin your hike at the Russian Ridge Preserve parking lot, descending the stairs (or taking the accessible path on the left) towards the David C. Daniel Nature Center. Pass through the tunnel and arrive at the Nature Center–generally open weekends–and Alpine Pond. The pond’s quiet, mirror-like surface is bordered by cattails and willows. Early morning is a great time to observe birds trilling and aquatic life diving and surfacing. Alpine Pond and Horseshoe Lake are artificial ponds created in the 1950s by John Ricky, owner of the former Rickey’s Hyatt House in Palo Alto, as a water source for his ranching and farming activities. In 1982, Midpen purchased the property and developed Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Today, the ponds are preserved wetlands where you can learn about plants and animals that live in them and feed from them like herons, red-winged black birds, dusky-footed woodrats, brush rabbits, and western pond turtles. From the David C. Daniels Nature Center, turn right onto a narrow gravel path to begin a counter-clockwise loop around Alpine Pond. About three-quarters of the way around, cross a wooden bridge over the pond’s outlet and then bear right at the next junction, heading downhill on the Ridge Trail. In 150 feet, look on your right for a narrow path between boulders. The path leads to a block of sandstone with bowl-shaped holes called bedrock mortars. The Ohlone used these bedrock mortars as recently as the 19th century to grind acorn kernels for food. When ready, retrace your steps to the Alpine Pond Trail, where you
Trail Stats
7.9 km
266 m
733 m
606 m
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