Coal Mine Ridge is a lovely open space area that is partially owned by Portola Valley Ranch and Blue Oaks developments. This is a rare area that is partially owned by different developments, and public use has been permitted. You’ll see a sign reminding trail users to be respectful of the priviledge to use the area.

Attractions

• Several of these trails are completely shaded!
• This is a complete wildlife area, with plenty of birds, deer, rodents, insects, slugs, and even salamanders.
• A temporary pond can be found near the top of the open space preserve, spring through fall.
• The single-track hiking trails on the West side of the Coal Mine Ridge are some of the best for hiking and trail running, with varying views around every corner.
• This is a great place to see Spanish Moss/Old Man's Beard and galls from trees.
• Portola Valley prides itself on its expanse of trails, and Willowbrook trail picks up just across from Coal Mine Ridge, at the corner of Willowbrook Drive and Alpine Road, if you want to explore more.
• Alpine Road, in it's single-lane form is a beautifully paved road with great drainage. If you hike to the end of this open space, you can take a short but steep trail down to the road and walk Alpine Road back to the parking area, a smooth and level way to get back, with views of the creek to your left.
• Dogs are allowed on some trails and restricted on others.

Limitations

• No bikes allowed.
• Dogs are allowed on some trails and restricted on others.
• Stay on the trails to avoid ticks and poison oak!
• Railroad ties have been placed occasionally, to reduce erosion. Be prepared to roll a jogger over one or step over them; happily, they are sizable enough not to be unseen!

Access

None

Recommended Routes

Route	Distance	Surface	Transport	Terrain	Facilities	Extras
Toyon - Coal Mine - Arroyo - Bay Laurel - Old Spanish Single Track	3.9 (mi)
Toyon-Coal Mine Single Track	3 (mi)
Toyon-Lake-Alpine Single Track	4.1 (mi)
Wider Trail Loops with Single Track Extension to Toyon Trail	3.9 (mi)
Wider Trail Loop with Los Trancos Extension	5 (mi)
Wider Trail Loop with Sunrise-Redberry-Buck Meadow Extension	4.3 (mi)
Wider Trail Loop with Lake Trail - Alpine Extension	4.1 (mi)
Wider Trail Loop	2.7 (mi)