prev next

Enjoy the lake, pond, views, meadows, and shady paths of this open space that connects Long Ridge and Russian Ridge Open Spaces.

Attractions

• Region includes steep, grassy hills, rocky outcroppings, mossy woods, and wetland areas including a pond and lake.
• Wildlife includes rattlesnakes (which are very active along Ridge Trail in warm weather; there is a posted warning), lizards, deer, rabbits, dragonflies, butterflies, predatory birds, water birds, and other birds.
• This park contains a three-mile segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, a huge trail that runs all around the Bay.
• This park runs into Russian Ridge to the North and Long Ridge Trail to the South; connect the three parks' trails for a longer trek.
• There are benches, tables, drinking fountains, bathrooms, and a nature center, particularly near Alpine Pond and Horseshoe Lake.
• Two one-mile trails were designed to be wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• Gorgeous views West of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Pacific Ocean.
• Bikes are allowed, and many bike routes are wide and very moderately graded, meaning they're a great place to learn to mountain bike.
• With views out to the coast, this is a great place to take in the sunset.
• Grassy hillsides along the ridge, facing West are steep and windswept enough so they are usually dry and have a thin layer of grass, making them great spots to take a break with a small picnic lunch. Tread lightly and don't walk far from the trail to avoid erosion problems.

Limitations

• The trail is rocky in spots - watch your footing.
• This is a popular park for Mountain Bikers; announce yourself around blind turns and take hiking-only trails to avoid speedy bike traffic.
• No dogs allowed.
• Beware of poison oak and ticks, as well as rattlesnakes in this area.

Access

Two one-mile trails are deemed handicapped accessible. They are the Alpine Pond and Horseshoe Lake Trails. All other trails vary in conditions, and potential mountain bike traffic on the more moderate trails, there is a risk of a high-speed collision.

Recommended Routes

Route	Distance	Surface	Transport	Terrain	Facilities	Extras
Ridge Trail past Mt. Melville	7.8 (mi)				Nature Center
Horseshoe Lake Trail	1 (mi)
Ridge Trail	4.6 (mi)				Nature Center
Alpine Pond Trail	1 (mi)				Nature Center