Russian Ridge Rambler

If you've driven the Peninsula's Skyline Boulevard, you know there are acres of open space just waiting to be explored. And now, thanks to the efforts of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, you can hike through some stunning canyons studded with ancient oaks and opening up to huge views. The Mindego Gateway trailhead in Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve gives new access to wide-open meadows, forests, and amazing views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Right from the parking lot you'll be struck by how awesome this place is: There's a brilliant vista of hills galloping all the way to the ocean, Monterey Bay, and Mindego Hill. Also new is the Ancient Oaks connector trail leading you back into a forest wonderland of moss-covered live oaks, madrone, and Douglas fir. Make a 3.4-mile counterclockwise loop hike by connecting Ancient Oaks, Charquin, and Mindego Hill trails.