Russian Ridge Rambler

Hike the New Ancient Oaks Trail in Russian Ridge

01.05.2016
Peninsula & South Bay
Hikes

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.

ancientoaksrussianridge-image-jpeg

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

    View

  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

    View
  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View

  3. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View