A pleasant hike in Russian Ridge through open grasslands, creek crossings and forests with oaks, laurels and douglas fir.

Location: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

» Official Trail Map: Pretty good map showing various trails.

» South Skyline Regional Map by MROSD: Awesome map showing many parks managed by MROSD (Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space Destrict). Long, interesting routes going through multiple parks can be chalked out using this map.

» Redwoodhikes Trail Map: Great map showing many parks like Purisima Creek, Huddart, Wunderlich, El Corte De Madera, Foothills, Hidden Villa and Rancho San Antonio. Trail maps for individual parks are available online for free. However, the RedwoodHikes map shows the big picture and is helpful for planning hikes that go through multiple parks.

Route in brief: From the parking lot on CA-35 (Skyline Blvd), follow Clouds Rest Trail (0.3 miles) → left on unnamed trail (0.3 miles) → continue along Mindego Ridge Trail (1.3 + 1.0 miles). Return by the same route in reverse.

Notes: This hike is best done in spring when springflowers bloom. Creeks would have plenty of water if you visit after heavy rains, allowing for a few days for trails to become dry.

Location: On Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd), 0.6 miles to the east of intersection of Heacox Road and Highway 35, Redwood City, CA 94062 . No street address. Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: None (last visited: December 2010)

Capacity: About ten cars.

Latitude: 37.324402     Longitude: -122.204230