Skyline Ridge features 2 all-access trails that visit the preserve's 2 small ponds. The trails around Horseshoe Lake are described on that page; this page highlights the paths around Alpine Pond.
     Start at the Russian Ridge parking lot and head southeast toward Alpine Road. Following the signs for the Ridge Trail and Alpine Pond Trail, descend on a gently graded dirt path past an information signboard to a tunnel under Alpine Road. As you emerge into Skyline Ridge, look for a currant bush to the left, lovely with pink flowers in the gloomy early months of the year. Although the shores of the pond are dominated by moisture-loving plants such as willow, dock, and cattails, this stretch of the trail is lined with oak and coyote brush. Ridge Trail levelly winds past the other end of the loop departing to the right, and an unmarked trail that enters from the left. Continue straight. The Daniels Nature Center perches on the water's edge ahead; it's a fine educational pit stop (open mostly weekends in the summer). Just past the building the trail splits at a signed junction. Stay to the right on the Pond Loop Trail.
     You may also want to use the wheelchair-accessible viewing station to the right, before resuming the loop. Pond Loop Trail continues on a flat course, under Monterey pines. At the edge of the pond, you'll reach a signed junction and wheelchair-accessible pit toilet. Turn right, following along the shore of the pond. This is the best place to look for crayfish (best bet is when the water level is low), in the muddy shoreline. From about mid-way across the dam, look downhill to a rock formation -- native American grinding stones are visible. Pond Loop Trail curves right near some oaks, then crosses a bridge and reaches a signed junction with a trail that crosses Alpine Road. Continue to the right. Look for the pretty silvery leaves of white poplars to the left, and blackberry bushes on the right. You may see or hear quail in the dense undergrowth. Pond Loop Trail meets Ridge Trail at a previously encountered junction. Turn left and retrace your steps (or wheel tracks) to the trailhead.

Total distance: 0.5 mile
Last hiked: Friday, August 4, 2006