In
brief:
3.1 mile partial loop through grassland and woods on the eastern slope of
the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 3.1 mile partial loop hike is easy, with about 690 feet in elevation
change. Preserve elevation ranges from about 2350 to 1200 feet. The featured
hike drops to about 1680 feet, then gradually climbs back to the trailhead,
elevation 2350 feet.
Exposure:
Mix of shade and sun.
Trail traffic:
Light.
Trail surfaces:
Dirt trails.
Hiking time:
1 1/2 hours.
Season:
Nice any time.
Getting there:
From Interstate 280 in Santa Clara County, exit Page Mill Road. Drive west
on Page Mill about 8.5 miles to the junction with Skyline Boulevard (CA
35). Turn right and drive north about 1.2 miles to the vista point pullout. This
roadside parking area is rarely full. The other two preserve entrances
(with limited parking) are at Crazy Pete's Road, about 0.5 mile north of
the vista point near the emergency call box, and at the end of Alpine Road.
GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude
37°19'28.25"N
Longitude 122°12'15.35"W
(* based on Google Earth
data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)
Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, restaurants, store, and pay phone at the junction of 35 and 84, about
6 miles north.
Trailhead details:
No entrance or parking fees. There are no facilities (drinking water, toilets,
pay phone). There are a few designated handicapped parking spots, but trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Maps are available at the Russian Ridge information signboard across Skyline Boulevard. There is no direct public
transportation to the preserve.
Rules:
All trails are multi-use. Dogs are permitted on all trails, on leash only.
The Official Story:
MROSD's
Coal Creek page.
MROSD field office 650-691-1200
Map Choices:
• Map
from MROSD (download Coal Creek/Russian Ridge pdf).
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