Russian Ridge Preserve

Overview

Hours

Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset. The Mindego Hill area will be closed when the National Weather Service declares Red Flag Warning weather.

In summer, the hills of this 3,137-acre preserve turn to gold with the late evening sunlight. Autumn, when the fog recedes, is the ideal time to enjoy the ridge views of San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains through the crisp, clean air. Winter storms occasionally dust the top of the hills with snow.

Diverse plant communities, miles of forest edge, and abundant springs make Russian Ridge an outstanding habitat for wildlife. Large numbers of raptors soar over the lush grasslands, and coyotes patrol the ridges. The steep forested canyons create a secure refuge for a tremendous variety of animals.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: Designated Trails

Equestrian: All Trails

Dogs on Leash: Not Permitted

Easy Access: Designated Trails

Parking: Designated Areas

Camping: No Camping

Restrooms: Available

Kid Friendly

Download Map Trail Closures

Preserve Highlights & Features

Wildflowers

In the spring this preserve explodes with color as the native wildflowers – primarily poppies and lupine – put on a showy display. By May and June, gumweed, mules ears, farewell-to-spring, and brodiaea bloom.

Stay on established trails. All areas in Russian Ridge Preserve are closed to off-trail use during wildflower season.

Learn more

Stories from the Preserves

Water is Life

Restoring waterways in Midpen preserves to benefit plants, animals and people downstream

New Partnership Connects Coastside Youth to Nature

A docent-led hike for Coastside youth at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve marked a new…

Sudden Oak Death

Midpen staff research and monitor sudden oak death (SOD) in more than half the open space lands…

Full Circle

Midpen grant and Saved by Nature Education help connect urban youth from Davis Junior High School…

Safely Celebrating the Fourth of July

Stay Fire Safe! To maintain public safety during the ongoing drought and fire season, Midpen will…

Seven Breathtaking Views

Discover a magical vista you can enjoy with that special someone in a Midpen preserve near…

Know Before You Go

Preserve regulations help provide a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting sensitive areas and wildlife.

Share the Trail

YIELD. Bicycles yield to hikers and equestrians. HIkers yield to equestrians.

Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury.
Avoid blocking the trail. Step aside to allow others to pass .
Whether you’re walking or biking, always yield to equestrians.
Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. Most preserves do not have trash cans. Littering is prohibited.
Abuses of trail etiquette should be brought to the attention of a ranger or call the Midpen main office at 650-691-1200.

The following closures will be in effect from mid August through November 2024 for work on the ADA Barrier Removal Project:

Full closure of the Ipiwa Trail between the Alpine Road Parking Area and the Daniels Nature Center throughout the duration of construction. As part of the closure, the water spigot at the Daniels Nature Center will be unavailable. The Sunny Jim Trail will remain open during construction.
Partial closure of the Russian Ridge Parking Area beginning September 24. The back half of the parking area will be CLOSED. The restroom and path of travel to the trailhead will remain open during construction.

See parking area closure map

The project aims to remove accessibility barriers at Midpen preserves and facilities. Learn more about the project here.

Find bike racks at Midpen preserves as well as other amenities such as bike tire cleaning stations and benches.

Russian Ridge Parking Area (37 spaces): Located on the northwest corner of the Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill / Alpine Road intersection (across Skyline Boulevard on the right).

Ancient Oaks Roadside Parking (4 spaces): Located on Alpine Road, approximately 1 mile past the Page Mill / Alpine Road intersection.

Mindego Parking Area (20 spaces): Parking is available for 20 cars, a restroom, and access to trails that link Borel Hill, the Bay Area Ridge Trail and Alpine Pond. Mindego Gateway features the Audrey C. Rust commemorative site.

Silicon Valley Vista Point Roadside Parking (25 spaces): This parking area, which is owned and operated by Caltrans, is temporarily closed. Access the pull-out area on Skyline Boulevard (opposite Russian Ridge Preserve gate RR01), approximately 1.2 miles north of Page Mill Road and 6 miles south of Highway 84.

Bicyclists: Bicycles are allowed on designated trails only (marked on map). Helmets are required. Observe the 15 mph trail speed limit (5 mph when passing). E-bikes are not allowed on most Midpen trails. Avoid startling hikers and equestrians by announcing your presence when approaching from behind. For more information visit the Bicycle Access page.

Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in this Preserve. For information on dog-friendly preserves visit the Dog Access page. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Midpen accommodates service dogs in preserves wherever we allow public access.

Drones and Model Aircraft: Drones, model airplanes and model rockets are NOT allowed.

Equestrians: Horses are allowed on designated trails (marked on map). Helmets are recommended for all equestrians. For more information visit the Equestrian Access page.

Fires are prohibited in preserves.
Plants & Wildlife: Please leave undisturbed. If you encounter wildlife during a visit, do not approach, startle or feed it. Although wild animals are generally fearful of humans and will run away, some wildlife can be dangerous.
Smoking is prohibited in preserves.
Water Areas: Swimming, wading or engaging in any water-contact activity is prohibited.
Weapons are prohibited in preserves.

Midpen trails and facilities are generally very safe. However, you are entering an environment where there are some naturally occurring hazards. Reasonable caution and common sense should be utilized when venturing into any outdoor environment.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle! Lock your vehicle and store valuables out of sight or take them with you on the trail.
Travel in groups of two or more. Two of more people can assist each other in the event of an accident or emergency.
Dress for the environment. Temperature changes can be occur and you should dress in layers appropriate for the location, time of year and planned activities.
Carry water with you. Drinking water is not available at most Midpen preserves so you should bring your own. Two quarts per person per two hour hike is recommended.
Apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water prior to and during your outdoor activities.
Be aware that cell service is very sporadic on the preserves.

Be Prepared and Aware

Plan ahead before you leave. Check regulations and weather, download a map, pack water and first aid.
Know your limits and take safety precautions.
Rattlesnakes are native to this area and are especially active in warm weather.
Poison oak grows on most preserves: Learn to identify and avoid it in all seasons.
Ticks are present in this area and may carry diseases.
Mountain lions are a natural part of this region’s environment and are occasionally seen.

In Case of Emergency

If you experience an emergency (fire, accident or other immediate threat to life or property), call 911. For nonemergencies, call 650-691-1200.

History

Russian Ridge was named for Mr. Paskey, a Russian immigrant who grazed cattle and ran a dairy farm here from about 1920 to 1950. Paskey originally leased his land from James "Sunny Jim" Rolph, Jr., then mayor of San Francisco, and later California's governor.

Native Americans are thought to have used the area for gathering seeds, and may have burned some of the grasslands to encourage a bountiful crop the following years.

Borel Hill, is named for Antonio Borel, a Swiss banker who lived here from 1885 to 1910. Borel was involved with the Spring Valley Water Company, which later created Crystal Springs Reservoir.

The district began acquiring the preserve in 1978, through a series of complex transactions, from its owners, who were planning to subdivide and build houses.

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Russian Ridge Preserve

Overview

Bay Area Ridge Trail

Fog Drift Vista Trail

Mindego Hill Trail

The Ancient Oaks Trail