Coal Creek Preserve

Overview

Hours

Open a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset.

Coal Creek is an ideal place for a quick afternoon hike with one's dog. Several trails can be combined to create a pleasant 2- or 3-mile loop. Views of the San Francisco Bay Area can be seen from the open grassland ridges below the Caltrans vista point parking area.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: Designated Trails

Equestrian: Designated Trails

Dogs on Leash: Designated Trails

No Easy Access

Camping: No Camping

Restrooms: Not Available

Download Map Trail Closures

Stories from the Preserves

Midpen Improves Alpine Road Trail for Generations to Come

Recently, as bicyclists rode the Alpine Road Trail through Coal Creek Open Space Preserve for the…

Midpen Finalizes Retaining Wall Construction Along Alpine Road Trail

The trail improvement project has reached a key milestone – completion of retaining walls at Alpine…

Alpine Road Regional Trail Improvement Project

The Alpine Road Regional Trail Improvement Project will improve access to this vital regional trail,…

Coal Creek Preserve Shaded Fuel Break

A recently completed 2.5-mile shaded fuel break in our Coal Creek Preserve along Skyline Boulevard…

Waterfalls and Water Wonders

Great places to explore in Midpen preserves when the water is flowing. The rainy season is an…

Know Before You Go

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

Share the Trail

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.

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.

Upper Alpine Roadside Parking (7 spaces): Accessible to hikers, bicyclists and equestrians from Alpine Road.

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 allowed only on designated trails in this preserve (marked on map) and must be controlled on a 6-foot or less leash. Self-retracting leashes are allowed with a maximum extended length of 25 feet. Extended leashes must be locked at 6’ when in the presence of other visitors. Visitors may have no more than three dogs per person. Bag dog waste and take it with you. Midpen accommodates service dogs in preserves wherever we allow public access. For more information visit the Dog Access page.

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.

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Coal Creek Preserve

Overview

Cloud's Rest Trail

Crazy Pete’s Road/Coal Road Loop

Preserve Highlights & Features

Waterfall

Stories from the Preserves

Midpen Improves Alpine Road Trail for Generations to Come

Midpen Finalizes Retaining Wall Construction Along Alpine Road Trail