Long Ridge Preserve

Overview

Hours

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

With options for short hikes, rides to scenic overlooks, and longer loop trips, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve provides something for everyone. Connecting to Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve by one of the longest continuous segments of the Bay Area Ridge Trail (13 miles from Sanborn-Skyline County Park to the northern boundary of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve), Long Ridge preserve is popular among hikers, cyclists, and equestrians alike.

The Sempervirens Fund provided major support for acquisition of portions of Long Ridge Open Space Preserve.

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

Community Scientists in Preserves Help Midpen Protect Oak Trees

Sprawling branches, spiny leaves and plentiful acorns fill the oak woodlands that lay across the…

Sudden Oak Death

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

Wildland Fire Takes a Village

Midpen forms part of the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative, a joint group taking a holistic…

Midpen’s Wildland Fire Resiliency Program is a Year-Round Effort

Midpen is working year-round to implement our new Wildland Fire Resiliency Program, which increases…

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.

Peters Creek Roadside Parking (20 spaces): Located at Peters Creek trailhead on the west side of Skyline Boulevard, about 3.6 miles north of its intersection with Highway 9, and approximately 3.3 miles south of its intersection with Page Mill Road. If you are coming from the north on Skyline Blvd., the pullout is just past Portola Heights Road on the right. From the south, the pullout for the parking area is near the Palo Alto city limits sign on the right.

Hickory Oaks Roadside Parking (12 spaces): Located at the Hickory Oaks trail head, just south of Peters Creek trail head.

Achistaca Roadside Parking (10 spaces): Located at the Achistaca trail head, just south of Hickory Oaks trail head

Red Mountain Roadside Parking (50 spaces): Located at the Red Mountain trail head

Sempervirens Point Parking Area (20 spaces + 2 ADA): Located at the Skyline to Sea Trail head, south of Red Mountain Roadside Parking. This parking area is located outside Long Ridge Preserve.

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.

Climbing: Climbing is only allowed in designated areas of Long Ridge Preserve. Placement of permanent anchors is prohibited. Refer to section 503 in the District Ordinances for complete regulations.

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.

History

The first property owner on Long Ridge was Winston Bennett, who lived in a spot then called Pot Hollow. Born in Georgia, Bennett came west in the 1840s, caught gold fever and headed for the Sierra foothills. After a career as a trader, a constable and a deputy sheriff, Bennett sold his ranch in 1884. Throughout the years, the land has been everything from a ranch, an orchard and even an alternative boarding school. By the time Midpen bought the property in the 1980s, it was the last real working cattle ranch in the area.

Language:

Long Ridge Preserve

Overview

Hickory Oaks Trail

Long Ridge Loop

Preserve Highlights & Features

Wallace Stegner Bench

Stories from the Preserves