Skyline Ridge Preserve

Overview

Hours

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

Skyline Ridge Preserve offers 2,143-acres of remarkably varied landscape that includes ridge vistas, expansive meadows, a pond for nature study, and a quiet lake frequented by migrating birds.

Funding from the California Park and Recreation Facilities Act of 1984 and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund assisted development of this Preserve.

Hiking: All Trails

Bicycling: Designated Trails

Equestrian: Designated 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

David C. Daniels Nature Center

Overlooking Alpine Pond at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, the David C. Daniels Nature Center features imaginative displays that both children and adults can enjoy.

Learn more and see operating hours

Stories from the Preserves

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…

Trail Information Sharing System

Midpen is conducting a project for trail data collection to help us characterize the physical…

Conservation Grazing

Conservation grazing is one of many land management tools Midpen uses to achieve conservation goals,…

Badger and Burrowing Owl Habitat Study

Midpen is researching American badgers and burrowing owls to gain additional expertise in the…

Skyline Ridge Tree Farm

The Skyline Ridge Tree Farm Restoration Project is a multi-year project to restore 13 acres formerly…

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.

he 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.
Full closure of the Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail from the Skyline ADA Parking Area to the Horseshoe Lake Dam.
Full closure of Skyline Ridge ADA Parking Area.
Intermittent closure of the Daniels Nature Center.

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.

Skyline Ridge Circle Parking Area and Skyline Ridge Equestrian Parking Area (100 spaces): The preserve's entrance is located about one mile south of the Page Mill Road / Alpine Road and Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) intersection. Ample equestrian trailer parking is available at this location.

The Skyline Ridge Accessible Parking Area (5 ADA spaces) is located at the Horseshoe Loop Trailhead, an easy-access trail. This parking area is currently CLOSED for construction.

Access to the Daniels Nature Center: Park in the Russian Ridge Parking Area (37 spaces), located on the northwest corner of the Page Mill / Alpine Road and Skyline Boulevard intersection (across Skyline Blvd. on the right). Walk through the tunnel under Alpine Road and follow the path to reach the nature center.

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

Much of the land that became Skyline Ridge Preserve (and also Russian Ridge Preserve) was at one time owned by James Rolph, Jr. or "Sunny Jim," as he was known to his constituents. Rolph was one of California's most colorful politicians, serving as mayor of San Francisco from 1912 until January 1931, when he resigned to become the state's newly elected governor, a post he held until his death in 1934. After Rolph, the northern part of what became Skyline Ridge Preserve was owned by Mr. John Rickey of Rickey's Hyatt House in Palo Alto, who used it for a thousand-head hog ranch. Alpine Pond and Horseshoe Lake were constructed in the 1950s to provide water for the ranching and agriculture operations. Later the property was passed on to the Wasserman family, who used it to raise cattle and graze horses. It was the Wassermans who established the Christmas Tree farm that still exists on the Preserve today.

The District purchased the land that became Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve in 1982.