Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Because Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preseve is only366 acres, it is not difficult to explore all the trails in one hike. That's pretty close to what my College of San Mateo class did today.  Because dogs are allowed on leash on all trails, and are allowed off-leash in a 17.5 acre designated area, you will encounter many canines and their masters in this preserve.

From the preserve entrance on Edmonds Road we hiked uphill on the Blue Oak Trail and then turned left on the Dick Bishop Trail through an oak woodland. We then turned left on the Hassler Trail, which is actually a gravel road. From there we took the Dusky-footed Woodrat Trail, which ascends through the chaparral for impressive views of the mountains to the west and Edgewood Park to the south. Because good group lunch spots are hard to find we took a short side trip to a clearing with a bench along Cordilleras Creek. After lunch we took the Polly Geraci Trail to the Hassler Trail and then hiked downhill to the Blue Oak Trail, which returned us back to our starting point. Our total distance was about 5.7 miles.

Because this preserve is in the foothills on the dry east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains, wildflowers come early. February, March, and April are the best months to see plants blossom. On our field trip we saw chaparral pea, buttercups, checker lilly, blue witch, hounds tongue, sticky monkey flower,  Indian warrior, fat Solomons seal,  star lilly, bush poppies, fetid adders tongue, Indian paintbrush, vetch, blue eyed grass, pitcher sage, blue elderberry, and golden poppies among others.

TO GET THERE... from Highway 280 take Edgewood Road east, turn left on Crestview Road, and then turn left on Edmonds Road. If the main parking lot is full there is additional parking across the road and along Edmonds Road.