Ancient Oaks Trail, Russian Ridge CA

• 3-star hike
• 3 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 630 feet
• Los Altos, CA | San Francisco Region
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A scenic landscape featuring rolling hills and a forested area. The foreground shows a grassy field with tall, dry grass. In the middle ground, dense green trees are visible. The background consists of layers of hills fading into the distance. The sky is clear with a light blue hue. A large tree branch with leaves extends from the top of the image, framing the scene.

A scenic landscape featuring rolling hills and a forested area. The foreground shows a grassy field with tall, dry grass. In the middle ground, dense green trees are visible. The background consists of layers of hills fading into the distance. The sky is clear with a light blue hue. A large tree branch with leaves extends from the top of the image, framing the scene.

Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve offers hikers a diverse landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons. Located along the Skyline Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this preserve draws visitors with its combination of open grasslands, oak woodlands, and panoramic views.

The recommended loop trail covering the southern section of the preserve provides an efficient tour of the park's main attractions. Starting at the main parking area off Skyline Boulevard, the route begins with a moderate climb to Borel Hill. At 2,572 feet, this summit offers some of the most comprehensive views in the region. To the west, visitors can spot the Pacific Ocean on clear days, while the eastern vista showcases the Bay Area cities spread below the mountain range.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Ancient Oaks Trail 3.2 mi loop, easy, gain 630 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

From Borel Hill, the trail descends to connect with Ancient Oaks Trail, which winds through groves of mature trees. This wooded section provides valuable shade during warmer months and creates a pleasant contrast to the open ridgelines. The trail surface is generally well-maintained and suitable for hikers of various experience levels.

The preserve undergoes distinct seasonal transformations that make repeated visits worthwhile. Winter and early spring bring lush green hillsides, followed by wildflower displays from March through May. California poppies, lupines, and goldfields create notable color across the grasslands. By summer, the landscape shifts to golden hues as grasses dry under the California sun. Fall brings more subtle changes with cooler temperatures and occasional early rains refreshing the landscape.

Weather considerations are important when planning a visit. Summer days can become quite hot on the exposed ridges, especially during midday hours. Evening hikes offer more comfortable temperatures and sometimes feature dramatic coastal fog rolling over the ridgelines. Spring and fall typically provide the most moderate hiking conditions. Water is not available on the trail, so hikers should bring adequate supplies, especially during warmer months.

A person walking along a dirt path surrounded by tall, dry grass. The path winds through a natural landscape with trees in the background under a clear blue sky. The person is wearing a red shirt, shorts, and a backpack, suggesting they are on a hike.

A person walking along a dirt path surrounded by tall, dry grass. The path winds through a natural landscape with trees in the background under a clear blue sky. The person is wearing a red shirt, shorts, and a backpack, suggesting they are on a hike.

Tangents:
• Official: Russian Ridge
• AllTrails Public: Russian Ridge
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (6 mi) · 3★ Heritage Grove Loop (3-4 mi) · 5★ Henry Cowell Redwoods (1-6 mi) · Show Map

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