Ridgeview Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Ridgeview Trailhead can be accessed by hiking roughly .7 miles from the Edgewood Trail on Edgewood Road and then going left at the junction with the Sunset Trail. The Ridgeview Trail breaks off to the right as it becomes a narrow dirt and gravel trail as it gently climbs up the hill. It cuts back to the right and continues to climb up the hillside. Wildflowers and rye can be seen on the lefthand side of the trail above the trail. Off on the right, Interstate 280 makes its way up the peninsula and the Santa Cruz Mountains stretch out before you. Due to its close proximity to the interstate, traffic noise is found all along the trail.

At roughly .2 miles, the Ridgeview Trail intersects with the end of the Franciscan Trail, which goes off to the left as the Ridgeview Trail continues to climb gently up the hillside. Lizards scramble along the trail and under your feet as you move along. Views open up on the right hand side of the trail and the Sunset Trail can be seen running parallel below the trail. The trail curves around the hillside until it reaches the intersection with the Live Oak Trail. The Ridgeview Trail goes off to the right and climbs a hill to where views of both sides of the preserve can be seen. On the right hand side of the hill, views of the Santa Cruz Mountains spread out before you. On the left hand side of the trail, obscured views of the San Francisco Bay area spread out before you. There is a bench to enjoy the view, and a tree that provides shade while you gaze out over the bay area.

At this point, you can return to your car via the Ridgeview Trail, or follow the Live Oak Trail and Franciscan Trail back to the Edgewood Trail and your car. Another option is to explore the other trails in the preserve and enjoy the area.

More information about the trail can be found here.

Deer, turkeys, and rabbits can be seen feeding in the mornings and evenings in the fields below the trail. Lizards scramble underfoot and along the trail. Rattlesnakes and other reptiles can be encountered, so watch your step. Several varieties of birds can be seen in the trees along the trail.