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Hike through grasslands with views of the the surrounding hills and Pacific Ocean.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.2

KM

Point to Point

938' 286 m

High

625' 190 m

Low

151' 46 m

Up

342' 104 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

La Honda Open Space Preserve is open year round from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Additionally, this trail is subject to seasonal (winter and spring) closures due to wet conditions.

Need to Know

The lower La Honda Open Space Preserve is an active farming area where cattle graze in the pastures throughout the preserve. While they are usually not interested in hikers, be careful as you approach them and watch your children if you encounter them near or on the trail. For tips on hiking among the cattle, the Mid Penn has provided some tips here: openspace.org/our-work/proj…

There are no services on the trail, so make sure to bring adequate water, food, and sunscreen for your hike. While some of the other parts of the Harrington Creek Trail are shaded, there is essentially not shade along the Folger Ranch Loop Trail.

While the Harrington Creek Trail appears to also go to the right when you come off of the Folger Ranch Loop Trail, this is for equestrians only and requires a permit to access the horse lot at the end of the road.

Description

To access the Folger Ranch Loop Trail, arrive at the parking area at Sears Ranch Road and hike out the Harrington Creek Trail for approximately 3.2 miles. While the Harrington Creek Trail continues straight ahead, the Folger Ranch Loop Trail breaks off to the right through a cattle gate and begins its descent on a wide path down the hillside.

As you hike, enjoy the views of the surrounding hills and on a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean. You'll also notice the lack of vehicle noise due to the preserve's location. While this is gradual at first, the descent quickly steepens for roughly two tenths of a mile before the trail begins to roll.

The trail begins to climb slightly at half a mile before descending again for another three tenths of a mile. From here, the trail gradually climbs up the hill past some cattle buildings until the trail passes through another cattle gate and arrives at the junction with the Harrington Creek Trail.

From here you can retrace your steps, or take the Harrington Creek Trail to the left to make a nice loop back toward your car.

Flora & Fauna

Deer can be seen feeding in the hills in the evenings, while wildflowers bloom in the pastures during the spring time.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#19739

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  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#2,088

in California

#19,739

Overall
2 Views Last Month
46 Since Dec 28, 2020
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

The Folger Ranch Loop Trail breaks off from the Harrington Creek Trail. In the afternoon and evening, you can watch the clouds roll over the hills.
Sep 22, 2021 near La Honda, CA
Cow gates remind you of the areas ranching past.
Sep 22, 2021 near La Honda, CA
The trail drops (or climbs) steeply at this point down the hillside.
Sep 22, 2021 near La Honda, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Sep 19, 2021
David Hitchcock
Weather was nice, trail in good condition.
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