Folger Ranch Loop Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

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.

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.

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