Well after a long and wet winter we were graced here in the Bay Area with some typical California spring time sun. After the previous wet, cold, and miserable experience at De La Valle this was a welcome change in the weather.
We had actually done this hike before about a year ago in the summer and it was much, much hotter. From the parking lot off Portola Road (main parking lot), which mind you is very small and will fill up early on a nice day, take the Spring Ridge Trail to the first major trail intersection. You will pass a Sausal Pond on you’re right. Last time we were here it was covered in vegetation so much that it looked like you could walk across it. This time of year I guess the water vegetation is in remission and it unfortunately just looked like a regular mucky pond. Unfortunately the first part of this hike doesn’t feel quite right as it backs up to an apartment complex but you will soon be rewarded. After about 0.6 miles you bear right on Spring Ridge Trail for a steady 2 mile climb up to Highway 35. It’s a grassy hill that this time of year is still green and you’re rewarded with ever increasing views of the Peninsula, South Bay, and East Bay. It was a bit hazy due to the lack of wind but the views were gorgeous as we approached the top. The trail unfortunately was not in tip top shape due to all the recent rains combined with equestrian traffic had left the trails in sorry shape.
At the top of the hill you have a choice to go along either the east or west side of the ridge. We chose to head west on the Lost Trail and were rewarded some expansive views to the west and in the distance the Pacific Ocean.
You continue to follow Bay Area Ridge Trail south. The terrain changes quickly from rolling grassland to redwoods and oaks. You continue to ride the side of the ridge following the contour of the mountain until it abruptly ends and turn into the Razorback Trail. You follow this trail down through very shaded oaks and redwoods until you meet up with the Eagle Trail which becomes intermingled with Alpine Road.
After a bit you run out of trail and come upon a bridge where things become a bit confusing. After crossing the bridge you make an immediate right and hook back up with the Hamms Gulch Trail and you can follow the signs back to the parking lot.
All in all its a nice quick 9.5 miles that’s best done on a nice sunny day when you can enjoy the scenic vistas from the top of the climb. The way back to the parking lot is a bit shaded and lacks views but allows for a nice change of scenery.
Distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2200ft