9 |
PETERS CREEK TRAIL |
DISTANCE: 4.6 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 2.5 hours
SEASON: year-round
DIFFICULTY: moderate
Long Ridge offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails ideal for all seasons, although in the rainy months, the trails are open to hikers only. From the Grizzly Flat trail-head, follow Peters Creek Trail west from Skyline Blvd., passing Bay Area Ridge Trail, into a grassy meadow bounded by dense forest.
At Long Ridge Trail, turn left to stay on Peters Creek Trail and gently ascend. Peters Creek, a tributary of Pescadero Creek, meanders at your side. Woodland wildflowers include tiny two-eyed violets (heart-shaped leaves with white and purple flowers) and purple shooting stars. The trail passes an old apple orchard, its trees still bearing fruit in autumn. At 1.6 miles, you’ll reach a small pond bordered by the private property of a Buddhist retreat center.
A few switchbacks lead you to the ridgetop. Turn right onto Long Ridge Rd. and enjoy wide views of the Pescadero Creek watershed. Pause at the bench commemorating author Wallace Stegner, who lived in this area and donated land for the conservation of Long Ridge. Turn right on Long Ridge Trail to finish the loop, then reconnect with Peters Creek Trail back to your starting point.
From I-280 or U.S. 101 in Redwood City, take Hwy. 84 west to Skyline Blvd. (Hwy. 35). Turn left onto Hwy. 35 and drive 10 miles south to the Long Ridge/Upper Stevens Creek County Park/Grizzly Flat parking area.
