Russian Ridge Wildflower Hike (Picnic)

Russian Ridge Preserve is 3,137-acre in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Los Altos its known for its showy display of wildflowers in spring.wildflowers – primarily poppies and lupine – put on a showy display. By May and June, gumweed, mules ears, farewell-to-spring, and brodiaea bloom. Diverse plant communities, miles of forest edge, and abundant springs make Russian Ridge an outstanding habitat for wildlife. Large numbers of raptors soar over the lush grasslands, and coyotes patrol the ridges. The steep forested canyons create a secure refuge for a tremendous variety of animals. In summer, the hills turn to gold with the late evening sunlight. Autumn, when the fog recedes, is the ideal time to enjoy the ridge views of San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Special note: Since we are so far away from everything I will bring a picnic for all .... Please stay and enjoy

Level: Intermediate
Total Distance: 5.5 miles loop
Hiking Time: 2- 3 hours
Elevation: Approximate 500 feet, Borel Hill 2,572
Information: Free Parking, No Water, Restroom at trailhead, Dogs are not allowed in Preserve, Additional parking outside gate on Skyline & Alpine Roads. Limited Number; During this wildflower period, The park limits groups to under 25 and have rangers checking.

Map: https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/map_RR.pdf

Meeting Point / Trailhead: Russian Ridge Open Space Parking Lot: Located on the northwest corner of the Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill / Alpine Road intersection (across Skyline Boulevard on the right).

GPS Coordinates for Trailhead: Russian Ridge Open Space Parking, Alpine Road, San Mateo County, CA, 94028
Latitude N 37°31'54.03"N Longitude W -122°18'82.88"W

Directions: From 280 south (Santa Clara), exit #20 Page Mill Road, and head west. Drive about 9 miles, to the junction with Skyline Boulevard, cross Skyline and continue straight onto Alpine Road, then make the first right into the parking lot.

Hike Route: Starting Point, Russian Ridge Open Space Parking, Take Trail to connect to Ridge Trail, Left downhill on Hawk Ridge Trail, Left Ancient Oak Trail, Continue Left Uphill on Ancient Oak Trail, Right on Ridge Trail, continue Left on Ridge Trail return to the starting point

Carpooling Link: (Sign up here)
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/dybht6

Carpooling Procedures:
No carpool discussion in the comments, join the carpool link and contact the driver or rider directly.

Thank you .......

Legal Disclaimer: Under what we are about Section
https://www.meetup.com/Urban-and-Bay-Hikers/