Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve is an expansive open space preserve situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains, characterized by its diverse terrain that includes ridge vistas, grasslands, oak woodlands, and redwood ecosystems. This varied landscape provides a compelling setting for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, and more. The preserve features two small lakes, Horseshoe Lake and Alpine Pond, adding to its natural appeal for outdoor activities.
Skyline…
112
Routes
4.8
(102)
Average rating
2082
People visited

5.0
(6)
59
hikers
11.4km
03:23
350m
360m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(4)
30
hikers
6.06km
01:46
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
26
hikers
13.4km
04:12
510m
530m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

1
hikers
1.15km
00:20
0m
80m
Hard hike. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.5
(2)
157
riders
92.0km
05:05
1,830m
1,830m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
90
riders
109km
05:56
2,280m
2,280m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(3)
62
riders
58.2km
02:45
740m
740m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

37
riders
72.1km
03:29
940m
940m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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29
runners
11.9km
01:39
440m
440m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8.19km
00:58
240m
240m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
12.0km
01:20
290m
290m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11.6km
01:27
520m
520m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
57
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

25
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
16
riders
9.89km
01:10
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

25
riders
17.8km
02:44
550m
550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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5.0
(1)
63
riders
53.7km
04:00
1,240m
1,240m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

28
riders
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

26
riders
24.8km
01:56
650m
650m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

9
riders
48.1km
03:34
1,170m
1,170m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
48.2km
03:59
1,300m
1,300m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
13.9km
01:13
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, road cycling, and mountain biking. The preserve spans 2,143 acres and features over 10 miles of multi-use trails. It provides diverse terrain suitable for various skill levels, with 33 routes rated an average of 4.63 stars by komoot users.
Yes, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve features accessible trails suitable for all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users. The Alpine Pond Loop and Horseshoe Loop are particularly pleasant, offering opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. For more options, consult the Family-friendly hikes in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve guide.
The preserve offers a variety of hiking trails, from accessible paths around Alpine Pond to more challenging routes. Trails like the Sunny Jim Trail lead to panoramic views from a 2,400-foot perch. The Ipiwa Trail provides impressive views of the Lambert Creek watershed. Explore more options in the Hiking in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve guide.
Yes, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve is recognized for its mountain biking opportunities, featuring diverse terrain with ridge vistas, meadows, and woodlands. Riders can find a mix of flat sections, uneven terrain, and steeper challenges with rocks and roots. Popular routes include the Borel Hill loop. Refer to the MTB Trails in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve guide for specific routes.
Specific regulations regarding dogs on trails can vary within the preserve. It is advisable to check local signage or the official preserve website for the most current rules. Komoot offers a guide for Dog-friendly hikes in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve.
From a 2,400-foot perch, accessible via trails like the Sunny Jim Trail, visitors can enjoy expansive views of the 'Great Park,' a 200-square-mile redwood ecosystem. The Ipiwa Trail also offers impressive views of the Lambert Creek watershed, Butano Ridge, and Portola State Park. These viewpoints showcase the Santa Cruz Mountains and diverse ecosystems.
The preserve features two small lakes, Horseshoe Lake and Alpine Pond, which are central to its natural charm. It also boasts a rich mix of ecosystems, including grasslands, oak woodland, and redwood forests. The David C. Daniels Nature Center at Alpine Pond offers educational displays about these features.
Yes, the David C. Daniels Nature Center is located at Alpine Pond within Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. It offers educational displays and guided tours, providing visitors with insights into the preserve's natural environment and wildlife. The center enhances the educational and recreational experience.
Komoot offers several guides for the preserve, including Hiking in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, Family-friendly hikes, and MTB Trails. Other guides cover running, road cycling, dog-friendly hikes, and traffic-free bike rides. These resources help users plan their adventures effectively.
The official website for Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve can be found through the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. For direct inquiries, the preserve's phone number is +1-650-691-1200. These resources provide further information on preserve rules, conditions, and facilities.
Yes, a significant portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km), passes through Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. This connection links the preserve to other nearby open space preserves, such as Russian Ridge, Monte Bello, and Long Ridge, offering extensive exploration opportunities.

