Long Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas) is an open space preserve situated atop the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a unique ridge-top experience between Silicon Valley and the Pacific Ocean. This expansive area encompasses diverse landscapes, transitioning from cool, creekside forests to sweeping grasslands, oak woodlands, and forests featuring Douglas Fir, Redwood, and Madrone trees. The varied terrain and extensive trail system make Long Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas) suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, touring cycling, mountain…
68
Routes
4.8
(74)
Average rating
1122
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)
26
hikers
13.4km
04:12
510m
530m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

10
hikers
16.4km
04:55
520m
520m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
6
hikers
18.1km
05:52
980m
410m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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15
riders
54.7km
04:12
1,310m
1,310m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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.

20
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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8
runners
7.35km
00:53
150m
150m
Moderate run. 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.

2
runners
5.28km
00:43
210m
210m
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.
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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.

11
riders
27.4km
03:00
770m
770m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Long Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, jogging, touring cycling, and mountain biking. The preserve features 13.5 miles (21.7 km) of trails suitable for diverse experiences. Guides are available for specific sports, such as Hiking in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve.
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve boasts 13.5 miles (21.7 km) of trails. These trails range from easy to moderate, providing options for both long and short excursions through varied landscapes. The trail system includes both loop trails and out-and-back routes.
Yes, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve offers trails suitable for beginners. The preserve's 13.5 miles (21.7 km) of trails include options that are considered easy. For specific recommendations, consult the Easy hikes in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve guide.
Information regarding dog access on trails is available. For specific routes and regulations concerning pets, refer to resources like the Dog-friendly hikes in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve guide.
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve provides trails suitable for mountain biking, with dirt trails ideal for hardtails. The Saratoga Gap Trail is noted for its technical features, catering to mountain bikers. Bicycling is permitted on designated trails, though some, like the Achistaca Trail, are closed to bikes. More details can be found in the MTB Trails in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve guide.
While the preserve is known for touring cycling and mountain biking on dirt trails, specific road cycling routes are also available. These routes are detailed in the Road Cycling Routes in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve guide. Additionally, Traffic-free bike rides are also an option.
The preserve features several notable points of interest. The Wallace Stegner Bench offers inspiring views, especially at sunset. Turtle Rock Viewpoint provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Peters Creek Trail winds through lush woodland past a small pond and an old apple orchard.
The Long Ridge Loop is a popular moderate route, approximately 4.3 miles (6.9 km) long. It offers a mix of habitat, shade, and exposed spots with rewarding views. This loop is suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers.
Yes, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve offers family-friendly options for outdoor activities. The preserve's diverse trails include routes suitable for families. For specific recommendations, refer to the Family-friendly hikes in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve guide.
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 19,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes within the preserve have an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars, indicating high user satisfaction.
The preserve encompasses diverse landscapes, transitioning from cool, creekside forests to expansive grasslands. Visitors can traverse through oak woodlands, meadows, and forests featuring Douglas Fir, Redwood, and Madrone trees. High points offer panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Pescadero Valley, and the Pacific Ocean.
Trail closures for bicycles and equestrians may occur during wet conditions to protect the trails. Some trails, like the Achistaca Trail, are specifically closed to bikes. Visitors should check official sources for current conditions before visiting.
Komoot offers several guides for the preserve, including Hiking, Running Trails, MTB Trails, and Road Cycling Routes. There are also guides for Family-friendly hikes and Dog-friendly hikes.
More official information about Long Ridge Open Space Preserve can be found on its official website. The website address is www.openspace.org. For direct inquiries, the preserve's phone number is (650) 691-1200.

