Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Ipiwa Trail
Hiking
5.0
(4)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
September 23, 2023
Hiking
July 24, 2021
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Ipiwa Trail
5.0
(4)
33
hikers
6.91km
02:03
200m
200m
If you're looking for a hike that packs diverse scenery into a manageable distance, the Alpine Pond and Horseshoe Lake Loop delivers. This moderate 4.3-mile (6.9 km) route, with its 667 feet (203 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes to complete, guiding you through redwood-flecked mountains and open grasslands. You'll pass by the serene Alpine Pond and picturesque Horseshoe Lake, both preserved wetlands that attract birds and aquatic life, and enjoy vistas from the Gene Sheehan Overlook.
Planning your trip is straightforward, but remember that dogs are not allowed on the trails within Skyline Ridge Preserve, nor is swimming or fishing permitted in the ponds. The David C. Daniel Nature Center near Alpine Pond offers a water fountain and is typically open on weekends. Sections around both ponds are also wheelchair and stroller-friendly, making them accessible for many visitors.
This loop offers a journey through varied ecosystems, from brushy chaparral to forests of Douglas fir and live oak, with wild oat grasslands blooming with lupine and poppies in spring and summer. You can also spot historic bedrock mortars along the way, offering a glimpse into the area's past. It's a fantastic option for those who appreciate natural beauty and a moderate challenge without venturing too far from the Bay Area.
21
hikers
8.95km
02:39
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
14
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Distance 524 m
Uphill 60 m
Downhill 10 m
Weather
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Friday 14 August
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12°C
21 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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