Things to Do in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a 366-acre public recreation area situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains, near San Carlos and Redwood City. This open space preserve features a varied landscape, including cool canyons, ridge tops offering views of the San Francisco Bay, and diverse woodlands composed of mixed evergreen forests, oak woodlands, and chaparral. Cordilleras Creek also originates within the preserve, flowing through wooded areas. The terrain supports outdoor activities such as hiking and jogging.
Things to Do in…
96
Routes
4.7
(128)
Average rating
2765
People visited
2
hikers
5.95km
01:44
160m
160m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
2
hikers
3.22km
00:54
90m
20m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
1
hikers
5.20km
01:19
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(1)
58
hikers
5.32km
01:35
170m
170m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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5.0
(22)
117
riders
12.6km
01:18
300m
300m
Easy mountain bike ride.
5.0
(20)
117
riders
12.4km
01:17
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
5.0
(1)
62
riders
21.3km
02:03
560m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
4.9
(25)
109
riders
11.8km
01:17
370m
370m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
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215
riders
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.5
(2)
181
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(3)
122
riders
55.4km
03:15
1,350m
1,350m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(3)
117
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(3)
57
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
49
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
128
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
44
riders
18.4km
01:29
520m
520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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54
runners
9.36km
01:13
260m
260m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
26
runners
16.3km
01:54
180m
180m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
44
runners
7.28km
00:57
200m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
9
runners
4.57km
00:35
120m
120m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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5
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(1)
11
riders
67.8km
04:52
1,460m
1,460m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
8
riders
118km
07:56
1,740m
1,740m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5
riders
11.9km
01:20
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Frequently asked questions
What activities are permitted in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is primarily for hiking and dog walking. Bicycles and horses are not permitted within the preserve. The preserve offers approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) of trails for these activities.
Are dogs allowed in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Yes, dogs are permitted in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. The preserve features a dedicated 17.5-acre off-leash area for dogs. All other areas require dogs to be on a leash.
What types of hiking trails are available in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
The preserve offers a range of hiking trails, from easy, gentle paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, such as sections of the Cordilleras Trail, to more strenuous routes with significant elevation changes. Popular trails include the Dream trail loop, the Edgewood Trail Loop, and the Dusky-footed Woodrat Trail. For more details, refer to the Hiking in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve guide.
Are there easy hiking trails for beginners or families?
Yes, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve includes easy hiking options. Sections of the Cordilleras Trail are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The preserve also offers routes categorized as family-friendly. Find more information in the Easy hikes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve guide.
What natural features can be seen in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
The preserve features cool canyons, ridge tops with expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, and diverse woodlands including mixed evergreen forests, oak woodlands, and chaparral. Cordilleras Creek originates within the preserve, flowing through wooded areas. The Dusky-footed Woodrat Trail is known for wildflowers in spring.
What are the best viewpoints in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Ridge tops within Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offer expansive views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding hillsides. The Polly Geraci Trail ascends an oak-covered hillside, providing scenic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
How popular is Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve on komoot?
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 34,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The routes in the preserve have an average rating of 4.69 out of 5 stars based on over 1,500 ratings.
What is the size of Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve spans 366 acres (148 hectares). It is managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District.
Are there any historical points of interest in the preserve?
The land was formerly the Hassler Health Farm, a tuberculosis sanitarium. Remnants such as old retaining walls and steps can still be found off the Hassler Trail, offering a glimpse into its past.
Where can I find more information about Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Additional information about Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, including maps and regulations, can be found on the official website of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The official website is https://www.openspace.org.
What is the contact number for Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Their phone number for inquiries is +1-650-691-1200.
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