Crystal Springs and Chinquapin Trails at Huddart County Park

Overview: Combine two fine loops in one great hike on this eight-mile route at Huddart County Park west of Woodside.

The abundance of redwood forests and mixed evergreens along this route is a stark contrast to the busy picnic areas of the poplar park and the massive sprawl of Silicon Valley just a few miles to the east.

Trails on this hike: Dean Trail > Chinquapin Trail > Archery Fire Road > Chinquapin Trail > Dean Trail > Crystal Springs Trail.

You can shorten this hike almost in half by leaving out the loop on Chinquapin Trail and Archery Fire Road, but you'd be missing a great chance for solitude on some of the less-traveled areas of the park.

Best times to go: With its abundance of shade, this is a nice all-year park, though summer might be a bit warm. The rest of the year it'll quite comfortable. Spring wildflowers will be memorable.

Tips: Stop by the AIDS Memorial Grove just off the Dean Trail for a moving tribute to those who died from the devastating disease.

Contact: (650) 851-1210

Parking: $5; follow signs to Zwierlein Trail Heads parking area

Hours: 8 a.m. to around dusk (closing varies according to season).

Limitations: No dogs or other pets

Driving directions: From Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, take the Woodside Road exit (California Highway 84). Go west through town of Woodside for about 1.5 miles, then go right on Kings Mountain Road. Go about 2 miles to the park entrance on the right.