Story:
This hike was a holiday season weather break opportunity to visit several popular view points during the respite between rain events, combining them into one hike. We hiked a short loop through parts of Monte Bello, Skyline Ridge, Russian Ridge, and Coal Creek Open Space Preserves. All of these parks are part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. All trails are shown on the South Skyline Region map, available for free at trailheads. Great clear weather views are available from BlackMountain, Skyline Ridge Trail, and Borel Hill. The 2800 foot summit of BlackMountain is accessible from Monte Bello with only about 746 feet of elevation gain over an easy grade covering 2.6 miles. Wonderful panoramic views are available. The route then drops to a low point of 1706 feet along a lovely area of Steven’s Creek following a steep descent on Indian Creek Trail. Skid Road Trail climbs back up to Skyline connecting with the Ridge Trail topping out at 2419 feet, offering great views over the conifer habitat to the west. On to Russian Ridge, the Borel Hill summit is 2560 feet and provides 360 degree views from a different vantage point. Crossing back over the highway to Coal Creek will provide trail access back toward Monte Bello. Total distance hiked was 11.5 miles with total assent of 2786 feet.
This hike was a holiday season weather break opportunity to visit several popular view points during the respite between rain events, combining them into one hike. We hiked a short loop through parts of Monte Bello, Skyline Ridge, Russian Ridge, and Coal Creek Open Space Preserves. All of these parks are part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. All trails are shown on the South Skyline Region map, available for free at trailheads. Great clear weather views are available from BlackMountain, Skyline Ridge Trail, and Borel Hill. The 2800 foot summit of BlackMountain is accessible from Monte Bello with only about 746 feet of elevation gain over an easy grade covering 2.6 miles. Wonderful panoramic views are available. The route then drops to a low point of 1706 feet along a lovely area of Steven’s Creek following a steep descent on Indian Creek Trail. Skid Road Trail climbs back up to Skyline connecting with the Ridge Trail topping out at 2419 feet, offering great views over the conifer habitat to the west. On to Russian Ridge, the Borel Hill summit is 2560 feet and provides 360 degree views from a different vantage point. Crossing back over the highway to Coal Creek will provide trail access back toward Monte Bello. Total distance hiked was 11.5 miles with total assent of 2786 feet.
Tips:
After so much rain lately, some of the trails are quite muddy, but this is to be expected during this season. Boot clean-up will be unavoidable, and it’s wise to bring a change of shoes for the ride home. Seasonal weather is changeable, and will affect viewing conditions. Be sure to gear up for possible unsettled conditions and brisk winds on exposed peaks. Indian Creek Trail is a steep descent from the peak. Skid Road Trail is shown on the map, but is not named. Follow the trail signs. This route makes a loop surrounding the junction of highway 37 and Alpine/Page Mill Roads requiring 4 crossings. Be careful crossing the roads. Potable water is only available at Alpine Pond in Skyline Ridge. Pit toilettes are available at the main parking lots for Monte Bello, Skyline Ridge, and Russian Ridge, at Alpine Pond, and the trail camp at Black Mountain.
After so much rain lately, some of the trails are quite muddy, but this is to be expected during this season. Boot clean-up will be unavoidable, and it’s wise to bring a change of shoes for the ride home. Seasonal weather is changeable, and will affect viewing conditions. Be sure to gear up for possible unsettled conditions and brisk winds on exposed peaks. Indian Creek Trail is a steep descent from the peak. Skid Road Trail is shown on the map, but is not named. Follow the trail signs. This route makes a loop surrounding the junction of highway 37 and Alpine/Page Mill Roads requiring 4 crossings. Be careful crossing the roads. Potable water is only available at Alpine Pond in Skyline Ridge. Pit toilettes are available at the main parking lots for Monte Bello, Skyline Ridge, and Russian Ridge, at Alpine Pond, and the trail camp at Black Mountain.
Tags:
monte bello, skyline, Skyline Ridge, russian ridge, Coal Creek
monte bello, skyline, Skyline Ridge, russian ridge, Coal Creek
Comments (1)
I started hiking every day, 57 days ago. I plan to hike for 1000 straight days. Part of my mission is to hike a new trail each does. Thus, I am utilizing all resources, such as this site, to locate trails. Please visit me and Follow me at: http://calihike.blogspot.com
I appreciate any comments you may have and all your support. Thanks :)
--I'm also on facebook: Jeremy Jacobus
by calihike on Jan 11, 2011
I appreciate any comments you may have and all your support. Thanks :)
--I'm also on facebook: Jeremy Jacobus
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