MONTE BELLO & SKYLINE RIDGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVES

MONTE BELLO & SKYLINE RIDGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVES

Hike Date:  Saturday, April 19, 2025

Leader:  Ron Gasparinetti

Leader Email: ron@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  650 759-5345

Hike Rating: Level 3

Hike Mileage:  8.75 miles

Elevation Gain:  1483'

Description:  To quote SFHC President Gary Weiss, "this a gentle and stunning hike". From the Monte Bello OSP we'll start our hike on the Stevens Creek Nature Trail which will lead us into Skyline Ridge OSP and the beautiful Ipiwa Trail. You'll be treated to sweeping vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.  Lunch will be taken at the David C. Daniels Nature Center along the banks of Alpine Pond where multitudes of dragonflies skitter across the pond's surface.  We pass the aptly named Horseshoe Lake which should be surrounded by lush greenery.  Wildflowers will hopefully be abundant at this time of the year.  Here is an Alltrails Link of the proposed route.

Bring / Wear:  Please bring LOTS of water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, bug spray and hiking poles if you use them.  Sun/shade ratio is about 50/50.  

Weather Policy:  Canceled in the event of heavy rain. 

Pet Policy for this hike: Neither OSP is dog friendly.

Ready to join the hike?  Here are the meeting options:

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street.

SF Meeting Time:  8:45 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  8:30 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

Not a member of the SFHC and want to join this hike? Contact the hikeleader so we know you're joining us and to arrange for ride-sharing (if needed).  Non-members are required to sign a release of liability form before participating in the hike.

NOTE: I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers. We will do our best to accommodate those who need a ride but please understand that carpool availability is limited by the number of drivers that register for the hike.   If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have a ride arranged ahead of time. Please note Carpool Fees below.

Trailhead Meeting Location: Monte Bello OSP Parking Lot (map) off of Page Mill Rd.  Carpooling is always encouraged - this is a sizable lot but on nice days it fills up quickly.               

Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM (The hike will begin at 10:15am)

Roundtrip driving distance: From SF 88 miles.  From Rockridge 108 miles

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  From SF $11   From Rockridge $16 (Bay Bridge Toll included in fee) 

Entrance Fee: No entrance fee for this location