EL CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE: SHADED FOREST HIKE

EL CORTE DE MADERA OPEN SPACE PRESERVE: SHADED FOREST HIKE

Hike Date:  Saturday, August 16, 2025

Hikeleader:  Gary Weiss

Hikeleader Email:  gary@sfhiking.com

Hikeleader Phone:  415 279-5570

Carpooling Meeting Locations:
SF: Whole Foods;  2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below.
Rockridge BART: Bottom of escalator.

Carpooling Meeting Times: SF: 9:10AM; Rockridge: 9:00AM 

Please only show up at the carpooling place if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.
 
Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1200'

Description:  El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve is a great park for summer hiking.  The trails are almost entirely deeply shaded.  The redwoods, mostly second and third growth, are dense enough in places that light barely makes it to the ground.  Even on very warm days it stays relatively cool. The unfortunate name for the preserve means 'the cutting of wood'.  We'll be meandering through the deep Douglas fir and redwood forest, along creeks that flow all year.  From the main parking area at the southeastern corner of the park we'll begin a descent on the mysterious Oljon Trail, turning off onto the Steam Donkey Trail. The next portion will take us on the Methuselah Trail which leads us to the giant Methuselah Tree (pictured above). Here's some info about The tree's 1800 year history.  
There are a couple of somewhat steep downhills; if you use poles please bring them.  Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in the preserve.

Bring / Wear:  Please bring plenty of water, BUG repellent, lunch, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them.  And chocolate!

Weather Policy:  Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.

Trailhead Meeting Place: The newish main parking area is 10.3 miles south on Skyline Blvd from Hwy 92.  The entrance is on the right.  You can reach Hwy 92 from either 101, 280 or 880.  Skyline starts at the very top of the hill just before it descends towards Half Moon Bay.  There are bathrooms and parking is free.   Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Total driving distance, there and back: 67 miles from SF; 99 from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF:  $9  From Rockridge BART: $15

(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)