The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Upper Stevens Creek County Park

The Table Mountain via Long Ridge trail is a fantastic moderate hike that takes you on a diverse journey through the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. You'll traverse shady woodlands with moss-covered trees and lush ferns, then emerge into expansive grasslands offering sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This 10.2-mile (16.4 km) route, with its 1703 feet (519 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 4 hours and 55 minutes, making it a rewarding day out for hikers who appreciate varied terrain and stunning vistas, including the Table Mountain summit.

When planning your visit, aim for spring to witness spectacular wildflower displays in the meadows, or choose a clear day for the best chance to see the Pacific Ocean from viewpoints like the Wallace Stegner Bench. The trails are generally well-signed and maintained, though some sections can be rocky or uneven. While the preserve offers a beautiful escape, be mindful that some ambient noise from Skyline Boulevard or a nearby gun club might occasionally carry to parts of the trail.

This trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains, showcasing a rich mix of environments from cool creekside forests to sun-drenched hilltops. Beyond the scenic beauty, you can also look for unique features like Turtle Rock and the Bodhidharma Cave. It's a solid choice for those looking for a substantial hike with a good workout and plenty of visual interest, providing a true sense of journey through California's diverse landscape.

If you are seeking a hike that blends varied terrain with expansive views, the Long Ridge Loop is a fantastic option. This moderate 6.8-mile (11.0 km) route, with 984 feet (300 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 3 hours and 14 minutes to complete. You will wander through cool, creekside forests, then emerge onto open grasslands and ridgetop meadows, where panoramic vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Pescadero Valley unfold, often revealing the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The trail's diverse scenery, including redwood trees and oak woodlands, makes it a rewarding experience for many.

Planning your visit to the Long Ridge Loop is straightforward, though it is wise to consider the seasons. The trail can be dusty during summer months but becomes lush and green in winter. While generally not as crowded as other Bay Area trails, arriving earlier in the day is always a good idea, especially on weekends, to ensure parking and a more serene experience. Remember that you will be sharing the path with mountain bikers and equestrians, so stay aware of your surroundings.

The Long Ridge Loop is part of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail and connects to other protected lands like Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, highlighting its significance in the regional trail network. It is considered an underrated gem, offering a rich diversity of ecosystems from forest to grassland. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including wild turkeys, feral pigs, and coyotes, adding to the natural charm of this unassuming spot. The Wallace Stegner Bench provides a perfect spot to soak in the views.

The Long Ridge Loop offers a delightful escape into the Santa Cruz Mountains, guiding you through a captivating mix of open grasslands and serene, shady woodlands. You'll find yourself winding along old roadbeds and singletrack paths, with sections like the Peters Creek Trail immersing you in lush, fern-filled forest. Along the ridgeline, prepare for continuous, sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Pescadero Valley, and even the distant Pacific Ocean, making it a rewarding experience for minimal effort.

This easy 4.0-mile (6.5 km) hike, with its modest 337 feet (103 metres) of elevation gain, is typically completed in about 1 hour and 47 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely outing. While some segments might have gentle inclines, the overall difficulty is low, suitable for beginners or those seeking a relaxed walk. Conditions can range from dusty in the summer to beautifully vibrant and green in the winter, so plan your visit accordingly, and consider arriving early to secure parking at this popular preserve.

Beyond the scenic beauty, the Long Ridge Loop is part of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail network, offering connections to other open spaces for those looking to extend their adventure. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as wild turkeys and coyotes, and don't miss the Wallace Stegner Bench, a dedicated viewpoint offering spectacular vistas. This trail provides a diverse and accessible hiking experience, blending natural beauty with historical elements within the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve.

If you're seeking a varied hiking experience in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Bay Area Ridge Trail: Saratoga Gap to Skyline Ridge delivers. This moderate 8.9-mile (14.3 km) route guides you through a mosaic of moist evergreen forests, oak-madrone woodlands, and high grasslands. You'll encounter attractive moss-covered trees and lichen-covered boulders, particularly within Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, making for a visually engaging journey that takes about 4 hours to complete.

Planning your visit means being ready for diverse conditions; expect potential wind and fog on exposed ridgetops, and heat on west- and south-facing slopes. The trail involves 788 feet (240 metres) of elevation gain, spread across a series of ups and downs rather than one big climb. Access is typically from Saratoga Gap, and arriving early is a good strategy, especially on busy days, to secure parking.

This segment is a notable part of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail, connecting several open space preserves and offering panoramic views of the coastal mountains. Historically, the route roughly follows old Summit Road, a wagon trail used by early settlers. From higher elevations, you might even catch glimpses of Monterey Bay and Big Basin on a clear day, adding to the trail's unique appeal.

The Long Ridge Loop offers a delightful blend of ecosystems, transitioning from cool, shaded creekside forests to open grasslands and ridgetop environments. You'll wander through lush woodlands along Peters Creek Trail, where moss-encrusted trees create a serene atmosphere, before ascending to panoramic viewpoints. The highlight is undoubtedly the Wallace Stegner Bench, providing sweeping vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains and, on clear days, the distant Pacific Ocean.

This easy 4.2-mile (6.7 km) loop involves 467 feet (142 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 53 minutes. There are no permits or fees required, and parking is available at the trailhead. While the trail is generally well-maintained, be aware that conditions can be dusty in summer and lush in winter. Spring is an excellent time to visit for wildflowers.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve is known for its diverse wildlife, including wild turkeys and coyotes. The preserve also connects to other areas like Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, offering options for longer treks if you wish to extend your adventure. This trail is a great introduction to the Santa Cruz Mountains' varied landscapes.