The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
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(293)
3,535
hikers
71
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas) traverse diverse landscapes atop the Santa Cruz Mountains. The preserve features a mix of cool, shady creekside forests and expansive ridgetop meadows. Hikers can experience varied habitats, from woodlands with moss-encrusted trees and ferns to open areas offering panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Pescadero Valley, and the Pacific Ocean. The terrain includes gentle paths through meadows and varied woodlands, with some trails connecting to neighboring protectedā¦
Last updated: July 10, 2026
10
hikers
16.4km
04:55
520m
520m
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 woodlandsā¦
6
hikers
11.0km
03:14
300m
330m
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 feetā¦
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2
hikers
6.51km
01:48
100m
130m
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 windingā¦
1
hikers
14.3km
04:01
240m
380m
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 guidesā¦
1
hikers
9.24km
02:40
220m
250m
The Bay Area Ridge Trail: Skyline and Russian Ridge offers a diverse hiking experience, transitioning from open grasslands to oak woodlands and peaceful ponds like Alpine Pond. You'll find aā¦
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Tips from the Community
From up here on the ridge you get great sweeping views across the foothills. On a clear day you can see out west to the Pacific Ocean.
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Borel Hill is my favorite place to watch spring flowers. The western slope near ancient oaks (5-10min west of Borel Hill) are covered with orange California Poppies and purple flowers starting in April. Borel Hill itself peaks around mid May and has a wide variety of flowers. The show lasts only a few weeks until end of May. The peak time and flower intensity varies from year to year, so come several times between April and May. There is small summit NW of Borel Hill and a narrow dirt trail leads you to a rock within 2 min. The rock is big enough for 2-3 to sit on. On a sunny day, the rock is nice warm even if the air is cold. Good views on the ocean and the Bay.
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Turtle Rock is the highest and most prominent mountain in the area. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, especially stunning at sunset. Be cautious, as the trail is popular and often busy with hikers.
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Long Ridge Open Space Preserve is a 2,035-acre preserve that follows Long Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. There are a variety of trails that can be used for hiking, biking, or horse riding. This is a dirt trail area, so it is more suited for gravel bikes or a stout touring bike; a hardtail would be ideal. In addition, this is a preserve and not a park, so there are no facilities that you would normally expect in a park, such as bathrooms, drinking water fountains, picnic tables, snack bars, or stores.
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At the convergence of the Long Ridge Trail and Long Ridge Road, you will find the Wallace Stegner Bench. This overlook was one of the favorite places of author and conservationist Wallace Stegner. There are panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean to be had from here. However, if you come up by bike, the dirt trail is best suited for a touring bike with decent tires or a gravel bike.
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Turtle Rock gets its name because it looks like a little turtle with its head sticking up. This is a stunning spot to take a break and enjoy the overlook of the rolling hills and clouds roaming through the valleys.
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The top of Borel Hill has an elevation of 2,572 feet and offers panoramic views of the city below as well as views of the ocean in the distance.
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This beautiful small lake is a picturesque, quiet, tranquil spot with blue-eyed grass surrounding the shoreline in early spring. It is a great spot to bring a picnic basket, sit and enjoy the peaceful setting while listening to the birds in the trees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 80 routes specifically curated for families, with 38 of these being easy-rated options perfect for a relaxed outing.
What makes Long Ridge Open Space Preserve a good choice for family hikes?
The preserve is ideal for families due to its diverse landscapes, offering everything from cool, shady creekside forests to expansive ridgetop meadows with panoramic views. Many trails are well-maintained and offer varying lengths and difficulties, ensuring there's something for every family member, including easier paths through varied woodlands and meadows.
Are there easy trails suitable for young children or strollers?
Yes, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve has several easy trails perfect for families with young children. While not all trails are stroller-friendly due to varied terrain, options like the Summit Meadows Trail and Chestnut Trail provide gentle paths through beautiful meadows and woodlands, offering a pleasant experience for little legs.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints families can enjoy along the trails?
Families can discover several interesting points of interest. The Long Ridge Loop, for example, offers inspiring views. Other attractions include the serene Jikoji Pond, the picturesque Peters Creek Bridge, and an old apple orchard along some trails. The Wallace Stegner Bench also provides breathtaking views, especially towards the ocean.
What is the best time of year to visit Long Ridge Open Space Preserve with family?
Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the grasslands come alive with spectacular displays of wildflowers like lupines, checkerblooms, and California buttercups. However, the preserve's diverse ecosystems make it enjoyable year-round, with shady woodlands providing respite in warmer months and ridgetop meadows offering clear views on cooler days.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, there are several circular routes that are great for families. A popular option is the Long Ridge Loop, which offers a manageable distance of around 6.5 km and an easy difficulty grade, making it a perfect loop for a family outing.
What kind of wildlife might we spot during a family hike?
The preserve is home to various wildlife. Families might spot turkeys, feral pigs, and coyotes. Keep an eye out for birds and other small creatures in the diverse habitats ranging from shady woodlands to open ridgetop meadows.
How long do family hikes typically take in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Hike durations vary depending on the chosen trail and your family's pace. For instance, an easy 6.5 km loop like the Long Ridge Loop might take around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Longer, moderate routes such as another Long Ridge Loop covering about 11 km could take closer to 3 hours and 15 minutes.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails here?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the diverse landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable family experience.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve?
While the preserve is generally welcoming, it's important to check the specific regulations for each trail regarding dogs. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to help preserve the natural environment for everyone.
Are there longer family-friendly routes that connect to other preserves?
Yes, for families seeking a longer adventure, trails within Long Ridge Open Space Preserve connect to neighboring protected lands. You can extend your hike into areas like Portola Redwoods State Park, Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve, and Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, offering opportunities for extended treks.
Most popular routes in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
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