The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Miramontes Ridge Open Space Preserve (Closed)

The Top of John Brooks Trail – Water Dog Lake loop offers a dynamic hiking experience through Belmont's Waterdog Lake Open Space. You'll traverse rolling terrain, moving from open fire roads with expansive views of the San Francisco Bay to shaded paths winding through scrub oak and coast live oaks. The route eventually circles the serene Waterdog Lake, providing a diverse natural setting for your outing. This moderate 5.5-mile (8.8 km) loop, with 804 feet (245 metres) of elevation gain, is a great way to experience varied scenery and get a solid workout in about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive early, especially on busy days, as parking can fill up quickly at the Waterdog Lake Open Space trailhead. The trails can be steep and occasionally rutted after rain, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Dogs are permitted on the trails, provided they are kept on a leash. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant times to hike, offering wildflowers or colorful berries, respectively.

This trail system is notable for its blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty, offering a network of multi-use trails popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. The John Brooks Trail itself is named after John S. Brooks, a significant land donor to the open space. The park's ecological importance is highlighted by its namesake, a local salamander species, making it a unique natural escape within the San Mateo County region.

This moderate 9.7-mile (15.7 km) hiking loop through Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve offers a delightful journey through varied landscapes, from shady oak woodlands to open serpentine grasslands. You'll be treated to vibrant wildflower displays in spring and panoramic views of the Bay Area, including Bair Island and Mount Diablo, making it a truly scenic experience for its 1317 feet (401 metres) of elevation gain.

To make the most of your visit, aim for spring to catch the park's famous wildflower blooms. The trail is well-signed, and free maps are available at the Bill and Jean Lane Education Center and trailheads. The estimated duration is around 4 hours and 31 minutes, so plan accordingly, and remember that dogs and mountain bikes are generally not permitted on these trails.

Edgewood Park is a significant ecological preserve, home to over 500 plant species, including rare and endangered ones, thriving in its unique serpentine soil. Keep an eye out for wildlife like black-tailed deer and various bird species. This route is an excellent choice for hikers seeking a diverse natural experience and stunning vistas without an overly strenuous climb.

The Dream trail loop at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a varied landscape of oak woodlands and chaparral. You'll experience a dynamic journey across hills, serene canyons, and scenic ridge tops, with some sections providing expansive views of the San Francisco Bay and Santa Cruz Mountains. Keep an eye out for vibrant wildflowers in early spring, which add a beautiful touch to the diverse plant life along the path.

This moderate hiking route covers 5.8 miles (9.4 km) with 858 feet (262 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete. The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, making navigation easy. Dogs are welcome on leash, and there's even a dedicated 17-acre off-leash area within the preserve, making it a great option for dog-friendly outings. Plan your visit for early spring to catch the wildflowers at their peak.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a popular destination, and the Dream trail loop is its most frequented route, known for its engaging terrain and scenic rewards. The preserve also holds a unique history, once housing a tuberculosis sanatorium, with remnants like old foundations and stone walls still visible on some trails. This blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes it a standout choice for a moderate hike in the region.

The Hiking loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a delightful and accessible outdoor experience, guiding you through serene oak woodlands and sun-drenched chaparral. This easy 3.1-mile (5.0 km) route, which typically takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes, features a manageable 469 feet (143 metres) of elevation gain, providing a good workout without being overly strenuous. You'll enjoy varied terrain, from shaded paths to open areas with expansive views of the San Francisco Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains, especially vibrant with wildflowers in spring.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trails are well-maintained with clear markers at nearly every junction, ensuring easy navigation. The preserve is particularly welcoming to dog owners, offering an off-leash area, and parts of the Cordilleras Trail are even wheelchair and stroller accessible. Parking is available at the trailhead, but consider an early start on busy days to secure your spot.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, covering 366 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is a notable local gem for its diverse ecosystems and dog-friendly policies. Historically, the land once housed the Hassler Health Farm, a tuberculosis sanitarium, with remnants of old walls still visible off the Hassler Trail. Keep an eye out for deer, especially in the eastern canyons, adding to the natural charm of this easily accessible San Mateo County escape.