Ancient Oaks Trail, Russian Ridge CA

• 3-star hike
• 3 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 630 feet
• Los Altos, CA | San Francisco Region
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A scenic landscape featuring rolling hills and a forested area. The foreground shows a grassy field with tall, dry grass. In the middle ground, dense green trees are visible. The background consists of layers of hills fading into the distance. The sky is clear with a light blue hue. A large tree branch with leaves extends from the top of the image, framing the scene.

A scenic landscape featuring rolling hills and a forested area. The foreground shows a grassy field with tall, dry grass. In the middle ground, dense green trees are visible. The background consists of layers of hills fading into the distance. The sky is clear with a light blue hue. A large tree branch with leaves extends from the top of the image, framing the scene.

There are many reasons to love the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, whether it's the expanses of rolling hills, the peek-a-boo ocean views or the sight of the sprawling peninsula cities beneath the Santa Cruz mountains.

Our recommended loop trail around the southern half of the park begins with a gentle incline to the top of Borel Hill (2,572 ft) where you'll find the best views in area, before dropping down onto Ancient Oaks Trail which provides some welcome shade on the hottest days.

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⬤ 4★ Ancient Oaks Trail 3.2 mi loop, easy, gain 630 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

Visiting this park once might not be enough. Green rolling hills in the early season eventually give way to blankets of spring flowers, before the summer sun turns the tall grasses golden and gives the park a complete make-over. The heat in the mid-day summer months can be a little much for some, but the evenings often prove to be very pleasant, particularly if you're lucky enough to witness the dramatic coastal fogs creep in across the landscape.

A person walking along a dirt path surrounded by tall, dry grass. The path winds through a natural landscape with trees in the background under a clear blue sky. The person is wearing a red shirt, shorts, and a backpack, suggesting they are on a hike.

A person walking along a dirt path surrounded by tall, dry grass. The path winds through a natural landscape with trees in the background under a clear blue sky. The person is wearing a red shirt, shorts, and a backpack, suggesting they are on a hike.

Tangents:
• Official: Russian Ridge
• AllTrails Public: Russian Ridge
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (6 mi) · 3★ Heritage Grove Loop (3-4 mi) · 5★ Henry Cowell Redwoods (1-6 mi) · Show Map

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