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Hike Russian Ridge

Redwood City, California

4.5/5
based on 9 reviews

Details

Distance

4 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

Not too crowded if you get to it during the week. Great opportunity to take in blooming wildflowers if in season~4 miles of trail running. Duration: Less than an hour.

Russian Ridge offers a great place to jump on the trail and in the right season, see some of the best wildflowers blooming. On top of that, you get access to amazing views from the ridge.

Once you hit your parking space, add a little extra warm up before jumping on the trail to make this 3.7-mile run into a 4-miler. In order to make it to the ridge, gain a little elevation and head uphill on the Ridge Trail. As you make it up this trail, you'll quickly reach the ridge. Take a few seconds to stretch it out and take in the view. Maybe even snap a photo or two for that instagram later on.

After just over a half mile, you'll come across the sign that leads to Ancient Oaks Trail. Hang a left here. As you head away from the ridge line, you'll be able to look down on Alpine Road. At ~1.2 miles, you'll cross a signed area where you can head back to the parking lot if you're not feeling well, or continue to the left and stay on Ancient Oaks if this trek is for you.

Once Ancient Oaks comes to an end at about a mile and a half, jump onto Charquin Trail. At roughly 1.9 miles, the trail will split. Stick to your right and take the trail uphill. Continue on this route until you reach Ridge Trail and head right, which will return you to the car.

Looking to relax after your hike or run, head to local favorite Alpine Inn.

Check out www.openspace.org before going to Russian Ridge - there are a few safety tips and regulations that help to make sure Russian Ridge is a great outing for everyone!

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Hiking
Easy Parking
Scenic
Wildflowers

Hike Russian Ridge Reviews

The Bay area does an incredible job of offering open space natural areas as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Russian Ridge offers a beautiful way to find solace in nature.

Good hike, with great views. Not to much shade though.

A friend recommended this place to me when I first started hiking. I'm glad I went! It's a great place to get introduced to hiking and offers cool views.

When the days are longer, its possible to head up here after work. The run itself is varied as you go through oak forests and open grassland. The sunsets up here are also awesome because you can actually see the ocean and the fog/clouds generally create some nice colors.

Loved this suggestion, but like someone else said, watch for trail signs. Once you're on Charquin Trail, the "split" is not very obvious- it's more of a hairpin turn. If you get to a fence and a sign about garder snakes, turn around and you'll see it. If you hit the cattle enclosure, you've gone too far. My 4-mile run turned into an 8-mile run because I missed that turn.

Such gorgeous views made up for the fact that we accidentally made a 4 mile run into a 7.5 mile run

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mountain Bike Skyline Ridge Preserve

Hike to Black Mountain and Stevens Creek Canyon

Hike the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop

Hike Peters Creek and Long Ridge

Hike the Brook Trail Loop

Park Day at Foothills Park