Mile 0.0: Begin at the edge of the parking lot, on Ridge Trail. This path, a Bay Area Ridge Trail segment, ascends to a grassy plateau. Mile 0.6: Junction. Turn left, "to Ancient Oaks Trail." There are views south and east, to neighboring preserves Skyline Ridge and Monte Bello. Mile 0.9: Junction. Turn right onto Ancient Oaks Trail. The trail angles around the bulge of a grassy hill, with sweeping views west. Mile 1.2: Junction with a shortcut trail returning to the ridgetop. Continue straight on Ancient Oaks Trail. Coast live oaks are prominent on the sides of the trail, which descends easily. Mile 1.6: End of Ancient Oaks Trail. Turn right onto Mindego Ridge Trail. The trail climbs slightly, from woods to grassland. Mile 1.9: Junction. Stay to the right. A steady ascent through grassland brings you back to the ridgeline. Mile 2.2: Junction. Turn right onto Ridge Trail. After a few feet the trail splits. Bear right. Ridge Trail sweeps across soft rolling hills, just downslope from the ridge, offering unobstructed views west to the ocean on clear days. Mile 2.7: Junction. Stay to the left on Ridge Trail. Mile 2.8: A path feeds in from the left. Stay to the right. In the peak of wildflower season, there are carpets of blossoms on both sides of the trail, and you might see goldenfields, creamcups, California poppies, blue and white lupine, owl's clover, and tidytips. Mile 3.0: Junction, again. Continue straight on Ridge Trail, and retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Mile 3.6: Back at the parking lot.
