Coal Mine Ridge ≈10 mi/1200 ft. elev. gain (exploratory)

Join me for an EXPLORATORY pre-4th of July hike in Coal Mine Ridge Open Space that includes a 1.2 mile walk from Alpine Inn to Triangle Park.
The weather forecast is partly cloudy with a high of 72.

The original stewards of the ridge were the indigenous Muwekma Ohlone people who were quintessential naturalists, passing on their knowledge through oral tradition, learning by doing, and teaching by example. Much has changed since then. The Coal Mine Ridge you see today, bordered by Los Trancos and Corte Madera Creeks, takes its name from the 19th century search for minerals. However, the only coal found here was poor in quality, and a major landslide in 1890 buried the mine beyond recovery.

Except for the historic Old Spanish Trail, the trails in this preserve were created as part of the construction of Portola Valley Ranch, and today all the trails are maintained by the Town of Portola Valley.

FACILITIES: None (Please plan accordingly)

MEETING LOCATION: Parking lot of Rossotti's Alpine Inn

BRING: At least 2 liters of water, lunch/snacks, along with your preferred hiking shoes, poles, sunscreen/hat, etc.

Route Summary: Starting from the park...
L on Sweet Springs Trail
R on Valley Oak Trail, continue onto Black Oak Trail.
R on Blue Oak Trail, cross Buck Meadow Dr
L on Buck Meadow Dr.
L (straight) on Old Spanish Trail.

LUNCH/SNACK BREAK: Around Lake Trail, then

R on Toyon Trial.
L on Old Spanish Trail.
R on Arroyo Trail.
L on Bay Laurel Trail.
L on Old Spanish Trail.
STRAIGHT on Coal Mine Ridge Trail.
L on Toyon Trail.
R on Alpine Trail
BACK to Alpine Inn parking lot.

Optional post-hike food and drink at Rossotti's.