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I set out on a beautiful winter's day to Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve near Edgewood
and 280. Of course, a beautiful winter's day in the Bay Area means crisp clear blue
skies and glowing rays of sunshine. I'm sure I've noticed this before, but it became
apparent to me that with the winter sun lower in the horizon the light is much more pleasing
than the hot California summer sun.
The preserve is just on the other side of 280 from Canada Road, which I've biked on many
many times. In fact, today was Bicycle Sunday. But I'd never even heard of Pulgas Ridge,
much less been there. I was in for a pleasant surprise.
The small parking lot was almost full. A ranger sat in his car there, perhaps checking
to make sure no mountain bikers violated the recent prohibition of bikes on the preserve.
Bikes may be banned, but Pulgas Ridge is one of the few places where dogs are encouraged.
Dogs are allowed throughout the preserve, and there's even a large area where they can be
released from their leashes. Needless to say, many dog owners were taking advantage this
beautiful morning.
Blue Oak Trail
The Blue Oak Trail starts out switchbacking up through the forest. I hadn't expected much
difficulty on this hike, so I was a bit surprised it just kept on climbing for over 500
feet over the first mile and a half. Various mushrooms line the sides of the trail.
There were a handful of manzanitas amongst the other nameless trees (nameless because I
don't know their names).
Mushrooms growing next to the trail
Eventually the trail meets up with the Hassler Loop Trail, which is a wide road
surrounding the off-leash dog area. I headed to the left, continuing uphill. The grade
eased off a bit as I came upon a strange sight -- a large growth of cactus. Hundreds of
them, as if a desert had been transplanted to the forested hills.
Cactus next to the Hassler Trail
Continuing uphill I passed a grove of eucalyptus trees. Once again, I noticed how
different they are from the ones I saw in Australia. The ones in Australia are much
skinnier. I would also say they are a lighter green, but have more character than the
eucalyptus trees here. Perhaps that's just because I'm so used to the ones here, or
because I realize they're not native and they're growing out of control. Go to Australia
and you tell me what you think.
The trail passes a large water tank. Shortly after that the Polly Geraci Trail
heads off to the right. However, I kept on the Hassler Trail, continuing up the hill to
the top. I was rewarded with views of the South Bay, views of houses along Crestview Drive,
and a sneak peak at Crystal Springs Reservoir. I also saw something very strange.
If you ever drive on 280 you might notice a sign for a vista point on the Bay side of
the freeway, just north of the Edgewood Road exit. At this point I was able to see the
parking lot for that vista point. I could see several cars and people there, along with
a shaded bench. But I couldn't actually get there because between me and the parking lot
was not one, not two, but three different fences, the middle one of the barbed wire
variety. I really don't understand why those fences are there. I would have liked to have
seen the view on the other side. But I guess I'll just have to drive there sometime.
View of the Bay
I retraced my steps and then turned left and descended the Polly Geraci Trail. The
trail is mostly on a north-facing slope and so doesn't get much sun. Many of the
twisting, slanted trees were covered with moss. Good conditions for moss, but not
great conditions for taking pictures. I zipped down the trail until I came upon a
beautiful sight at the bottom -- sunlight filtering through the trees and illuminating
a small foot bridge over a small creek.
Bridge at the end of the Polly Geraci Trail
Shortly after crossing the bridge, I turned left onto the Cordilleras Trail. I didn't
go far before I reached the end of the trail near the creek. I sat down on the lone
bench and had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and enjoyed the silence. Then I got
up and went back down the Cordilleras Trail, continuing on the section which parallels
a road past the Redwood Center (a private place which as far as I could tell has nothing
to do with redwoods). If I'd known how boring this section of the trail is,
I would have taken the alternate route (which would have been to get on the Hassler Loop
Trail and then back on the Blue Oak Trail).
In any case, it was only four tenths of a mile on this stretch before I was back on Edmonds
Road and within throwing distance of my car. If you ever come here, one word of caution.
I slowly started the drive back down Edmonds Road as I noticed a couple people with their
dog, looking and pointing across the road. It didn't occur to me until it was almost
too late that they were pointing to their other dog (how was I supposed to know they had
two?), which was now crossing the road right in front of me.
Luckily I looked to my right and stopped in time. Just be careful.
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