Point, Palo Alto, Mindego Hill, Cupertino, La Honda, San Gregorio, Big Basin, Franklin Point, and Año Nuevo.
At some sports shops, one can print parts of or full-size topo maps on waterproof paper for a price somewhat higher than the USGS charges.
Trail Rules, Etiquette, and Safety
Park and open-space preserve regulations are few, but they are important. Based on common sense, they are necessary for your own safety, the protection of the parklands, and to preserve the beauty of the natural setting.
All plants, animals, and natural features are protected. Leave them undisturbed for others to enjoy.
Stay on the trail. Shortcuts across trail switchbacks break the trail edge and accelerate erosion.
Don’t smoke on the trail, and build no fires except where permitted in established fireplaces.
Firearms and bows and arrows are prohibited.
Hours: generally open 8 A.M. to dusk; MROSD preserves open dawn to dusk.
Fees for some state and county parks; subject to change.
Trail closures: in wet weather trails often are closed to bicyclists and equestrians. Newly constructed trails are temporarily closed until treads harden.
Dogs: prohibited in all San Mateo County parks. In Santa Clara County dogs are prohibited except in some parks that permit dogs on a short leash in picnic areas, but never on trails. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District permits dogs on leash in some preserves; call for information. State parks allow dogs on leash in campgrounds but not on trails.
Hikers and runners: yield to equestrians.
Bicyclists: ride on designated trails only. Observe closure signs. Helmets required in all parks and preserves. Speed limit in MROSD preserves and Santa Clara County parks is 15 m.p.h.; 5 m.p.h. when passing. Yield to equestrians and hikers.
Equestrians: observe closure signs. Indicate to other users when it is safe to pass.
Safety: travel with a companion rather than alone. See list of organizations offering group trips in Appendix III.
Some Hazards For Trail Users
Poison Oak: This plant, Toxicodendron diversilobum, is widespread through most of the Peninsula hiking country. You don’t need to remember its Latin name, but you should learn to recognize this ubiquitous plant with its three-lobed leaves. A pretty cream-colored flower cluster is followed by white berries. It looks different according to the season and the environment where it is growing. In spring its gray branches send out reddish buds, then shiny, young, light-green leaves. In autumn it has rosy red leaves that are brilliant in the woods and along the roadsides. To touch the twigs or leaves is to court the outbreak of an uncomfortable, itchy, blistering, long-lasting rash.
Avoid it! Wear long sleeves and long pants for protection; bathe with cool water and soap when you get home. If you have unavoidably brushed against some poison oak, wash the area in the nearest stream or even use water from your canteen. Investigate new pharmaceutical products designed to prevent contamination and others to remove its effects.
Rattlesnakes: Another, and far less common, hazard is the rattlesnake. It has a triangular head, diamond markings or dark blotches on its back, and from one to ten or more rattles (segments) on its tail—it adds a new rattle each time it sheds its skin. It is the only poisonous snake native to our hills; it inhabits many hillside parks, though it is rarely seen. The rattlesnake will avoid you if it possibly can. Just watch where you put your feet and hands, and stay on the trails.
Lyme Disease: A potentially serious illness can result from the bite of the Western Black-Legged tick, a 1⁄4-inch-diameter insect. Ticks brush off onto you from grasses and trailside bushes. Wear long pants, tucked into boots or socks, and a long-sleeved shirt.
Mountain Lions: Sightings of these shy, native residents of wild lands have become more frequent due to increased use of their habitat by people. A mountain lion is about the size of a small German shepherd, with a thick tail as long as its body. It is recommended that trail users stand facing any mountain lion they encounter, make loud noises while waving their arms, and not run away.
Bobcats: Although generally shy, if aroused they can be treacherous. They are about twice the size of a house cat with 6-inch-long tails.
Feral Pigs: Imported from Europe, these animals interbred with domestic pigs and have spread over many acres of wild lands since their introduction for hunting in the 19th century. While generally not dangerous to humans, they can be fierce when cornered. If you see large areas of meadows and open forest that appear to have been tilled, you are proably seeing the work of these animals.
Coyotes: Their numbers are increasing; frequently sighted in open grasslands; seem curious about humans and have been known to attack humans.
Remember, wild animals normally avoid humans, if possible. Trail users must be careful not to entice them closer by giving them food, as they may lose their natural fear and cause problems.
Weather
The vagaries and variety of our local weather require some flexibility in planning hikes. Summer weather can vary from day to day, even from hour to hour where coastal fogs and winds influence the temperature. The Coastside, Skyline ridge and the northern Peninsula are often windy and dripping with fog in summer while the rest of the Peninsula is mild and sunny. In other seasons the mountains can be drenched in rain when the Bayside cities are merely cloudy. Fall, winter, and spring are best on the Coastside, when fresh breezes bring clean air and crystal visibility.
Summer and fall bring sunny, hot days to the southern Peninsula. Midday hiking is best then in the cool, forested canyons. In any season, south- and west-facing slopes are the warmest. A winter hike on such slopes is delightful on a sunny day.
What To Wear
Walking is surely the prime low-cost sport. The rewards are unrelated to the outlay for equipment.
The only essential is comfortable, sturdy footgear. The many available walking and running shoes with good treads are fine for Peninsula trails. Some hikers still prefer boots for the protection they give on rough terrain and on wet trails.
Clothing—dress like an onion, so you can peel off layers as needed:
sweater and windbreaker
long-sleeved shirt and long pants for protection from sun and poison oak
hat for shade in summer and a scarf or warm cap for cold and windy days.
all-purpose bandana or scarf
Water—an essential; no drinking fountains on trails; stream water is unsafe to drink
snack or lunch
this guidebook
day pack—for extra clothing, lunch, and water
And, if weight is not a problem:
binoculars for birds
magnifying glass for flowers, lichen, and insects
flower or bird guide
Northern Peninsula
From the San Francisco County Line to Highway 92
Lower Crystal Springs Lake seen from Sawyer Camp Trail
San