Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve is a 3,137-acre protected area in the Santa Cruz Mountains featuring dense forests interspersed with open meadows. Over 10 miles of trails wind through the terrain, connecting different elevation zones and terrain types across the landscape.

A Russian immigrant named Paskey operated a dairy farm here from 1920 to 1950, establishing the foundation for the preserve's current name. During the 1970s, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District acquired the land to protect it from residential development.

The name reflects the Russian heritage tied to early agricultural settlers who shaped this landscape. Visitors walking the trails encounter a place whose identity remains connected to those who farmed here long ago.

The preserve is accessible through two main entry points: roadside parking along Skyline Boulevard and a dedicated lot at the Audrey C. Rust Commemorative Site. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and changing trail conditions due to elevation changes across the landscape.

From Borel Hill, the highest point in the area at about 2,572 feet (784 m), visitors can see both San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west on clear days. This rare vantage point bridges two distinct coastal regions from a single location.

Location: San Mateo County

Website: https://openspace.org/preserves/russian-ridge

GPS coordinates: 37.31940,-122.21700

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:22