A perfect Bay Area hike for people who sleep in late

“Russian Ridge is a really popular reserve, especially during wildflower season,” Ryan McCauley of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District told SFGATE. “It’s probably most famous for its really spectacular blooms in the spring.” 

Arriving at the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in the the Santa Cruz Mountains (Eric Brooks/Special to SFGATE)

The wildflower blooms yield poppies, clarkias, tidy tips, lupines and blue-eyed grass, to name a few. But those seeking the spectacular hillside superblooms of Central and Southern California will be disappointed, McCauley said.
 
“We liken it more to sort of a treasure hunt,” he added. I followed the clues and timed my outing to ensure the fog had burned away. 

After arriving at the parking lot (set your navigation to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve), I saw a hand-written sign below the lot’s trail map explaining that Russian Ridge isn’t quite at peak bloom. Park officials estimate it could be delayed until mid-May because of chilly weather and heavy rains during the winter.

I looked skyward to see the other stars of Russian Ridge.
 
That’s where hikers, bikers and bird watchers can catch a number of imposing raptors, such as red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, golden eagles and everyone’s inaugural bird ID: turkey vultures. Elsewhere, coyotes occasionally patrol the ridge.

But the real showstopper at this regional park (and the main reason I’ve been again, again and again) is the view. It’s truly something else.
 
I’d recommend two spots in particular: Borel Hill and the Silicon Valley Vista Point.

Bicyclists on the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and a sign points to the hilly, 0.8-mile Borel Hill trek. (Eric Brooks/Special to SFGATE)

Both are easily accessed along the popular Ridge Trail, the main route that cuts across Russian Ridge. Borel Hill — named for a Swiss banker involved with the Spring Valley Water Company and later the creation of Crystal Springs Reservoir — is a hilly 0.8-mile trek from the main parking lot at Russian Ridge. Spectacular views of nearby Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum await (and Mount Tamalpais and Mount Diablo on a clear day). 

On this hike, I could also see a glimpse of the San Francisco skyline to the north, the southern stretch of San Francisco Bay and most of Silicon Valley just below.
 
“The view on the top of Borel Hill is pretty spectacular,” McCauley said.
 
Next, you’ll find the Silicon Valley Vista Point about a half mile down the winding trail, but this is where it gets a bit tricky. Playing what feels like a human game of “Frogger,” those interested in the vista view must jaywalk across the busy Skyline Boulevard for a look. 
 
Trust me when I advise the upmost caution: Vehicles on this stretch of road come often and quickly.

A small parking lot offers a closer-in view of Silicon Valley, the rolling foothills and a clear shot of Stanford University. If you really want to make a day of it, there are plenty of other great views and trails at both Coal Creek Preserve and Skyline Ridge Preserve to the north and south, respectively. Each park is connected to Russian Ridge’s trail network.
 
Outside of the animals and vista views, I’ve always enjoyed the quality of trails at Russian Ridge. Its namesake is a Russian immigrant who owned a dairy farm there from 1920 to 1950. The trails are well maintained, challenging but not too strenuous, and there always seems to be enough room for all kinds of wanderers. I encountered lots of hikers and families, plus groups of mountain bikers and — on this particular weekend — ultramarathoners using the trails. If horses are your thing, many of the trials are also designated for equestrian use. If horses are not your thing, watch your step. Because, well, you know why. 
 
An important element to keep in mind is the lack of plentiful shade along the trails at Russian Ridge. Be sure to load up on sunblock and protective gear, as I did.
 
As I said before, timing is everything with hiking Russian Ridge.

The morning fog often hangs around here until just before midday, a scenario I’ve encountered every single time I’ve hiked Russian Ridge. That means those great vista views aren’t so — unless you plan ahead and time your hike accordingly. 

“It’s a bit of an alchemy, sort of, when the fog is going to roll in,” McCauley said. “A lot of times it’ll be super thick in the morning until (10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.), then it burns off later. Generally, we have these coastal fogs come in the morning and provide a lot of moisture for the trees and animals and keeps the soil nice and moist. Some days, if it’s a little too cold or if it’s just not windy enough, it’ll just stick there all day.”
 
My recommendation? Start your hike to Borel Hill and the Silicon Valley Vista Point at about 10:30 a.m. to hit the views just as the thick white pea soup burns off. Another option is to wait until the early afternoon, maybe 2 p.m. or so, to begin your journey.

I’m recommending the earlier start for two reasons.

First, parking at Russian Ridge gets full quickly on the weekends. The lot holds about 15 to 20 vehicles, then it’s a free-for-all on the Skyline Boulevard shoulder after spots fill up. 

I parked across the street in a self-made spot. It will also be busier this time of the year because of the aforementioned wildflower blooms. Park officials recommend coming on weekdays or non-peak times to avoid the crush of cars. But, if you’re aiming for the hiking start I’m recommending, you should be able to nab a spot in the Russian Ridge parking lot or at least one within a reasonable walking distance. If you don’t arrive until shortly after 12 p.m., parking spots will surely be few and far between at that point.
 
My second recommendation is for what to do either leading up to or following the hike.

You’ll obviously need to fuel up before or after your hike, so planning a breakfast or lunch destination is essential in building an efficient timeline for your earlier start. If it’s a big breakfast you desire, the famous Alice’s Restaurant off Route 84 is the place to be. 

I fully endorse Alice’s breakfast burrito — two of the finest words ever put together for consumption. 

If it’s lunch that’s calling you, as it did for me during my latest hike, try Rossotti’s Alpine Inn in Portola Valley. Founded in 1852, it’s the second-oldest continuously operating tavern in California. 

Hikers in need of nourishment will find burgers, dogs, sandwiches, wood-fired pizza and other timeless favorites in the beer garden on the banks of Los Trancos Creek (which also features a long list of draft beer, bottles and cocktails).
 
The views at Russian Ridge are calling. Just be sure to answer at the right time.