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Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 310 Google reviews · Running trail in La Honda, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4.3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Long Ridge Open Space Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Lush, hilly park with multiple hiking & biking opportunities along with long-distance views.
What runners say about Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
“Beautiful views too the western mountain ranges, trail is wide and easy but does go downhill making the hike back up difficult.”
“It had ample shade due to redwood trees and was very much appreciated by everyone due to sun.”
Excellent place to hike. You get variety of terrain - from shady forest to exposed ridge with beautiful views. There is some elevation and then it’s mostly flat up top. Difficulty - moderate. Parking - free, off highway. No restrooms. Dogs are welcome on certain trails (watch for signs).
Very lighted trafficked trail! There’s multiple conjoining trails and trail heads to make a plethora of different exploratory routes. I hiked the full loop (9.8 miles) and there was a wide range landscapes, from completely shaded to fully exposed.
Favorite place for short hike and view of if the sunset. Very limited side of the road parking and the entrance to the trail is hidden. Watch for Cars when crossing and you can hike or bike to Saratoga gap.
It's not on the Long-Ridge Open-Space map, but there's a photogenic "hidden waterfall" where Peters Creek drops into Devil's Canyon. If's about 1.5 miles and 300 feet of elevation from the Long Ridge and Grizzly Flat parking lots.
Trail conditions & character
“The scenery through the forest and the views from the hilltops of the surrounding landscape are incredible especially on a clear day.”
“It had ample shade due to redwood trees and was very much appreciated by everyone due to sun.”
“I suggest getting here early as there aren’t too many parking spots available, however it wasn’t all that busy.”
“We walked on the trail in the clockwise direction so it was steep on the way down (recommend having hiking poles for this part).”
“Main loop is little over 4 miles but you can easily double that by adding extra trails.”
“5 miles and 300 feet of elevation from the Long Ridge and Grizzly Flat parking lots.”
“Really nice hike with lots of greenery, despite going there after the rains it wasn’t all that muddy on the trail.”
Plan your run at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance4.3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteopenspace.org
- Phone(650) 691-1200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near La Honda
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 124 reviews
Douglas fir forest featuring grassy hills & trails for hiking, cycling & horseback riding.
Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
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Nature preserve open before sunrise to after sunset offering hiking and mountain biking trails.
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
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Varied landscape including 11 miles of trails, lake, meadows & ridge views in a 2,143-acre preserve.
Castle Rock State Park
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Park offering 34 miles of hiking & horseback riding trails among redwoods & other regional trees.
Black Mountain Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
9.7 miles of oak- & chaparral-studded hiking track, with sweeping Bay Area views from the top.
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
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Large area with views of Santa Clara Valley & trails, including one for biking & horseback riding.