Landscape view of Long Ridge Preserve with cloudy sky

Long Ridge Preserve

Last Light at Long Ridge Preserve by Jim Mosher

Overview

With options for short hikes, rides to scenic overlooks, and longer loop trips, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve provides something for everyone. Connecting to Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve by one of the longest continuous segments of the Bay Area Ridge Trail (13 miles from Sanborn-Skyline County Park to the northern boundary of Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve), Long Ridge preserve is popular among hikers, cyclists, and equestrians alike.

The Sempervirens Fund provided major support for acquisition of portions of Long Ridge Open Space Preserve.

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Hiking: All Trails
Hiking: All Trails
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Bicycling: Designated Trails
Bicycling: Designated Trails
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Equestrian: Designated Trails
Equestrian: Designated Trails
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Dogs on Leash: Designated Trails
Dogs on Leash: Designated Trails
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No Easy Access
No Easy Access
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Camping: No Camping
Camping: No Camping
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Restrooms: Not Available
Restrooms: Not Available

Preserve Highlights & Features

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a man sitting on a stone bench
(Rebecca McDonough)

Wallace Stegner Bench

At the intersection of Long Ridge Road and Long Ridge Trail, visitors can stop and enjoy the spectacular view from the Stegner Memorial Bench. Dedicated in 1996 in memory of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and noted environmentalist Wallace Stegner, a great supporter of Midpen.

Stories from the Preserves

Nature

Here are some of the plants and animals that other visitors have observed at this preserve and recorded in iNaturalist. Protected species may be excluded and some species may not yet have been observed. Help improve iNaturalist by adding your observations to the Midpen Biodiversity Index project

Join our e-mail list to stay up-to-date on this preserve and other Midpen news! 

 

Know Before You Go

Preserve regulations help provide a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting sensitive areas and wildlife. 

Share the Trail 

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YIELD. Bicycles yield to hikers and equestrians. HIkers yield to equestrians.
  • Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury. 

  • Avoid blocking the trail. Step aside to allow others to pass .  

  • Whether you’re walking or biking, always yield to equestrians. 

  • Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. Most preserves do not have trash cans. Littering is prohibited. 

  • Abuses of trail etiquette should be brought to the attention of a ranger or call the Midpen main office at 650-691-1200. 

Activities & Events

History

The first property owner on Long Ridge was Winston Bennett, who lived in a spot then called Pot Hollow. Born in Georgia, Bennett came west in the 1840s, caught gold fever and headed for the Sierra foothills. After a career as a trader, a constable and a deputy sheriff, Bennett sold his ranch in 1884. Throughout the years, the land has been everything from a ranch, an orchard and even an alternative boarding school. By the time Midpen bought the property in the 1980s, it was the last real working cattle ranch in the area.