Long Ridge is the highpoint of San Mateo County. Most of the ridge is located in Long Ridge Open Space, managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The highpoint itself is on private property, about 200 yards from the park boundary. This was all well and good and the peak was free to visit until about 2004, when the property owner began constructing a house in the area. The owner has since allowed groups of highpointers to access the property with prior arrangements made through a park ranger.

Red Tape

The highpoint is on private property and should not be visited without permission. In December 2006 there was an unconfirmed report of hikers caught trespassing in this area with Gary Suttle's (now outdated) guidebook in hand. We've got a great arrangement with the owner; let's keep it that way.

All visits must be arranged through park ranger Loro Paterson, who does this in her free time (so be nice to her!). Groups of highpointers are guided to the peak a few times per year. All visitors must supply their full names by request of the owner.

Email: lhh@sonic.net
Phone: (650) 949-4028

Driving Directions

From Santa Cruz, take Hwy 9 north up to Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35). From 280 or 85 in the Valley, exit onto Saratoga Ave and continue southwest. Go straight through Saratoga village, where the road turns into Hwy 9. Continue up to Skyline Blvd. From the 9/35 intersection, go north 3.7 miles to the gated Portola Heights Rd on the left.

From 280 on the Peninsula, take Hwy 84 (Woodside Rd) west. After 3.2 miles, bear right on La Honda Rd to stay on 84 and continue up to Skyline Blvd. Go south 9.9 miles to the gated Portola Heights Rd on the right.

Camping

Car camping is available in Portola Redwoods State Park off Alpine Road and Big Basin Redwoods State Park off Hwy 236.

A youth hostel is located in Sanborn-Skyline County Park off Hwy 9 near Saratoga.

External Links

COHP Trip Reports

Bob Burd's trip report - but don't do what he did