San Carlos Trail

January 3, 2010

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Trail
Pulgas trail

One of my New Year’s resolutioins is to start walking more and enjoy the beautiful environment that we live in.

This 293-acre Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is located near the intersection of I-280 and Edgewood Road, just outside of San Carlos.
Plants and Animals: Mixed woodland Oaks and Laurel trees cover much of the Preserve, while the hilltop is a mix of grasses and remnant non-native plants such as oleander, eucalyptus and cactus.

On clear days you can see views of San Francisco Bay, the southern peninsula and south bay cities, and the peaks of Mount Diablo and Mount Hamilton. This is one of a few Open Space Preserves to allow dogs. Bicycles and equestrians are permitted on the Cordilleras and Hassler Trails. The Hetch-Hetchy aqueduct passes through the Preserve in an underground tunnel.

Polly Geraci Trail (hiking only) winds along the Cordilleras streambed and meets the paved Hassler Trail on the 650 foot hilltop. The Blue Oak Trail begins just past the private Redwood Center and climbs through oaks to meet the paved trail around the 450 foot elevation. Constructing a loop of the Cordilleras, Polly Geraci, Hassler and Blue Oak Trails constitutes about 3 miles.

Exit I-280 at Edgewood Road and turn east, towards San Carlos. At Crestview, turn left, and another quick left turn at Edmonds Rd. You’ll see the Cordilleras trailhead just to the right of the entrance to the private Redwood Center on the right hand side of the road. A little further, you’ll find a roadside pullout on your left and the Blue Oak trailhead on your right.

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WATER DOG LAKE LOOP TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS

December 9, 2009

The City of Belmont is working in partnership with local volunteers to realign the Water Dog Lake Loop Trail. The improvements will make the trail easier for hikers to navigate, especially during wet weather. There is an existing trail that goes around the lake, but it was built below the high water mark which makes it diffi cult to pass in spots, even for hiking. Thanks to a diligent group of volunteers andBelmont Parks and Recreation staff, the new trail will be a minimum of 15 feet above the waterline of Water Dog Lake, which will allow year round use. The existing trail along the far west end of the lake will be re-vegetated to improve the quality of the wetlands. In addition to realignment, the project includes four small bike/pedestrian bridges, which will assist users to cross drainages and the spillway.

So far volunteers have finished realigning half of the trail, but the remaining half and the bridges need additional work. When the realignment is completed the trail will be above the high water mark, and wide enough for strollers, which will make it a great destination for hiking, biking, and family outings.

To volunteer and help finish the improvements contact: Passion Trail Bikes Belmont Parks and Recreation 650-620-9798, 650-595-7441 or email patty@passiontrailbikes.com parksrec@belmont.gov