A Mountain Meadow with Spring Wildflowers

The Betsy Crowder Trail - Spring Ridge Loop

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

(This is another in the series, "Benches and Other Great Places for Lunch"--short hikes to special places, just right for a quiet getaway.)

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these."- Gospel of Matthew 6: 28, 29

Directions: From Highway 280, exit at Alpine Road/Portola Valley. Go south on Alpine Road about 2.9 miles to Portola Road (the first stop sign). Turn right on Portola Road, and drive one mile to the Windy Hill parking lot on the west side of the road. The lot is adjacent to and north of The Sequoias, a retirement development.

Grade: Easy, elevation gain of 300 feet.

Distance: 1.5 mile.

Time: As much as you like.

Special Conditions: This hike is about lunch, flowers and views. Bring a nice picnic, binoculars, and a flower guidebook. A restroom is available at the parking lot. Dogs are allowed on leash. The preserve is managed by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (650-691-1200).

            This is the best time of the year to visit the lower part of Windy Hill. The grass is new and lush. Spring wildflowers are popping out all over. The air is cool and clear.

            There are no benches on the Betsy Crowder Trail, so you will have to find your picnic spot. Just throw out a blanket, spread your feast, and enjoy what nature has to offer. For your menu, may I suggest bagels, cream cheese, and smoked salmon with fruit and a beverage of your choice.

            From the parking lot, walk a few hundred feet west to the first junction. Turn right and then left through a green livestock gate at the start of the Betsy Crowder Trail. In front of a large coast live oak to your left is a trail sign honoring Betsy for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, where she served as director for 11 years and for her dedication to the preservation of open space on the Peninsula. She also co-authored the popular guidebook, "Peninsula Trails," along with Jean Rusmore and Francis Spangle, which should be on every hiker's bookshelf. Betsy died in an automobile accident on Alpine Road in 2000.

            The hike starts on a trail along a fairly level meadow. It soon moves up through an oak forest, passing by a large eucalyptus tree that somehow seems out of place in this native environment. Forming a switchback, the trail soon opens up and levels out as it crosses along the upper edge of a grassy hillside. This is where you should pick your picnic spot and stop for awhile. 

            From this point, you have good views to the east. Below is Sausal Pond, part of the geology of this rift zone, which extends north into the Crystal Springs Reservoir area. The pond collects water from springs and hillside drainage, and the resulting stream flows to the north. Across the way is the Sequoias Retirement Village. To the far south are the Monte Bello and Los Trancos areas, with Coal Mine Ridge closer in.

            When your picnic is over, you may return the way you came or continue to the next junction and turn left (downhill) on the Spring Ridge Trail. You will soon intersect the Spring Valley Trail. Turn left again, and in .6 mile you will be back at the parking lot.

            The last stretch of trail goes between Sausal Pond and "The Sequoias." You might take some time to poke around the pond area looking for birds and frogs, but take care to stay out of the delicate marsh habitat.

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

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