Near Clouds Rest Trail
The trail descends into the preserve, but there are a couple of great views before it re-enters the woods.
Near Clouds Rest Trail
After passing through the gate, the trail hugs the ridge line and changes into a dirt track.
Near Clouds Rest Trail
Views of the Bay Area stretch out before you. If you look closely in the field, you can see two coyotes before they get scared off.
Near Clouds Rest Trail
While the trail is wide as it follows the old road, you can see the area that is most popular with cyclists.
Near Clouds Rest Trail
The Clouds Rest Trail is wide through this section. This is looking back up the hill you just descended.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Clouds Rest Trail

3.0 (1 Rating)
A short trail starting from Skyline Boulevard with great views of the South Bay.
0.9
mi
Distance
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Less CrowdedViewsWildlife
Access Issues
The preserve is open year round from dawn until half an hour after sunset.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.88mi
Distance
0ft
Elevation Gain
505ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
2,340ft
High Point
1,835ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Parking for this trail is located at Vista Point along Skyline Boulevard opposite of Russian Ridge Preserve. The trail descends along a singletrack from the left side of the parking area to the Clouds Rest Road. Follow the gravel road to the right as it descends past private homes on the left side of the road. At roughly .3 miles, the trail passes through a gate system and transforms into a dirt track. In another .1 mile, the Meadow Trail continues straight ahead while the Clouds Rest breaks off to the left. A small singletrack (Clouds Rest Alternate Trail) breaks off to the right and leads through the fields out to a point that overlooks the South Bay Area before descending back to the main Clouds Rest Trail. The trail descends steeply at this point, with views of private residences off to the left before passing a power tower at .8 miles and entering the woods. At this point, the trail is shaded and relatively quiet. The trail ends at the junction with the Alpine Road Trail, a popular trail for mountain bikers. From here, you can return to your car via the path you came or take a right and make a loop by combining the Alpine Road Trail and Meadow Trail.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
David Hitchcock