Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve is mostly open, hilly, breezy terrain, but around this time of year it turns into wildflower central. Midpeninsula Open Space Authority, which manages the park, has a bunch of events coming up at Russian Ridge:

This weekend:

Wildflower Wander
04/12/2009
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Russian Ridge

This Preserve is often known throughout the Bay Area for its spring wildflower display. Join docents Paul Billig, Debbi Brusco, Katherine Greene, and Tommi Smith as you take a leisurely afternoon stroll through the grasslands and woodlands to see the different varieties of wildflowers found there. The hike will cover 4 miles and about 300 feet of elevation gain along the Ancient Oaks, Mindego, and Ridge Trails, with a stop on Borel Hill. Note: Parking is often difficult this time of year, please carpool if possible.

Where to meet:
Meet at the Russian Ridge Preserve parking lot on the northwest corner of the Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Road intersection (across Skyline Blvd. on the right). Those driving from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 35 minutes travel time.

True, it does get busy this time of year. To avoid the crowds, bail on work early and check out this mid-weeker:

Signs of Spring
04/15/2009
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Russian Ridge

Enjoy signs of spring together with docents Mike Bradshaw and Bill Overall on this moderately-paced evening hike. You’ll enjoy wildflowers in both grassland and woodland habitats on this 3-mile hike that visits both Borel Hill and the Ancient Oaks Trail.

Where to meet:
Meet at the Russian Ridge Preserve parking lot on the northwest corner of the Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) and Page Mill/Alpine Road intersection (across Skyline Blvd. on the right). Those driving from I-280 on Page Mill Rd. should allow approximately 35 minutes travel time.

Note the “Wildflower Saturday” event scheduled for April 18 is full, but you can go here to get on a waiting list. Another essential link: Midpen’s activities calendar. If you’re into all-day outings, check out their list of strenuous hikes.

If you go to Russian Ridge, no doubt you’ll end up at Borel Hill, which promises some of the best Bay Area vista action:

Here’s a map with a suggested hike in red of just under five miles:

Note the Ancient Oaks Trail at the bottom center: this is a pretty, shady stretch of the park. It’s mostly an old ranch road but is very pleasant. Most of the best wildflower viewing is in the open range near Borel Hill.

If you want to add a few more miles, hike up to the Mount Melville area in yellow at the top. There’s an excellent deck where you can kick back for a lunch break and soak in the view. (Caveat: I know the viewing deck’s up there somewhere but I’m not 100 percent certain it’s at Mount Melville. I went there with some other folks last year so my memory’s a bit hazy.)

Russian Ridge is worth playing hooky from work to check out in mid to late April. Call it a mental health day.

Here’s a Google map to get you there.

View Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve in a larger map