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Steep fire road at the top, narrower trail at bottom- but gentlest way to climb from bottom of park


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Map Key

3.9

Miles

6.4

KM

Point to Point

2,272' 692 m

High

1,317' 402 m

Low

798' 243 m

Up

1,171' 357 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Wildlife

Western segment of Methuselah is subject to seasonal rainy season closures- call 650-691-1200 or openspace.org (Generally open May to October)

Description

The Methuselah Trail, starts from the CM02 gate parking area, just across Skyline Blvd from the ancient redwood that gives this trail its name. The trail is a former logging road that is cut through sandstone embankments. In some places it undercuts the trees above, leaving roots exposed overhead. After a short downhill section, Methuselah forms a junction with Timberview Trail at a place often carpeted (in the winter!) with wintering ladybugs.

Climb a moderate grade to the highpoint of this trail where it crosses the Manzanita Trail. Continue straight west on Methuselah for a long downhill through second growth redwoods and a sunny, clear area with vistas of neighboring canyons and ridges. Approaching the El Corte de Madera Creek you encounter other trails branching off and a significantly steeper section of narrow trail.

Start the mostly mellow climb from the creek in a ferny wonderland. The trail ends with the CM08 gate at Star Hill Road. If traveled in the opposite (west to east) direction, the Methuselah Trail is one of the more gentle ways to climb up out of the canyon and thereby cross the preserve. Note: bikes are allowed on this trail.

Flora & Fauna

Huckleberry, madrone, fern

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 4 votes

#11035

Overall
  4.3 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1,048

in California

#11,035

Overall
17 Views Last Month
1,295 Since Feb 2, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Bridges cross the El Corte de Madera Creek on the Methuselah Trail.  Its a nice place to take a break.
Jun 2, 2020 near Woodside, CA
Crossing El Corte de Madera Creek
Apr 15, 2013 near Woodside, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

May 31, 2020
David Hitchcock
Hiked from the bottom to the top, not that bad compared to others in the area. 3.9mi
Oct 5, 2019
Mark Murrmann
Apr 13, 2019
Abraham Frailey
Mar 18, 2017
Geert Weening
2mi
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