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A trail through the woods along the top of the hills.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

Point to Point

857' 261 m

High

744' 227 m

Low

114' 35 m

Up

104' 32 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly The trail is relatively flat and there are great views at the beginning for the children to enjoy. There is shade for most of the way, making it pleasant any time of day.

The Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve is open from 8 am to sunset every day. Check the San Mateo County "a href="http://parks.smcgov.org/locations/edgewood-park-natural-preserve">website for more information regarding closing times.

Description

The Live Oak Trail can be accessed by hiking up the Sylvan Trail and following the Serpentine Trail until the Live Oak Trail cuts back to the right. It can also be accessed by parking at the Sunset Trailhead and hiking down to the Live Oak Trail.

At the beginning of the trail, there are great views of the San Francisco Bay area that spread out before you on the left hand side of the trail. As the dirt trail climbs away from the Serpentine Trail, it enters the woods before intersecting with the Ridgeview Trail at roughly a tenth of a mile. The Live Oak Trail goes off to the right and starts to climb the hill. The woods block most of the views, although there is a small, unmaintained trail that goes off to the left where views of the Santa Cruz Mountains on the I-280 side of the preserve can be enjoyed. Birds can be seen in the trees and rabbits can be seen on the trail in the evening as they come out to feed. Noise from the interstate can be heard as the trail skirts the top of the hillside.

Between .4 and .5 miles, there is a bench that provides a resting spot for those who need it. Behind the bench, views of the mountains and the interstate can be seen though an opening in the shrubs. The trail cuts off to the right and begins its descent through the woods. After dropping through two switchbacks, the trail finally meets up with the Franciscan Trail, which marks the end of the Live Oak Trail.

More information about the trail can be found here.

Flora & Fauna

The trail spends most of its time in the woods, but there are fields at the beginning that are full of wildflowers.

Rabbits, coyotes, deer, turkeys, and numerous varieties of birds can be seen along the trail and in the woods. The animals can be seen in the morning and in the evening when they come out to feed.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#23736

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
75%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#2,324

in California

#23,736

Overall
3 Views Last Month
106 Since Apr 19, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
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67%
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Photos

After coming out of the woods, the views are great.
Apr 27, 2016 near Emerald…, CA
The trail wanders through the woods.
Apr 19, 2016 near Emerald…, CA
The trail begins to emerge from the woods and views of the San Francisco Bay area stretch before you.
Apr 27, 2016 near Emerald…, CA
The Serpentine Trail as it runs along the ridge. You can see the wildflowers blooming in the evening.  Deer feed in the fields in the evening.
Apr 21, 2016 near Emerald…, CA
Views of the San Francisco Bay off to the east.  Some of the view is obscured, but its still fantastic.
Apr 19, 2016 near Emerald…, CA
The trail as it descends through the woods.
Apr 19, 2016 near Emerald…, CA

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Check-Ins

Apr 18, 2016
David Hitchcock
Nice evening walk through the woods with views at the beginning of the trail toward the Bay. 0.6mi
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