huddart park/skyline loop

This was perfect for a mid-day hike. Almost all shaded, good trail, redwoods, oaks, wild flowers, even a babbling brook. Starting at the parking lot with the big lawn and a couple volleyball courts, you can use the restroom and head up the Dean. Staying left gives you the switchbacks on the first half of the hike, leaving a relaxed stroll through redwood forest for the return. Be sure to look back once in a while by the power lines for a view over the Peninsula and to the East Bay. On the way, cross the Archery Fire Trail and take a right on the Crystal Springs Trail which will loop you back to the parking lot. Good signage. This a great running trail too. We saw horse poop but no horses, and even on the Presidents holiday Monday we didn't run into too many other hikers. The Park has maybe 15-20 miles of trails that can easily take a day, and it links up with Wunderlich and other open space trails. $6/vehicle fee--pay at the entrance and put the stub on your dashboard. Then drive to the next lot to start the hike.

Huddart Park is a San Mateo County Park. It has forested slopes and steep canyons. There are places to have barbecues and picnics. There are numerous picnic tables.There are a number of hiking trails. With Woodside being a popular community for equestrians, horse riding is also popular on the trails. There are nice meadows as well with one having a nice volleyball area.One can also explore redwood forests.Our visit today was delightful. There is a small admission price, currently $6 per car. Its also popular with bike riders and runners.

There is a whole web of trails in this area - as short as a mile or two, or much longer. One of the longer loops starts close to town, goes up to Skyline, then back down through Huddart - total of about 19 miles or more, with lots of climbing (and painful descending!).Very serene, some wildlife, some very nice views and vistas - pleasant place for a run!

Went for a weekend hike here. Trail was a bit short, only a mile or two. Nice trees, quiet. Saw several deer even. The road getting up to the park from Woodside, CA was crazy though. Felt like being in a race car with all of the twists.

If you are on your way to Filoli, make a stop for the view off Skyline loop. the view is great. I believe the park is the one not far from Filoli. It looks like it used to be a fountain with a reflection pool in front of the greek style pillared rotunda, now void of water and very neglected. What a shame, California fundless?