Home»Gallery»Portola Valley Ranch, Windy Hill, Etc.»Coal Mine Ridge Nature Preserve of PVR»Trails of Coal Mine Ridge, Portola Valley Ranch»Walking Up Lower Old Spanish Trail

Old Spanish Trail mostly follows an historic road, which led from Portola Valley across to the coast. It is a more direct route to the trail junction near the Grandmother Tree -- but most of us do not hike here to "get" somewhere, but to "be" here. Old Spanish Trail has its own charms and joys. Here are a few of the flowers and trees along Lower Old Spanish Trail, from Alpine Trail up to the Water Tank and the junction with Coalmine Trail.

Plus -- a surprise encounter years ago. I know that Bobcats and other wild animals do live on Coal Mine Ridge, but most tend to be shy. It is nice to give them a place to relax in relative peace and raise their young, without worrying about dogs. We can at least create a small oasis for these neighbors of ours.