Visitors 13
Modified 15-Feb-23
Created 6-Apr-20
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Of the three sections of Toyon Trail on Coal Mine Ridge, the Lower and Mid are in the part belonging to Portola Valley Ranch. (The dividing point is the connector trail to Coalmine Trail, just above the bridge.) Upper Toyon Trail, above the Preserve in Blue Oaks, was built later by contractors.
The lower two portions of Toyon Trail were laid out by Herb Dengler, a mythic figure in Portola Valley and Jasper Ridge. The consummate environmentalist, he seemed to be acquainted with each plant -- not just the species, but the individual plant. He had watched many trees grow up from saplings. His vision extended decades and more. "Anything worth doing is worth doing over" -- get it right, it may be there a long time if you do.
Herb laid out Toyon Trail in a gentle grade, 5% or less, winding around the canyons and swales and making steadily for Ridge Rest, the highest part of Coal Mine Ridge Nature Preserve of Portola Valley Ranch. The trail climbs from Alpine Road, winding along the northern and southwestern parts of the Preserve. You will find intimate spaces as well as broad vistas of Windy Hill and Skyline Ridge.
Led by Jane Ames, another local environmental hero, a team of volunteers from Portola Valley (including Portola Valley Ranch) built Lower and Mid Toyon Trail using hand tools and strong backs. We gathered one Saturday a month for several years, pushing the trail along Herb's layout, month by month. As a result, Toyon Trail is narrower and more idiosyncratic than other trails here -- encouraging and rewarding some attention from the hiker. It has a more intimate feeling than other nearby trails. It is meant for humans alone -- no equestrians, and certainly no bicycles or dogs. Walk gently, quietly, and let the surrounding wilderness enter your awareness.
Lower Toyon Trail, from Alpine Trail up to a little above the footbridge, is mostly forested, shady. Oaks, primarily Coast Live Oaks, are supplemented by Madrone and Buckeye. Ferns, shrubs, and (in season) wildflowers abound. Many birds and animals live here -- you may encounter some if you walk quietly and pay attention.