Old Stage Road, Sunset & Sylvan trails

May 26, 2017

I was glad I could make it to this park for a second visit this spring. During our previous visit end March, the park sported a lush green look, but not many wild flowers that it is known for. It was a different story this time around. While the steady warm weather had turned the green grass into dry summer brown color, the preserve was filled with a variety of wild flowers.

Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve is located off Hwy 280, and is easily reached by taking Edgewood Rd exit and turning right on Old Stage Road into the parking lot.

I had mapped a path that had very little overlap with the previous hike. I started the clockwise loop by the mile long Sylvan trail. The single track trail climbs gradually through shaded woodlands before opening up. And as you reach the open spaces with bright sunshine and grasslands, you will get your first glimpses of the flowers the park has to offer.

This park does not have a carpet of flowers as some others do. But the variety is simply staggering. From where Sylvan trail ends at marker 16, bear left taking Serpentine trail towards markers 19 and subsequently to 20. 

This short stretch was one of the best parts of my hike. Not only did it offer fantastic views of the bay and peninsula city scape, the trail was dotted by beautiful flowers. I am not an expert and cannot name most of these wild flowers, but it was easy to spot yellow California poppy flowers.

From marker 20, I turned right by Sunset trail. The wide fire road runs parallel to Ridgeview trail marking the southern perimeter of the park. The views are expansive and impressive all around. As with the previous stretch, the trail is dotted by colorful flowers much of the way. And the path had plenty of lizards basking in the afternoon sun.

After a brief stretch by Edgewood trail, I turned right at the other end of Serpentine trail at marker 9. The expansive views of the grasslands continue in this segment as well.

At marker 10, I turned left by Old Stage Rd and followed it all the way to the main entrance. Heading in a northeastern direction, the home stretch also offers some impressive views of the bay.

The clockwise loop added up to 3.4 miles with about 700 feet elevation gain. For those interested in learning more about the wildflowers, the park also offers docent led tours during spring time.

Here is the complete album of photographs from my second hike at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve.