easy
Activities
Pulgas Ridge Information
This 366-acre site has trails for hiking and dog walking, including a 17.5 acre off-leash area. Enjoy expansive views of the Bay and surrounding hillsides.
Watch for:
In early spring, look for wildflowers such as Indian warrior, hound's tongue, mule's ears and milkmaids.
Hiking Details for Hassler Loop at Pulgas Ridge
Distance: 1.5 mile round trip
Elevation change: 300 ft
Hiking time: 45 minutes
Trail surface: mixed
Best Season: All year
Managing agency: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
Parking lot location: Click here for directions
Overview: A short distance from Highway 280, this preserve is a very convenient place to access and has become quite popular, especially on the weekends. If you plan to visit on a weekend, we recommend you get there as early as you can to enjoy quieter trails and an easier parking experience.
One of our staff’s favorite dog-friendly hikes in this preserves starts at the parking lot on Edmonds Rd, which connects to the Blue Oak Trail and the Hassler Loop Trail. Turn left and follow the loop trail around until you return to the junction with the Blue Oak Trail, which you can take back to the parking lot. Dogs can roam off-leash within the posted area but please make sure to remove all dog waste and have your dog under voice control at all time.
This preserve is particularly beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers bloom. April is typically the best month to visit though it depends on the year and how much it’s been raining. That said, it’s a spectacular place to visit any time of year.
Pulgas Ridge Photo Gallery
More About Pulgas Ridge
The six miles of trails in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offer a mix of cool canyons and lofty views. The area was once the site of the Hassler Health Home, a tuberculosis sanitarium owned by the City of San Francisco. In 1983, the area was purchased by the Midpeninsula Open Space District. The sanitarium was demolished in 1985 to return the land to open space, however visitors can still find the remains of buildings, including rock retaining walls and steps.