Coal Creek Open Space Preserve

Planning to go on a quick hike with your four-legged friend in Redwood City? The Coal Creek Open Space Preserve is the pawfect place to do just that! Although it is one of the smaller preserves in the area at around 500 acres, Coal Creek is dog-friendly and welcomes furry hikers on all of its trails, unlike its larger and more pawpular neighbors. 

You and Fido can access the preserve from the vista point pull-out area on Skyline Boulevard, or by walking along Alpine Road. Once you reach Coal Creek, you'll find 5 miles of trails waiting to be explored! You have the option to tackle them all, or combine some of them to create a 2- or 3-mile loop. If you and your pooch hit the Meadow Trail during spring, you'll be treated to a woofderful display of wildflowers in bloom as you hike this hilly route. On a clear day, you'll also be able to see the San Francisco skyline, Mount Tamalpais, Mount Diablo, and the East Bay Hills. Crazy Pete's Road doesn't offer such views due to it being surrounded by tall trees, but in the winter, this trail will take you and your pup to a small but pretty waterfall. 

All of the trails at Coal Creek are multi-use, so you and Fido will be sharing them with bikers and equestrians. Practice good trail petiquette by keeping your canine hiking partner on a 6-foot leash and picking up after them at all times! Bathroom breaks for the two-legged hikers in your party will have to be scheduled before and after your hike, as human restrooms are not available at the preserve. There are no benches or drinking water along the trails, so be sure to bring plenty of water. And clean-up bags for your pupper is a must!

A pawsome hike awaits you and your pup at the Coal Creek Open Space Preserve!