Long Ridge Open Space Preserve sits along Skyline Boulevard in La Honda, offering a genuine mix of trail options that work whether you’ve got 45 minutes or a full afternoon. The Peters Creek trailhead on the west side of Skyline Boulevard is the main access point—look for the pullout about 3.6 miles north of Highway 9. There’s also Grizzly Flat trailhead directly across the road if Peters Creek fills up, plus overflow parking at the Highway 9 and 35 intersection.

What makes this place work well for dogs is the variety. You can do short walks on flatter sections, longer loops through grassland and oak woodland, or tackle part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, which connects Long Ridge all the way to Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and beyond—13 continuous miles if you’re ambitious. Hikers, cyclists, and people on horseback all use these trails, so you’ll see a mix of activity, especially on weekends.

The preserve is open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year, and admission is free. Dogs must stay on a 6-foot leash the entire time. One thing to note: the rule about dog waste is specific here—you need to pack it out completely (moving it off-trail isn’t acceptable). It’s worth remembering since the trails can get busy and trail conditions matter to everyone sharing the space.

Parking is straightforward once you know where to look. Coming from the north on Skyline Boulevard, the Peters Creek pullout is just past Portola Heights Road on your right. From the south, it’s near the Palo Alto city limits sign. The ridge views from higher sections are worth the climb, especially on clear days when you can see across the peninsula toward the coast.