Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, just off Interstate 280 above Redwood City, is a Peninsula favorite for one reason: dogs can run off leash. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District manages the 366-acre preserve. It has about 6 miles of trails, views of the bay, and the source of Cordilleras Creek.
The off-leash area
Midpen sets aside a 17.5-acre off-leash area in the middle of the preserve. You can reach it from the Cordilleras Trail, the Polly Geraci and Hassler trails, and the Blue Oak Trail. Signs mark the entrances, but the area isn't fenced. Off leash, dogs must be under voice control and you must carry a leash. Everywhere else, dogs must be on a leash 6 feet or shorter. Bikes and horses are not allowed in the preserve.
From sanitarium to preserve
Most of the land was once the Hassler Health Farm, a tuberculosis sanitarium owned by the City of San Francisco. Midpen bought it in 1983 and demolished the buildings in 1985. Most non-native plants have since been removed. Old retaining walls and steps can still be seen along the Hassler Trail.
When to go
Spring is wildflower season. Midpen lists Indian warrior, hound's tongue, mule's ears and milkmaids, plus three plants in the lily family: fetid adder's tongue, giant trillium and mission bells. The preserve has about 90 native species of trees, shrubs, ferns and flowers. An easy 2-mile loop combines the Blue Oak, Hassler, Dusky-footed Woodrat and Cordilleras trails.
Getting there
From I-280, take the Edgewood Road exit and drive about 0.75 miles toward Redwood City. Turn left on Crestview Drive, then immediately left on Edmonds Road, and follow it to the preserve entrance. The lot has 23 regular spaces and two accessible spaces, and it fills up on weekends. The preserve is open from dawn to half an hour after dusk. Midpen's docent-led Halloween dog hike meets here on Oct. 31.