Clouds Rest Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

The trail is a combination of gravel road and wide, dirt trail. It's an easy run downhill, but be on the lookout for mountain bikers who are making their way to the popular Alpine Road Trail.

Parking for this trail is located at Vista Point along Skyline Boulevard opposite of Russian Ridge Preserve. The trail descends along a singletrack from the left side of the parking area to the Clouds Rest Road. Follow the gravel road to the right as it descends past private homes on the left side of the road. At roughly .3 miles, the trail passes through a gate system and transforms into a dirt track.

In another .1 mile, the Meadow Trail continues straight ahead while the Clouds Rest breaks off to the left. A small singletrack (Clouds Rest Alternate Trail) breaks off to the right and leads through the fields out to a point that overlooks the South Bay Area before descending back to the main Clouds Rest Trail. The trail descends steeply at this point, with views of private residences off to the left before passing a power tower at .8 miles and entering the woods. At this point, the trail is shaded and relatively quiet.

The trail ends at the junction with the Alpine Road Trail, a popular trail for mountain bikers. From here, you can return to your car via the path you came or take a right and make a loop by combining the Alpine Road Trail and Meadow Trail.

Deer, coyote, rabbits, hawks, and turkey vultures can be seen in the open areas of the preserve.