Achistaca Trail

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There are no services along the trail, so make sure you carry enough water and food for you hike. There are no restrooms at the trailhead or at the end of the trail, so if you have to use the rest room, use No Trace principles.

The Achistaca Trail departs from a parking area off Highway 9 (Big Basin Way) and begins winding its way through an oak forest. The trail is a narrow, singletrack dirt trail that runs along the hillside. There are magnificent oak trees along the side of the trail. Because the trail winds through the woods, this is a good trail to hike at any time of the day. After about one third of a mile, the trail drops downhill for about two tenths of a mile before climbing back up hill. The trail emerges briefly from the woods briefly allowing you to catch a glimpse of the surrounding mountains. The trail re-enters the woods before emerging again at an area that is open and allows sweeping views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean in the distance. The trail climbs back up hill and crosses a private driveway at the one mile mark and begins to parallel Skyline Boulevard. From this point, the trail begins to descend back down hill before it levels out. Then after the 1.5 mile mark, the trail climbs back up hill, passes through a small gate, and emerges at the junction with the Hickory Oaks Trail. From here, you can go to the right and descend to Skyline Boulevard, cross the road, and follow the Saratoga Gap Trail into the Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve. If you go straight, you can follow the Hickory Oaks trail and explore more of the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. In order to get back to your car, you can retrace your steps back to where you parked.

The Achistaca Trail winds its way through an oak forest as it runs along the ridge. There are magnificent old oak trees along the trail. You may also see turkey or deer, especially in the morning and evenings.