Highlight • Forest
Thornwoode Open Space Preserve
Hiking
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Thornewood Open Space Preserve, a tranquil 167-acre regional park, offers a peaceful natural retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Located in San Mateo County, California, near the town of Woodside, this forest preserve sits at an elevation of approximately 280 meters within the scenic San Francisco Bay Area. Managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, it is renowned for its diverse forest environments, including second-growth redwood groves, and the serene Schilling Lake.
Visitors consistently praise Thornewood Open Space Preserve for its calm atmosphere and accessibility, making it an ideal spot for a quick getaway. Hikers and equestrians appreciate the gentle trails and the opportunity to explore diverse natural beauty. The preserve is also celebrated for its dog-friendly policy, allowing leashed pets to join in the adventure. Many enjoy the varied plant life, from spring wildflowers to the vibrant autumn colors of black oaks and big-leaf maples, which provide a picturesque backdrop throughout the year.
Before visiting, it's helpful to know that the preserve offers approximately 1.5 miles of trails, primarily consisting of the Bridle Trail and the Schilling Lake Trail, which are suitable for hiking and horseback riding. Dogs are welcome on leash, making it a great option for pet owners. Access to the main parking area is via a narrow driveway off La Honda Road (Highway 84), with a second entrance available off Old Honda Road. Bicycling is not permitted within the preserve, ensuring a peaceful experience for walkers and riders.
The best time to visit Thornewood Open Space Preserve depends on your preference for seasonal beauty. Spring and summer bring a display of wildflowers, while autumn transforms the landscape with rich, vibrant foliage. The preserve is perfect for easy hikes, lunchtime strolls, or dog walks, offering a refreshing escape into nature. The gentle terrain makes it a family-friendly destination, providing an enjoyable outdoor experience for all ages.
The Bridle Trail runs along Dennis Martin Creek, where the sounds of water can be heard, especially after winter rains. The Schilling Lake Trail leads to the protected wildlife habitat of Schilling Lake, offering occasional scenic viewpoints of the southern San Francisco Bay, Palo Alto, including Stanford University's Hoover Tower, and the distant Diablo Range. These natural features provide memorable moments for those exploring the preserve.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly hikes or dog-friendly trails, Thornewood Open Space Preserve offers a variety of routes to discover. You can explore the tranquil forest paths, enjoy the views, and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. To plan your visit and find the best hiking trails, you can explore the many routes available on komoot, tailoring your adventure to your preferences and fitness level.
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June 22, 2025
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Thornwoode Open Space Preserve
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hikers
The Thornwoode Open Space Preserve – Schilling Lake loop is a delightful, easy hike that offers a surprising variety of scenery for its length. You'll start with a few moderately steep turns, then quickly find yourself meandering through lush second-growth forests of Douglas fir, redwood, oak, and madrone. As you approach the tranquil Schilling Lake, the air cools and the foliage becomes greener, leading you into beautiful groves of grand redwoods. This 2.3-mile (3.8 km) route, with 373 feet (114 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick nature escape, taking just over an hour to complete.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the preserve is easily accessible and considered a great spot for a morning or afternoon outing. The trails are welcoming to your leashed dogs, making it a fantastic option for a family-friendly hike. While Schilling Lake is naturally transitioning into a wet meadow, the journey through the diverse forest and the chance to spot views of Stanford University and the South Bay make this a rewarding experience.
This loop is one of the best hiking routes in Thornewood Open Space Preserve for those seeking an easy, scenic walk without a major time commitment. The preserve itself holds a bit of history, named after Julian Thorne who purchased the property in 1908, and Schilling Lake after August Schilling of the Shilling Spice Company. It's a wonderful example of the natural attractions in the area, offering a peaceful retreat into nature.
5.0
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13
hikers
The Thornwoode Open Space Preserve – Schilling Lake loop offers a delightful journey through changing ecosystems, from sunlit oak woodlands to tranquil redwood groves. You'll traverse moderately steep sections that quickly give way to flat paths, eventually descending to the protected wildlife habitat of Schilling Lake, where you might spot local waterfowl. This easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) hike, with its 631 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain, provides a refreshing outdoor experience that takes around 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete.
Planning your visit is simple, as the preserve is easily accessible in the hills above Woodside, making it ideal for a spontaneous morning or afternoon outing. Parking at Thornewood Open Space Preserve is available, and dogs are welcome on leash, adding to its family-friendly appeal. For the best experience, consider hiking in late winter or spring when seasonal wildflowers, including the giant wake robin, are in bloom and small cascades can form in Dennis Martin Creek.
This route stands out for its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, as Schilling Lake was once part of the historic Thornewood estate's extensive gardens. Beyond the lake, you'll enjoy diverse forest types and, from certain points, catch glimpses of the southern San Francisco Bay and Palo Alto. It's a perfect beginner hike or a quick nature fix for those seeking a peaceful escape without a strenuous climb.
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Elevation 280 m
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main trails at Thornewood Open Space Preserve and how long are they?
The preserve features approximately 1.5 miles of trails, primarily consisting of two main paths: the Bridle Trail and the Schilling Lake Trail. Each is about 0.75 miles long. These trails can be combined for a pleasant loop, offering a total hiking distance of around 1.5 miles.
Is Thornewood Open Space Preserve suitable for a winter hike?
Yes, Thornewood Open Space Preserve can be a lovely spot for a winter hike. The trails are generally gentle, and after winter rains, you can often hear the sounds of Dennis Martin Creek, which may form small cascades. The preserve's diverse tree cover, including second-growth redwoods, provides a serene atmosphere even in colder months. However, always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any specific rules for dogs at Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
Dogs are welcome at Thornewood Open Space Preserve, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. This rule helps protect the local wildlife and ensures a pleasant experience for all visitors, including equestrians who also use the trails.
What kind of wildlife can be seen at Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors might spot quail, jays, and hummingbirds. Deer are also common, and while less frequently seen, mountain lions are known to inhabit the area. Schilling Lake is a protected wildlife habitat, supporting migrating waterfowl and other creatures.
Are there any historical points of interest within the preserve?
Yes, the preserve has a rich history. It was once part of the summer estate of Julian and Edna Bloss Thorne, who developed the land in the 1920s. The historic Thornewood house and 10 acres of its grounds are currently closed for private restoration, but the preserve itself was established from land bequeathed by Edna Thorne to be kept as a nature preserve. The area was also part of the historic Rancho Cañada de Raymundo.
Is bicycling permitted on the trails at Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
No, bicycling is not permitted within Thornewood Open Space Preserve. The trails are designated for hiking and horseback riding only, ensuring a peaceful experience for those on foot or horseback.
What are the parking options at Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
The main parking area is accessed via a narrow, 0.3-mile driveway off La Honda Road (Highway 84), approximately 1.6 miles past its intersection with Portola Road. There is also a second entrance on the south side of the preserve off Old Honda Road. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons, so arriving early is often recommended.
Are there any permits required to visit Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
No, permits are not required to visit Thornewood Open Space Preserve. It is open to the public for hiking and horseback riding during designated hours.
What are the best viewpoints within Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
The Schilling Lake Trail offers occasional brief views of the southern San Francisco Bay, Palo Alto (including Stanford University's Hoover Tower), and the distant Diablo Range. These scenic overlooks provide a rewarding perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Are there any cafes or restaurants near Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
Thornewood Open Space Preserve is located near the town of Woodside, California. In Woodside, visitors can find a selection of cafes and restaurants for refreshments or a meal before or after their visit to the preserve.
What types of trees and plants can be found in the preserve?
The preserve boasts a diverse array of plant life. You'll find second-growth Douglas fir and redwood forests, sunlit canopies of bigleaf maples, and woodlands featuring moss-covered oaks and madrone. Other notable plants include California coffeeberry, honeysuckle, broom, California bay, buckeye, blue elderberry, manzanita, hazelnut, coyote brush, and toyon. Wildflowers bloom into summer, and black oaks and big-leaf maples provide vibrant foliage in autumn.
How difficult are the trails at Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
The trails at Thornewood Open Space Preserve are generally considered easy. They are gentle and suitable for hikers of most fitness levels, making it a great option for a leisurely stroll, family outings, or a quick escape into nature. The preserve's terrain is not strenuous, with an elevation of approximately 280 meters.