Edgewood County Park

Woodlands along the Sylvan Trail

Picture if you will, a man sitting in his living room, sunset light coming through the windows and casting a sunny glow, laptop at hand, a cup of warm herbal tea, and listening to his 70's Gold Cd's while writing all about the park.  Like the song by Boston says Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve is "more than a feeling", is a location that is not to be missed in springtime.


Sticky Monkey Flower

The wild flower display is phenomenal, and it will bring you closer to God. The views are phenomenal from the high ridge, or along the trial as you steadily climb to an altitude of 800 feet.


Sylvan trail as viewed from the Ridge loop trail

You can see views of the San Francisco Bay towards the east, Skyline Ridge and the Crystal Spring Reservoir to the West. As you get closer to the peak and look towards the bay, the clouds cast their shadows along the ridge and rolling hills. It is a sight you do not want to miss and capture forever. There are four access trail heads to reach this beautiful preserve. The main entrance is on Edgewood Road and Old Stage Coach Road. The sign cannot be missed.

The woods portion of the Sylvan trail

The Sylvan trail and loop is the longest of the trail, it is 2.5 miles and it encompasses all areas of the park. It merges with other trials which are clearly marked and easy to follow.



Hikers, runners, and equestrians share the 6 trails available, signs indicate which ones are not for our equestrian companions. Due to the nature of this park, dogs are not allowed, and I would not bring them either.


Poison Oak

The trails along the woodlands have a great quantity of poison oak growth. This is a good opportunity to teach children the many looks of poison oak where it can take the form of vine like to actual tree limbs. It also grows within the berry bushes and can camouflage itself. The one thought I had while there was why not bring goats and let them eat the poison oak.


The weather in spring can change from cool and warm in the woodland area to hot along the grassland trails. The day of my visit was somewhat muggy due to some recent rain and a hot day within a couple of days. Layers as always are recommended, and long pants as well.






Along the trails you will encounter many wildflowers and lizards resting along the sides or trying to "block" your way.







The lizards must be used to humans as they are not easily scared and will stare at you for a few moments. The colors of them can vary from black to browns and they will "pose" for you.

There are butterflies which will fly along as you hike the trails and keep you company. They are not as easy to photograph, as they will not settle on a flower within your reach. God was on my side that day as I did get the chance to photograph a small one. There are deer in the grasslands and they are not shy, but will keep their distance from you.


View towards the bay

The park brochure says that there are deer, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, and skunks in the park.  The posted signs are for rattlesnakes, so when you walk make noise and carry a walking stick, or keep a sharp ear just in case. Remember these animals and reptiles live within a nature preserve and should be given their space.

Wild flowers on the ridge top

I took so many photos along the trails, it is difficult to select which ones to post. The thing to remember is to make sure you have a backup battery for your camera, bring water and snacks so you can sit and enjoy the view from the ridge.



Serpentine rocks interspersed between the wildflowers



 High Ridge view

There is an Oak tree which did not have any leaves and it looked like those in scary movies at the top. There is a bench where a light lunch can be enjoyed or to rest for a bit. When you are up there time seems to stop and the thing to do is enjoy the sound of the birds, the leaves as they rustle in the wind, and the peace of it all.






This is one place you can go and have some one on one time with God, a place to see nature, photograph it, capture memories and visit a great place right in San Francisco's back yard.














The park is located on:
 10 Old Stage Coach Road, Redwood City, CA

Bedwell Bayfront Park

Located in Menlo Park, Ca. , a former landfill site, has a lot to offer to families, hikers and photographers.

In spring, nature brings out it's bounty of colors in both wild flowers, butterflies, and the green grasses.

The Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, surrounds the park and it's wildlife for us to enjoy. Many different species of waterfowl can be observed from the hiking trails, as are rabbits, and ground squirrels. If you are bringing your dogs with you, please keep them on a leash at all times.

There are a few stone structures located in the park for sitting and enjoying the sounds of the birds in the trees, marshes, and flying overhead.

Western Tiger Swallowtail

If you spend a few hours there, you will see Great Egrets, Red Tail Hawks, Canadian Geese, many other birds, as well as Monarch, Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies, and tons of snails.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset and by the gate there is a sign indicating what time the gate will be locked. It is a popular place for hikers who enjoy the trails with a friend. The quiet times are early morning to enjoy the wildlife without many disturbances.

Great White Egret

How to get there:

From US 101 in San Mateo County, exit Marsh Road. Drive east, and where the road
bends sharply right at the junction with Bayfront Expressway, continue straight
into the park. You can park along the road a short distance from the trail head, or continue to one of two parking lots.