5 /5 Kelly Byrd: I went at golden hour for a photography hike. Pretty chilly at night even in late spring, but totally worth it for the views.
From Borel Hill (about a mile and maybe 200 feet up from the parking lot at the intersection with highway 35), you can see the ocean (barring fog/clouds), you can see the entire bay and the Santa Cruz mountains. Not a lot of places where thats possible! Look for Mt. Tam, the Sutro Tower, Mt. Diablo, the bridges, etc.
The Charquin Trail/Ridge Trail loop is very pretty, but bring a hat, sunscreen and water, because its exposed for about 2/3 of the hike. Moderate amounts of poison oak, but youll be fine if you stay on the trail. Be ready for a moderate climb in the final third of the loop. Less demanding though than some hikes with similar elevation gain because its spread out over greater distance.
Theres a nature center at the pond thats accessible via the tunnel that goes under the road. (If youre an audio person, have someone clap in the tunnel and record it as an impulse response. The reverb is extremely unique due to the corrugated metal.) I believe its open from 12-3 on weekends. Books, friendly and knowledgeable staff, microscopes with slides of pond organisms, animal skins, etc. Theres a short walking loop that encircles the pond and has less elevation gain than the park proper.
There are lots of wildflowers at this time of year too (mid May). Poppies, lupine, vetch, owls clover, tidy tips and more.
The parking lot is free and tends to be pretty full on weekends, but Ive never been unable to park over the course of maybe 5 visits. Pit toilets with TP and hand sanitizer available.
If you take Page Mill home, your passengers will be treated to some amazing views of the Bay Area.
Overall a great park because of the wonderful views and the wildflowers. Dress warmly if you go at sunset (consider gloves too), and bring a flashlight, especially in case of fog.
Oh, and to my surprise I had cell signal on the ridgeline! Nice for sending photos of the view.
