Immediately after hiking Mount McPherson (also known Mount Bielawski, the highest point in Santa Cruz County), I drove northwest on Skyline Boulevard for 15 minutes over to Long Ridge Road. Then I hiked up to the summit of the Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, which was the highest point in San Mateo County, Calfiornia. I did this to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
The elevation of Long Ridge high point is 2621 feet (799 m).
After hiking up Mt. McPherson, I went 7 miles up the road to hike the Long Ridge. There was still light out, but not for long!
Going up the trail as the fog lingered ahead.
This is how a trail marker looks in pure darkness!
Just 250 yards from the summit was a lookout flat, in which there were some nice views of the bay and a dimming sky. This was still on public land.
The summit, in contrast, was on private property, marked by this little oak tree. Don't ask me how I got this picture, as I do not condone trespassing and BREAKING THE LAW!
