Skyline Boulevard - California State Route 35

andre - Sunday, October 7, 2007 - 02:42 Tags: Hiking • Scenic Drives

Sunset on Skyline BlvdSkyline Boulevard is an almost empty road just a few miles from one of the busiest and most densely populated areas in the United States.
Most people living in the San Francisco Bay area, also known as Silicon Valley, are probably not even aware of the Skyline Boulevard, a scenic byway running along the mountain ridge to the west of the valley. Whenever I am in need for a quick escape but do not have much time, I will take a short vacation on Skyline Boulevard. I will hop into my Mustang Convertible, open up the roof and drive up here for a tranquil escape from the hectic live of the Silicon Valley. The curvy road, meandering along the crest of the mountains offers spectacular views and is a haven for motor bikers and cyclists alike. You can view the sunset over the mountains or see the lights of the valley below come to live.

Although Skyline Blvd may not be the most famous scenic route, it is one of my favorites, because it is not as crowded as Highway 1. Here you can still find some solitude after straying away from the main route. I have parked my car a few miles off 35 with the top down and enjoyed the sunset for well over an hour without meeting another soul.

Fog on Skyline BlvdDuring the summer months, fog usually starts rolling in the afternoon. It engulfs most of the north peninsula (including San Francisco).
I love the fog since it amplifies the feeling of isolation and dampens the sounds of nearby motorists.

Parks and Views

Parks border Highway 35 on both sides. They are part of the Open Space District, a protected area in the San Francisco Bay Area (http://www.openspace.org/).

Long Ridge: Long Ridge offers scenic overlooks and plenty of hiking and biking trails and tracks.

Skyline Ridge: With ten miles of trails, some of which are accessible to strollers and wheelchairs this park is popular with families. Some picnic tables are available as well.

Monte Bello: This is one of the largest and most diverse parks. The views from the top of Black Mountain are stunning.

Russian Ridge: The Park is particularly beautiful in spring due to wildflower blooming.

Windy Hill: Trails and views make this one of my favorites. You can even hang glide and paraglide (permit required).

La Honda Creek: Grassy ridges and views distinguish this park.

Skeggs Point: This is one of the scenic turnouts, for those of us who did not come here to hike but to enjoy the wind in our hair.

Dining

View of San Mateo Bridge from Skyline BlvdAlice's Restaurant in Sky LondaThere really is not that much in terms of culinary experience up here, except for Alice's Restaurant in Sky Londa, located at the 35 and 84 intersections. The restaurant seems to be very popular with motorcyclists. There is always a crowd of them up here during any of the summer weekends. I have never tried the food myself, but it looks very inviting.
There are some convenience stores in Sky Londa as well.
For a greater variety, I would recommend to continue driving until you are either in Half Moon Bay (if you are going north and then west on highway 92) or somewhere in the valley.