Section
11 stories in 2026
A long drive, a short hike, — and an amazing view
It takes a few hours to reach Marin County, drive up the twists and turns of curving roads up a mountain, then walk a narrow trail for less than two miles. Is it worth it? I can tell you my…
By Neil Wiley · September 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 9
Featuring a Hike in Monte Bello
To prepare for my solo hike in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, I read several articles that detailed the environment of the preserve, including maps and text from the MidPen Regional Open…
By Neil Wiley · August 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 8
the Santa Cruz Mountains — Featuring Monte Bello Preserve
I’ve been hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains since the 1980s, but only recently did I discover more ways to learn nature. We live in a beautiful environment, but you can only see so much…
By Neil Wiley · July 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 7
Skyline Boulevard is a beautiful highway serving many beautiful open-space preserves. I’m often tempted to pick one preserve along the highway, walk a few trails, and drive home. On this…
By Neil Wiley · June 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 6
Purisima Creek Redwoods
One hour’s drive from our mountains takes you to Midpen’s Purisima Creek Redwoods’ 24 miles of trail. I think you’ll find it worth the trip. It is a scenic adventure. Your journey begins…
By Neil Wiley · May 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 5
Coal Mine Ridge Nature Preserve
Forty years ago, I was exploring the Bay Area in my new white Mustang convertible. My map showed me a road up to Skyline Blvd called Alpine. I was nearing the summit when my car sunk a…
By Neil Wiley · April 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 4
the southwest, including the hills of the — neighboring Midpen’s Windy Hill Open
The trails I took offered mild climbs on shaded single-tracks. Maples and oaks provided excellent shade and soft, leafy paths. It was a pleasant and comfortable environment with some…
By Space Preserve. · April 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 4
La Honda Creek Open Space
Driving up Skyline Boulevard on a sunny weekday is one of my favorite expeditions. It’s a great way to experience beautiful nature views, escape traffic, and explore something new…
By Neil Wiley · March 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 3
Local Walks
Early January rains interfered with my plans for longer hikes. It was a good time to revisit interesting places where you can walk closer to home. Here are a few examples near me. Summit…
By Neil Wiley · February 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 2
Capitola Walk
I found a perfect winter hike. One that takes you through interesting environments in cold, wet weather with a minimum of mud, wind, and fatigue. See some interesting, even unique views…
By Neil Wiley · January 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 1
Happy new year from Lexington School. We were busy in the final weeks of 2025. In November, we celebrated National Drummer Day. Our kindergarten students were exploring the idea that…
By Jason Deppong · January 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 1