Completed: October 21, 2023 | Elevation: 1,430′ | Trail: White Hill Trail > Sherwood Forest Fire Road > White Hill Fire Road > Porcupine Trail > White Hill Fire Road > Blue Ridge Fire Road | Distance: 6 miles
This was our last weekend to get in more Nifty Ninety peaks before another trip away from the Bay Area. Having exhausted our nearby hikes, the remaining ones were all farther afield and required more planning to maximize our remaining time.
The plan was to hike White Hill and Loma Alta Peaks on the same day since the trailheads were located across the road from each other. We found ample parking on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and walked over to the White Hill Trail.
We ascended switchbacks through a mixed-wood forest before turning onto the aptly named Sherwood Forest Fire Road. The trail climbed steadily and then became Porcupine Trail as it ran parallel to a private road. We then merged onto White Hill Fire Road and hiked past Dead Heifer Fire Road. (How are these named decided?)
After a little over 2 miles, we turned right onto Blue Ridge Fire Road to begin the walk up to White Hill. At the top, we had beautiful views towards San Francisco and the bay.
On our way down, we ran into a small Pacific Gophersnake. Two weeks ago we encountered a Coast Garner Snake on Slacker Hill. I’m always in awe when I come across wildlife on the trail.
Back at the car, we ate our sandwiches and decided not to hike to Loma Alta. Chris was dealing with an episode of plantar fasciitis and we didn’t want to aggravate it. We’d have to save Loma Alta for another day.
Follow our progress bagging the Bay Area’s Nifty Ninety here.