Are dogs allowed on Alpine Pond to Horseshoe Lake?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Alpine Pond to Horseshoe Lake but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Alpine Pond to Horseshoe Lake?

No, Alpine Pond to Horseshoe Lake does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Alpine Pond to Horseshoe Lake?

Alpine Pond to Horseshoe Lake is rated moderate. It is 3.3 miles long with 945 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

ModerateLoop

California

Alpine Pond to Horseshoe Lake

La Honda, California

3.3 mi

Distance

945 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 28m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

This is a very attractive place in the open-space preserves along Highway 35. The abundant beauty in this stretch of the Santa Cruz Mountains makes it seem like something. A nature center is near a lake. While it's possible to hike more than 20 miles in the Midpeninsula open space district, it's also a good idea to walk around the pond and not really attempt a hard hike to the hillsides nearby. The hike starts near Alpine Pond and ends near the pond via the Ipewa Trail. There is a small area southwest of Alpine Pond with mortars behind a few rocks. The Ohlones used these mortars to grind something.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:611 ft

Max:759 ft

288 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.