Huddart/Wunderlich Super-Loop (18.0 mi, ~2500 feet elevation gain)

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If you like epic loop runs that really take you somewhere, this run is for you!  This run is by far one of the best loop runs in the Bay Area.  What makes it even better is that it is only a few minutes off of I-280!  The run takes you along the quiet streets above Woodside, then on a nice moderate climb through Huddart Park up to Skyline, along the beautiful rolling Skyine Trail, and then back down through Wunderlich Park.  The run works in either direction; the loop is counterclockwise as described here, but just run it backwards for an entirely new experience!

The Dirt:
Extras:
  • Pacific Coast Trail Runs does a 50k here several times per year.  For more information, refer to Woodside race on the PCTR website.
  • There is water available at the Kings Mountain Fire Station (refer to the run directions).
  • You can also do this run in a clockwise direction (up Wunderlich and down Huddart).  If you want to do the run clockwise, it is best to park near the intersection of Tripp Road and Kings Mountain Road (there are a few pull-outs alongside Kings Mountain Road about 500 ft east of Tripp Road).  Otherwise, you have no warm-up before heading up through Wunderlich!
The Run:

This run starts at the parking lot of Wunderlich County Park.  Begin the run by heading back down the driveway towards Woodside Road (Hwy 84).  Turn left and run alongside Woodside Road. 
  • 0.0 mi: Head back down the driveway, turn left on Woodside Road (Hwy 84), and run alongside the road.  Be careful! The road is narrow and the drivers are crazy!  After a few minutes you'll cross a bridge and a trail will start along the left side of the road.
  • 0.8 mi: Continue straight onto Tripp Road.
  • 1.6 mi: Tripp Road ends on Kings Mountain Road.  Cross Kings Mtn Road and turn left onto the dirt path.
  • 1.7 mi: Turn right onto Greer Road.  Keep an eye out for the Huddart Park entrance on your left.
  • 2.3 mi: Turn left through the gate into Huddart Park.  Get onto the small trail towards the West Meadow picnic area (you can also just follow the paved road).
  • 2.5 mi: Trail intersects the paved road again.  Turn right and continue on the road across the open picnic area, then go around the wooden fence and get onto the Bay Tree Trail toward the Werder picnic area.
  • 3.2 mi: At the paved parking lot for the Werder picnic area.  Get water if needed, then get onto the Crystal Springs Trail toward the Dean Trail (Note: there are two ways to go on the Crystal Springs Trail - don't head downhill toward Richards Road!).
  • 3.4 mi: Turn left onto the Dean Trail to start a moderate climb.  You will run alongside roads or parking areas a few times in the next mile - just keep following the signs for the Dean Trail.
  • 4.7 mi: The Dean trail widens and intersects with Chinquapin Trail.  Make a sharp left onto Chinquapin Trail and continue climbing towards Skyline Road.
  • 6.5 mi: The Chinquapin Trail ends on the Skyline Trail (fire road).  Continue straight onto the singletrack section of the Skyline Trail towards Wunderlich Park.  (Note: If you want to get water, turn right onto the fire road and follow it to Skyline Road, then turn right on Skyline and run about 0.8 miles to Kings Mountain Fire Station and go around back to the hose.  Then retrace your steps back to the Skyline Trail.  This diversion adds about 2 miles to the run.)
  • 6.7 mi: Cross Kings Mountain Road and turn left to continue on the Skyline Trail.  Prepare yourself for 5.8 miles of beautiful, rolling singletrack as you head towards Wunderlich Park!
  • 12.2 mi: After a few uphill switchbacks the trail crosses Bear Gulch Road.  (When you pop out onto the road, look to your right and you'll see the continuation of the trail.)  Only a few more switchbacks to the top!
  • 12.5 mi: At the top of the Alambique Trail in Wunderlich Park!  Turn left and start heading down the Alambique Trail (fire road).
  • 14.9 mi: At "The Crossroads."  Continue downhill on the Alambique Trail.
  • 15.5 mi: Turn left onto the singletrack Bear Gulch Trail, which you will take all of the way back to the car.  There is a brief climb here.
  • 15.8 mi: At "The Meadows."  Continue across the clearing onto the Bear Gulch Trail.
  • 16.6 mi: At "Redwood Flat."  Continue on the Bear Gulch Trail.
  • 17.3 mi: Intersection with the Madrone Trail.  Continue on the Bear Gulch Trail.
  • 17.8 mi: Intersection with Loop Trail.  Continue on the Bear Gulch Trail.
  • 18.0 mi: Continue around the old stables and you will see the parking lot and your car!!
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