It is readily identifiable from the flatlands of the South Bay, as it is the only "naked" part of the peninsula range (not forested).

Access to the summit is easy (0.5 mile moderate grade) from State Route 35, the ridge road along the Peninsula Range.

Spring Ridge Trail runs from the Portola Valley trailhead to Skyline Boulevard through the open, grassy part of the preserve.

These trails run through forested country: oak, fir, buckeye, bay laurel, madrone and one or two redwoods.

Because the far shore rises so steeply, Sausal Pond appears to be black or murky green, rather than sky-blue.