2.1 MILES ROUNDTRIP FROM SKYLINE GATE

• 1.
  Start at Skyline Gate.

  Park in the lot (or along the residential road).

• 2.
  Take the West Ridge Trail.

  Start the trail on the opposite side from the bathrooms. When the trail splits between Stream and West Ridge, stay to the right to take the West Ridge Trail. Enjoy views along this short stretch that is popular with joggers and dog-walkers.

• 3.
  Turn left onto the French Trail.

  Now the fun begins! Descend into the forest upon 'stairwells' made of root and rock. Keep going down until the landscape opens up to your left. Train your eyes on the ground for ladybugs. If you reach the intersection with the Tres Sendas Trail, you've gone 30 seconds too far. Stop to take in the scenery and say hi to hundreds, if not thousands, of ladybugs.

• 4.
  Turn left onto the Tres Sendas Trail.

  Continue walking through ancient trees, mossy rocks and verdant ferns.

• 5.
  Turn left onto the Stream Trail.

  You're now walking along the Stream Trail and away from the main ladybug colony (located at Prince and Stream), but low and behold, there's another little ladybug colony to be found just after you cross the intersection with the Eucalyptus Trail. Check the ground to your right for motion. Feel the awe, and then hike on back to the trailhead.