Welcome to the 5th annual Ridge Trail Challenge!
Join the Challenge as a fun way to explore new parts of the Ridge Trail and discover your next favorite adventure!
June 3 - September 30
Hike, Bike, Run, or Ride
Win fun prizes!
1. Sign up on the OuterSpatial App OR with this form.*
2. Explore 5 or more Ridge Trail segments before September 30.
3. Check your trails off on the OuterSpatial App OR submit the Finisher Form to be entered in the prize raffle!
*Using OuterSpatial isn't REQUIRED, but it is a fun and easy way to track your progress and post photos as you go. Plus, you won't need to submit a finisher form to be entered to win! Just check off your 5 trails by September 30 and you'll be entered.
How to Choose your Trails:
Use the tips, tools, and guides below to choose the Ridge Trail segments you want to complete during the Challenge.
Curated Ridge Trail Segments
While you can explore any Ridge Trail segment to count towards your 5 outings, these curated trails may help you choose.
This is just a brief collection of paved and/or relatively flat Ridge Trail segments. Find more using the information in our Planning Navigator.
Cross Marin Trail in Samuel P. Taylor State Park, Marin County
- Ridge Trail PDF Map
- OuterSpatial Map (includes trail grade information)
- AllTrails Map (includes trail grade information and other accessibility notes)
Vallejo-Benicia Waterfront, Solano County
- Ridge Trail PDF Map
- OuterSpatial Map (includes trail grade information)
- AllTrails Map (includes trail grade information and other accessibility notes)
Nimitz Way in Tilden Regional Park, Alameda County
- Ridge Trail PDF Map
- OuterSpatial Map (includes trail grade information)
- AllTrails Map (includes trail grade information and other accessibility notes)
Coyote Creek Parkway North, Santa Clara County
- Ridge Trail PDF Map
- OuterSpatial Map (includes trail grade information)
- AllTrails Map (includes trail grade information and other accessibility notes)
Lake Merced, San Francisco
This is just a brief collection of dog-friendly Ridge Trail segments. Find more using the information in our Planning Navigator.
Helen Putnam Regional Park and City of Petaluma, Sonoma County
Redwood and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks, Alameda County
Mount Madonna County Park, Santa Clara County
Skyline College to Pacifica via Milagra Ridge, San Mateo County
Stern Grove to Presidio via Twin Peaks, Mt. Sutro and Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
*Note that there are currently some detours in place on Mt. Sutro. Check this map for details.
This is just a brief collection of Ridge Trail segments with peaks and views. Find more using the information in our Planning Navigator.
Mount St. Helena, Napa County
Mission Peak, Alameda County
Mount Unumhum, Santa Clara County
Borel Hill, San Mateo County
Twin Peaks, San Francisco County
This is just a brief collection of Ridge Trail segments with wildlife viewing. Use the social and photo features in OuterSpatial and AllTrails to see wildlife other trails users have found on the Ridge Trail.
Lucas Valley Open Space Preserve, Marin - Reptiles and Birds
Lynch Canyon Open Space, Solano County - Birds
Joseph D. Grant County Park, Santa Clara County - Wild Pigs, reptiles, and tarantulas
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, San Mateo County - Banana Slugs, amphibians, birds and more
*Some trails are closed due to storm damage. Please check this map for more details.
The Presidio, San Francisco - Coyotes
*Now through the fall, dogs are prohibited on the Ridge Trail in the Presidio, due to coyote pupping season.
Planning Navigator
A spreadsheet with information on each Ridge Trail section, like elevation change, amenities, and accessibility notes where available.
More Trip Planning Tools
Tools to plan your Ridge Trail outings, like downloadable PDF maps, mobile apps, itineraries for multi-day trips, and curated Ridge Trail adventures.
Let's Complete the Ridge Trail Together!
As participants check Ridge Trail segments off their list in OuterSpatial, this map will show where they've been (segments with a red box have not yet been checked-off). Let's try to circumnavigate the whole Ridge Trail, together!
Filled with awesome gear from our wonderful sponsors, including a tent from REI, duffle bag from Patagonia, and a jacket and sleeping bag from Mountain Hardwear!
To be entered to win:
1. Sign up for the Challenge
2. Complete 5 Ridge Trail outings
3. Check them off on the OuterSpatial App OR submit your finisher form (if you are not using OuterSpatial)
Bonus Prizes
To be entered to win:
1. Sign up for the Challenge
2. Take a photo that represents the theme of the bonus prize, and
3. Either post it on social media (make sure to tag us!) or email it to us at outreach@ridgetrail.org.
Many thanks to all our sponsors who support the Bay Area Ridge Trail!
