Thanks to the generous support of donors and partners like California State Parks and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, the Easy Grade Trail project is now fully funded. Construction will soon begin to close a long-standing Ridge Trail gap for cyclists on Mt. Tamalpais.
The Ridge Trail has been working with State Parks and local bike advocates since 2007 to open this 0.6-mile section to bicycles. Once complete, the Easy Grade Trail will offer a safer, more direct alternative to the narrow and winding, 1.5-mile stretch of Pantoll Road.
Currently, cyclists riding the Ridge Trail from Muir Woods via Deer Park Fire Road must turn onto Pantoll Road to continue north. Once the Easy Grade Trail improvements are complete, cyclists will be able to stay on the trail, traveling north toward Mountain Theater, then connecting to Ridgecrest Boulevard and beyond.
This funding comes at a “Goldilocks” moment to make the trail change-of-use possible. With the Mountain Play on hiatus for the 2025 season, construction on Easy Grade Trail can proceed without conflicts with the theater. Construction is expected to continue through summer 2025, with the Easy Grade Trail opening for hikers and cyclists in fall 2025.
Ridge Trail Council Executive Director Janet McBride shared, “It hasn’t been easy – or quick – closing the Easy Grade gap for cyclists! The Council has been working since 2007 with State Parks, MCBC, and local trail enthusiasts to change the use on this trail to allow bicycles. This is a long-standing cycle gap in the 550+-mile Ridge Trail and we were thrilled to work with a generous donor to help deliver the last piece in the funding puzzle for this project. This is a step toward connecting the Ridge Trail for hikers, cyclists and equestrians, and we look forward to celebrating with partners and friends when Easy Grade opens later this year. Special thanks to donors Janice and Matt Barger for making this possible.”
Chris Bergeron is a Ridge Trail member and circumnavigator, and as of October 2024, is nearing the finish line. He began a little over a year ago, and is mainly using transit to get to the trailheads. We asked Chris to share about his experience so far, as well as his advice to others considering trekking the entire Ridge Trail.
What inspired you to start exploring the Ridge Trail?
I first became aware of the Ridge Trail in July 2021 when reading about the story of Lucas Horan. In June 2023, I read Raynor Winn’s book Landlines about walking from Cape Wraith to Cornwall in the UK. It inspired me to check out the long-distance trail in my own backyard.
I completed my first section in July 2023 – 20 miles from Skyline College to the Presidio. I initially had no intention of circumnavigating, but after that first day, I was hooked! 500+ miles later and the finish line is in sight.
How has the experience been so far? Anything that’s surprised you?
Circumnavigating the Ridge Trail has been a very rewarding experience. It has given me a reason to get outside regularly. I have such a better appreciation for the natural landscape of the Bay Area. And I’ve never been in better shape to walk up hills.
I’m continually struck by the 35 years of work that have gone into making the Ridge Trail a reality. I feel so lucky to benefit from all the planning, generosity, collaboration, and trail-building that has gone into it. And I’m grateful for the efforts of those like Thomas Beck – who volunteers to lead groups on the Fifield-Cahill trail.
I have been surprised by how many cows I have shared the trail within the East Bay. I was also very surprised to encounter snow on the Ridge Trail when hiking Mt St Helena in March 2024!
I have also been surprised by how close the Ridge Trail is to completion. It doesn’t always come through on the map – but on the ground, it’s apparent that with a few key trail connections and road crossings (many of which are already in the works) we will be down to just a handful of gaps.
How has it been using transit to get to the trails?
The Ridge Trail is surprisingly well-connected to transit for the most part if you are willing to get a little creative. Of the 30 sections I have done so far – all but 5 or 6 have been accessible by transit. Since I have been circumnavigating solo, using transit has been largely by necessity.
I am grateful to all the transit operators who have gotten me where I need to go and have shown up right on schedule at the end of a long day of walking.
Any advice for others who are considering circumnavigation?
There’s no wrong way to circumnavigate. Take as much time as you need and set your own parameters. Remember that it is supposed to be enjoyable. You can do almost all the trail yourself without a car shuttle! Check the hourly weather and the websites for the local agencies, and download the maps to your phone.
Another Ridge Trail Circumnavigator, Dan Allison, completed almost his entire Ridge Trail journey using transit to get to the trailheads. Read about Dan’s experience.
Hiking by Transit is another excellent resource to find transit to trailheads for your Ridge Trail adventures. Check it out!
Learn more about Ridge Trail Circumnavigation.
Looking for a great weekend adventure on the Ridge Trail and a place to rest overnight? Camping along the Ridge Trail just got easier, thanks to our partnership with Hipcamp! They’ve created a new map of camping and glamping spots near the Ridge Trail.
Along with our other Trip Planning Tools, you have everything you need to plan your next multi-day adventure on the Ridge Trail!
Map of Hipcamps along the Ridge Trail
This November, Californians will vote on a $10-billion climate bond called Proposition 4 (Prop. 4), the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024. The bond would provide funding for various environmental programs and projects, including ones to increase climate resilience.
The Ridge Trail Council partnered with a broad coalition of regional trails, parks, and conservation groups to rally lawmakers to finalize the bond measure. Prop. 4 offers an important opportunity for Californian’s to invest in critical climate solutions.
Prop. 4 allocates $10 billion in the following buckets:
Yes! For the Ridge Trail, Prop. 4 will provide funding to some of our key partners and funders, like the State Coastal Conservancy. The Coastal Conservancy is our largest single source of funding, and it is subject to year-to-year budget fluctuations and possible cuts. Prop. 4 will also support the work of many of our key regional park partners, whom we work closely with to connect the Ridge Trail. Passing Prop. 4 would ensure consistent, dedicated funding for this work and other critical efforts across the state to protect our health and environment.
Make sure you are registered to vote and vote yes on Prop 4.
Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors and encourage them to vote yes on Prop 4.
Please share our posts on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin) to encourage other California voters to say YES to Prop. 4.
Join the Webinar – Tuesday, October 22 at 12pm
Learn how local organizations, including the Ridge Trail, are leading the way to conserve natural resources and respond to the causes and effects of climate change.
