Reaching New Heights: Three Sisters Transform Lives Through Trekking

One of the best parts of Ridge Trail outings is how they bring people together in the outdoors. Group hikes and rides offer a chance to feel more confident on the trail, meet new friends (hopefully with snacks to share) and create space to share stories that inspire and connect us. When Nicky Chhetri joined this year’s East Bay Hills Hike & Ride event for the first time, she brought with her powerful stories from Nepal’s remote mountain regions—where her groundbreaking work has helped more than 2,000 women build confidence in the outdoors over the past three decades.

Nicky at the 2025 East Bay Hills Hike and Ride

A Father’s Legacy

Nicky’s journey began with a powerful example at home. Growing up as one of eight children, she watched her father—a man who never had the chance to attend school himself—work tirelessly to ensure his children could pursue higher education. He became her mentor and business advisor, and, recognizing the limited opportunities afforded to women in their rural Nepalese community, encouraged Nicky to pursue not only a better life for herself, but also for other women.

The Need for Change

In 1994, while operating a guesthouse and restaurant in Pokhara, Nepal, Nicky and her sisters, Lucky and Dicky, noticed many women trekkers were struggling with negative experiences with male guides. The three sisters realized there was a real need for women trekking guides—a profession long dominated by men—and that they could be the ones to meet it. What’s more, they could use their guesthouse and restaurant during the off season to train other women to become guides too. So, the sisters launched their trekking agency, 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, paired with a transformative training program in Nepal’s trekking industry through a nonprofit they call Empowering Women of Nepal.

An Uphill Challenge

In the early days, the sisters faced negative responses from the nearby rural communities. Trekking was seen as a profession reserved for men, while women were expected to stay home and raise children. Many questioned whether women could handle the physical and leadership demands of guiding trekkers through rugged mountain terrain. The sisters were even sued, accused of violating cultural traditions by bringing innocent girls from remote mountain areas to the cities, allegedly to exploit them, while others, out of jealousy, resented seeing young women enter the tourism business. Still Nicky, Lucky, and Dicky persisted, driven by their vision of what women could achieve.

A Holistic Approach

The program runs two intensive training sessions each year: one month of classroom education followed by five months of paid work experience during Nepal’s trekking season. This approach not only provides both knowledge and practical skills, but also offers immediate financial independence.

The transformation goes beyond professional development. Women from remote areas with limited opportunities and low self-esteem develop confidence and leadership abilities through practical learning and group activities. By graduation, participants who once struggled to speak up are confidently sharing their experiences and inspiring others.

Nicky’s organization also addresses women’s health issues, provides free education and housing for girls from remote areas, and has created significant cultural shifts—communities that once viewed women as incapable of leadership now celebrate their daughters’ achievements as guides and entrepreneurs. Many graduates have established their own businesses, traveled internationally, and become respected community leaders—breaking cycles of arranged marriage and limited opportunities.

The Journey Continues

Today, 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking operates across Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and India, employing about 100 female and 40 male staff during peak seasons and continuing to prioritize opportunities for women from underserved communities.

Nicky’s story reminds us that powerful change can begin with a single person—or three sisters—willing to challenge the status quo, and that change can happen in the classroom and on the trail. Recreation, whether trekking up peaks in Nepal or hiking the Bay Area Ridge Trail, can build confidence and create a positive impact that ripples through a person’s life and their community. The Chhetri sisters’ mission demonstrates the transformative power of believing everyone deserves the chance to reach new heights.

If you’d like to get in touch with Nicky, you can contact her on WhatsApp (+977 98460 47356) and via email (karkinicky69@gmail.com).

Learn more about 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking at www.3sistersadventuretrek.com and Empowering Women of Nepal at ewn.org.np.

Feeling inspired to do a bit of trekking yourself? Join us at an upcoming Ridge Trail outing!

Easy Grade Bicycle Connection

Funding Secured to Open Easy Grade Trail to Cyclists!

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.”

2025 Ridge Trail Challenge

Circumnavigating by Transit

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.

Looking for more Transit Tips?

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.

Camp the Ridge Trail with Hipcamp

Ridge Trail + Hipcamp = Adventure

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

Vote Yes on Proposition 4

Photo by Paul Zupan via AllTrails

About Prop. 4

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:

$3.8 billion for safe drinking water and resilience to drought and floods
$1.5 billion for wildfire and forest resilience
$1.2 billion for Coastal Resilience, including $765 million for the State Coastal Conservancy
$1.2 billion for nature-based solutions like protecting habitats and biodiversity
$850 million for renewable energy
$700 million for Parks, which includes $500 million for neighborhoods with less access to parks, parks improvements, and public access, and $175 million for deferred maintenance for state parks.
$300 million for sustainable farms, ranches, and working lands
$450 million for extreme heat mitigation

Will Prop. 4 help the Ridge Trail?

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.

How can I help pass Prop. 4?

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.

Ridge Lines Fall 2024

The Fall 2024 edition of Ridge Lines has arrived! Read the digital version (PDF) here.

Members can receive a print version delivered to their mailbox. If you’re a member and would like to receive a print copy in the future, let us know!

If you’re not yet a member, become one today!

Every Run, Every Trail a New Adventure

By Philip Kufeldt

Catching the Ridge Trail Bug

I have been running trails for over a decade. Leveraging the natural richness of the Bay Area, I tried to run new ground every time I went out. Slowly I started knocking down trails all over the South Bay, then reaching up the Peninsula and into the East Bay. It was on the Sierra Vista Open Space trail in September of 2016 that I first noticed a Ridge Trail sign and it left a bug in my head. What is the Bay Area Ridge Trail and where does it go?

It wasn’t until January 2022, while scanning maps for new trails, that I realized I had run many of the Ridge Trail segments in the South Bay. The Ridge Trail could solve my need for new trails to run. So, my attention turned to formally circumnavigating the entire Bay Area Ridge Trail. Two years later and I have finished it.

At the time of this writing, the Ridge Trail has 79 trail segments covering 413 miles (based on Ridge Trail Planning Navigator 2.0). It is over 150 miles by road from the southern tip of Ridge Trail to the northern tip.

Running the Ridge Trail

I am a solo trail runner. I run 25 to 30 miles a week and seek natural trails where I feel remote. During weekend runs, I like to cover 10 to 15 miles and upwards of 3000’ of vertical gain in a single run. The average Ridge Trail segment is 5.2 miles, so I stitched multiple together.

Running solo and at longer distances made the logistics interesting. Sometimes I had to do out-and-backs to return to my car. Other times I ran extra miles to link segments together or to get to places where I could get a Lyft back. Once, I had to turn around halfway because I was so soaked from the rain, I felt it wouldn’t be fair to ask a Lyft driver to ferry me back. The best times were when my wife, friends, and/or the kids would act as my support crew – taking me to the trail, picking me up, and having lunch with me in towns we never knew existed. My trail angels reported that for them, it was a great opportunity to spend a day hiking new trails or exploring museums, shops, historical sites, wineries, and more.

Running trails requires you to focus on your surroundings, especially the trail surface. Many have raised roots, rocks, and mud (Mount Umunhum had snow). When running downhill, you don’t always have time to recover from a stumble. So, there are falls. I have been mostly fortunate with my falls, but on the Oat Hill Mine Trail running down the mostly volcanic path, I fell and separated a rib. That stopped me from running for a month.

Many of the trails had significant elevation gain, some over 3,000′. I climbed many mountains from Mount Madonna in the south (Gilroy) to Mount Saint Helena in the north (Calistoga) – each one offering amazing unique views of the bay.

Running the Ridge Trail allows you to see the beautiful Bay Area like few do. So many trails are within 10 miles of approximately 10 million people yet you feel very remote. It is a blessing that the people of the Bay saw fit to protect so much land, and I couldn’t be more grateful. It was truly an adventure.

Planning and Logistics

Do not neglect planning. On many occasions, I found my route impeded by things I could have learned about at home. Several segments require permits. Others are closed during particular times of the week. At least one segment is restricted to docent-led access. So, spending time at home researching will save you trail time anxiety.

Maps and Apps

All trail details are kept in PDF maps and web pages on the Ridge Trail website. 76 segments are listed on AllTrails.com with downloadable GPS tracks for each. The app not only guides you with offline maps but also records your activity while on the trail. It isn’t convenient to glance at your phone while running, but the app provides audible notifications if you leave the route. On too many occasions I ignored the notification because it sounded like a text and consequently found myself way off trail. I eventually changed the sound to a sinking submarine, which always grabbed my attention.

The AllTrails website let me construct new maps based on existing Ridge Trail routes. This allowed me to stitch together multiple segments and any additional trails necessary to follow a single route so I didn’t have to stop and load different maps. You can find many of my custom maps on my AllTrails profile. Other useful features of AllTrails include sharing your planned route and driving directions to the trailhead.

Safety

Since I am a solo runner, I carried emergency gear in case things went awry. In addition to a cell phone, I always had a GPS watch, GPS satellite communicator, first aid kit, latrine, extra layers and glasses, sunscreen, calories, electrolytes, water, and money. I always downloaded the maps, notified my family of my route before leaving, and let them know when I expected to be done. I also used a combination of devices and apps to record my runs, giving me redundant navigational support.

One of the questions I get frequently is, “Aren’t you afraid of being alone on the trail with rattlesnakes, cougars, and coyotes?” Although these creatures are very much here in the Bay, they avoid you. In fact, while running the Ridge Trail I never saw a cougar or rattlesnake and the coyotes did their best not to be seen. However, on one trail in the East Bay, I did encounter the largest coyote I have ever seen who gave me a second look before retreating into the brush. Cows were really the only troublemakers. On several occasions, I was chased by cows including some protective mommas, at least one rambunctious steer, and one small herd that thought it was fun to run after me for a mile. I followed badger tracks on one trail, but never saw him. I never had any issues with ticks but I was stung by a wasp and had multiple episodes of poison oak. But all-in-all I stayed pretty injury-free.

The Data

Finding Mileage and Pace

Over the years I have recorded more than 3,000 outside exercise routes that include running, walking, hiking, and stairs and cover over 10,000 miles. Since I started the circumnavigation very haphazardly, I needed to search through the thousands of routes to find the ones on the Ridge Trail. To do this I had to write some software.

The results gave me 114 routes and showed that the first time I stepped onto a Ridge Trail trail was in 2014 – 10 years ago. I then wrote more software to find my average pace. I wanted to prove that I ran all 114 routes. There is one exception, the San Francisco Peninsula Watershed, a 16+ mile trail that requires docent-led access and I could only secure a hike. Even so, my average pace for the entire Ridge Trail was 14:15 minutes per mile, far below an average walking pace.

Determining Elevation Gain

It was tough to get an accurate total altitude gain across the routes, as the primary GPS app I used over the last decade did a poor job of recording elevation change. I can’t use the elevation from Ridge Trail because I re-ran trails, ran point-to-point even when the trail section was an out-and-back, ran partial trails, did extra miles, and linked unconnected trails together. So, I had to calculate the gain from my matched routes.

You can take a recorded GPS route (a GPX file) and use Google Earth (GE) to generate an elevation profile by overlaying it on a topographic map. Unfortunately, GE grossly overestimated the gain. My current watch does a much better job of recording elevation changes but only a fraction of my runs are recorded there. However, there were enough to compare against the GE numbers and create a statistical average error for the GE elevation. So, I ended up taking GE numbers and discounting based on that calculated error rate. The discounted number seems close as it averages out to 1400‘ per trail.

Here is my final data: