Author: Alex Sabo

Upcoming Ridge Trail Segment Featured on OpenRoad

The Ridge Trail was featured on Episode 89 of OpenRoad with Doug McConnell, Sunday August 13, 2023.

The show features efforts of the Ridge Trail and our partners to create trails that promote access and inclusion with a sneak peak of the beautiful new Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park and the All People’s Trail. Three other trails that promote access are also highlighted: new trail at Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge, the summit of Mt Umunhum, and the Penitencia Creek Trail.

Doug also relates how important nature has been as a healing agent all of his life, and how it is sustaining him now – as he’s been on hiatus and is on the road to recovery.

“I’ve never been more grateful for the preservation of these healing places than I am right now. We treasure the work the Ridge Trail, its team, and many partners do every day to enrich our lives. You have enriched mine in many ways over many years, and I look forward to more adventures together in the years ahead.”

Watch the episode here:

You can show your support for the Bay Area Ridge Trail, an important natural legacy right here in the Bay Area. If you share Doug's passion for nature, parks and access, make a gift today!

Mt. Madonna to Almaden Quicksilver

Background

In 2022, the WoodNext Foundation connected with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, looking for ways to help close the remaining gaps in the South Bay region.  The funding arrived at a pivotal moment to support a route study, and substantially accelerated our identification of a new trail alignment in one of the most remote and underdeveloped areas of the Ridge Trail. Through the study, we analyzed 46 trail segments between Gilroy and Mt. Umunhum, and successfully identified a more viable route, which will open more miles of Ridge Trail in less time than the prior alignment.

Studying the Route

During the months that followed, Ridge Trail staff

  • Met with regional partners, including Santa Clara County Parks, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, and the City of Gilroy to discuss route options, concerns, and feasibility
  • Spoke with local trail advocates and experts to better understand the route possibilities
  • Conducted site visits to explore different route options and conditions on the ground
  • Reviewed almost 50 alternative route sections to determine a viable path for the planned Ridge Trail route to take

Study Outcomes

  • As a result of the route study, the Ridge Trail’s Board of Directors formally approved a new trail alignment from Mt. Madonna to Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
  • The new route will cover 31 miles and shift the RT eastward onto a ridgeline overlooking Coyote Valley and Morgan Hill. Moving the route east takes advantage of existing public parklands, ranchlands, and reservoirs. 
  • The new alignment will result in more immediate trail openings (10+ miles in the next 1-2 years), with more miles to follow in the 5-10 year timeframe.

Next Steps

The routing study and realignment, along with enthusiastic responses from our key partners in the region, has put the Ridge Trail in an excellent position to move forward with our next phases of work, including:

  1. Formation of a joint working group with regional partners to collaborate on completion of this section, as well as additional trail openings in the region.
  2. Dedicate 10 miles of new Ridge Trail as part of the new route alignment, expected in the next year.
  3. Secure funding for land acquisitions and new trail construction.

Explore the planned route from a bird's eye view!

Many thanks to the WoodNext Foundation for funding this route study and supporting the Ridge Trail's mission to link people, parks and open space for today and future generations.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations and aims to "promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities" (un.org).

Check out our list of Wheelchair Accessible Ridge Trail segments here, plus the organizations, below, who are building awareness and supporting communities of disabled people in the outdoors.

Find out more about Ridge Trail Accessibility here.