Author: Alex Sabo

Three Day Basecamp: San Mateo County

Overview: Overnight base camping is a great way to accomplish several sections of the Ridge Trail while exploring the surrounding county. This 3 day and 2 night itinerary gives you the best of San Mateo County. Most outings are set up as shuttle hikes and require one car parked at the end of each route. 

Circumnavigating? Use the Trail Tracker to check off each section of the Ridge Trail you have completed.

Total Mileage: 22 miles

Camping / Lodging Suggestions:

Day 1: Skyline Ridge Open Space to Windy Hill 

Route Description: Enjoy the Peninsula’s finest views and rolling grassland on these ridgeline trails. Climb through open grasslands to high knolls with moderate elevation gains and losses. Enjoy sweeping views of the San Mateo Coast and Santa Clara Valley. Note: Once you reach Rapley Road there is a 0.7 mile gap in the trail. To get to the next segment walk north along Skyline Blvd to Windy Hill. 

Drive Notes: Drive approximately 30 mins up Page Mill Rd. and turn right onto Skyline Blvd towards Windy Hill. Drop off a car at the Spring Ridge Trailhead lot, which is the northern most lot for Windy Hill. Turn around and drive 6 miles down skyline to Skyline Ridge to start.

Start: Skyline Ridge Parking Lot

End / Car Drop Off: Spring Ridge Parking Area, Windy Hill

Mileage: 8.6 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1200’

Map Resources: 

Day 2: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Route Description: Five trails in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve link together for a challenging adventure through forested canyons and over high ridges with ocean views. You lose more than 1,000 feet of elevation in the first 2 miles and regain it on a steady climb out of the canyon. 

Drive Notes: Drop off a car at the Purisima Creek north parking lot along Skyline Blvd. You can reach Skyline by taking I 280 North to Hwy 84 / Woodside Rd. After dropping off the car drive south and park at the Purisima Creek south parking lot to start your adventure. 

Start: Purisima Creek South Parking Lot

End / Car Drop Off: Purisima Creek North Parking Lot

Mileage: 7.3 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation Gain:  1700’

Map Resources: 

Day 3: Wunderlich and Huddart County Parks

Route Description: Follow the gently graded Skyline Trail through redwood and Douglas-fir forests just below the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Discover unusual spring wildflowers along one of the few remaining segments of the old California Riding and Hiking Trail, a trail system established in 1954. 

Drive Notes: Leave a car at the south trailhead of Purisima Creek Redwoods. Drive south approximately 3.3 miles to a fairly wide, but unmarked parking area on the east (left) side of the road. It is shortly after Bear Gulch Rd. 

Start Location: Skyline Lot, Wunderlich West Gate

End / Car Drop Off: Purisima Creek South Parking Lot

Mileage: 5.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 750’

Map Resources: 

 

Three Day Basecamp: Sonoma County

Overview: Overnight base camping is a great way to accomplish several sections of the Ridge Trail while exploring the surrounding county. This 3 day and 2 night itinerary gives you the best of Sonoma County. Most outings are set up as shuttle hikes and require one car parked at the end of each route. 

Circumnavigating? Use the Trail Tracker to check off each section of the Ridge Trail you have completed.

Total Mileage: 25.6 miles

Camping / Lodging Suggestions:

Day 1: Spring Lake to Trione-Annadel State Park 

Route Description: Gradually climb over grassy hillsides and through oak woodlands and conifer forests on the east side of Bennett Mountain. This is an extremely popular mountain-biking route that travels along wide, rocky service roads and singletrack trails. Pass lush Ledson Marsh and descend through a conifer forest in the park’s southeast corner.. 

Drive Notes: Depending on where you stay the drive to the Lawndale lot to drop off your first car can take 10 – 20 minutes. After dropping off the car get on Hwy 12 N to Spring Lake County Park to start your adventure.   

Start: Spring Lake Park

End / Car Drop Off: Trione-Annadel, Lawndale Parking Lot

Mileage: 10.8 Miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1100’

Map Resources: 

Day 2: Jack London State Park to North Sonoma Mountain

Route Description: Travel through redwood and oak forests and grasslands on the eastern and northern flanks of Sonoma Mountain; you’ll travel on a fire road to reach lofty heights with grand views of the Sonoma Valley, then descend on a well-designed narrow trail through beautiful oak woodlands. 

Drive Notes: Drop off a car at North Sonoma Mountain. Sonoma Mtn. Road is long, winding, and very narrow in places.  It is an approximately 30 – 40 minute drive between Jack London and North Sonoma Mountain.

Start: Jack London, Lake trailhead lot

End / Car Drop Off: North Sonoma Mountain Lot

Mileage: 7.4 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain:  1700’

Map Resources: 

Day 3: Hood Mountain Regional Park

Route Description: A vigorous uphill trip follows Hood Creek through forests and meadows, past several ponds, and then climbs to the top of 2,730-foot Hood Mountain for distant views. 

Drive Notes: Take Hwy 12 to Pythian Rd.. Continue up Pythian until you reach the lot.

Start / End: Pythian Rd. Trail head Lot, Hood Mountain

Mileage: 7.4 miles (Out and Back)

Difficulty: Strenuous 

Elevation Gain: 1900’

Map Resources: 

Partner Volunteer Trail Work Opportunities

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council primarily relies on our partners to coordinate and supervise volunteer trail work days. Visit their websites below to find upcoming volunteer opportunities:

 

ALL BAY AREA

VO-CAL

 

SOUTH BAY

Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful
Midpeninsula Open Space District
Santa Clara County Parks
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship
Trail Center

 

SAN FRANCISCO & MARIN

Golden Gate National Park Conservancy
Marin County Parks & Open Space
SF Rec and Park
SF Urban Riders
Sutro Stewards

 

NORTH BAY

Napa Open Space District
Skyline Wilderness Park
Sonoma County Regional Parks
Redwood Trails Alliance

 

EAST BAY

East Bay Regional Park District

Berryessa BART, Transit to Trails Adventures

Berryessa BART, Transit to Trails Adventures

City Serenity
Difficulty: Easy 
Mileage: 5 miles out and back round trip
Elevation Gain: Flat
Description: Leave the hustle and bustle of the station and find yourself in some surprisingly peaceful parks a short distance away. Start your walk or ride from the BART station trailhead and head out along the trail. Your first stop is the Penitencia Creek County Park and Gardens. Here you can relax under Willow trees while enjoying the pond and bird life or check out the nearby Berryessa Community Garden. Head back towards the station along Mabury and turn down Educational Park Dr. to make your way to Overfelt Gardens Park. Meander through the various paths that encircle the ponds and explore the Chinese Cultural Garden that features a friendship gate and Confucius statue. There are many places to find serenity and peace in this beautiful park before heading back to the BART station. 

History and Wildlife Tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 10 out and back round trip
Elevation Gain: 180’
Description: Look out for wildlife and explore historical ruins on this mostly flat out and back adventure. Start your trip at the BART station trailhead and head East up the trail. Check out the peaceful pond at the Penitencia Creek County Park and Gardens. Birdlife can be found in many of the ponds and creeks throughout the route. Continue along the creek trail and cautiously cross over Jackson while enjoying the tree lined creek and many bridges along the way. Stop in at the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley grab a brochure and learn about the important work they do in rehabilitation of local wildlife. The path ends at Dorel Dr so you will need to continue a short distance along the road to Alum Rock park. Alum Rock is the oldest municipal park in CA where many people enjoy the beautiful wooded creek area and trails. Look out for historical remnants of mineral springs and the train line that transported visitors there from San Jose until 1932. Deer frequent the park, as well as other animals. Turn around at the Rustic Lands parking lot or add more mileage by going to the Youth Science Institute and checking out their nature center. 

BART to Summit Bike Epic
Difficulty: Hard – Strenuous 
Mileage: 16 – 24 out and back round trip (depending on where you turn around) 
Elevation Gain: 1500’ – 3700’ (depending on where you turn around)
Description: Experience the full urban to wild route with a mix of paved pathways and steep trail ascents / descents rewarding you with views of the entire south bay area on this out and back epic. From the BART platform look towards the East and see your destination of Sierra Vista Open Space on the ridge line. Ride on the trail towards Sierra Vista / Alum Rock. The path ends at Dorel Dr so you will need to continue a short distance along the road to Alum Rock park. Make sure to refuel and take a bathroom break at Alum Rock Park entrance as there are no facilities at Sierra Vista Open Space. Continue on the Creek Trail to the Rustic Lands or Eagle Rock parking lot and cross the Rd. to get on the North Rim Trail. Lower your gears and prepare to climb 1500’ up the Ridge Trail to the Sierra Vista Parking lot for spectacular views. Turn back from Sierra Vista or continue on the Ridge Trail to the Lower Calaveras Fault Trail. You will descend a mix of fun single track and fire road to Alum Rock Rd. Pick up the Lower Calaveras Fault Trail and prepare for another grueling climb up 1200’ of steep and often loose fire road. There is a picnic table and more amazing views waiting for you where you feel like you can soar like the eagles flying overhead. 

Local Food Picks:
Bills Cafe: Popular south bay breakfast diner with a great selection of “south of the border” options and their famous bread pudding and croissant french toast!
Claw Shack: Some of the best seafood around, specializing in shrimp and crab dishes with several excellent sauces to choose from. 
Nick the Greek: Well known casual south bay eatery with great falafel and gyro wraps. 

More Information:
BART to Trails Article

Resources and Maps:
Overfelt Gardens and Chinese Cultural Garden Site  
Penitencia Creek County Park 
Alum Rock Park Site
Sierra Vista Open Space Site
Ridge Trail BART Flyer and Map
Sierra Vista Open Space Ridge Trail Map
Ridge Trail Penitencia Creek Map

John Muir Land Trust Acquires Almond Ranch

If you’ve ever hiked the Ridge Trail through the hills of John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, you’ve probably arrived at a padlocked gate and had to turn back. Beyond the gate is Almond Ranch,  281 acres of private property abutting Mount Wanda.

Now there is good news for trail users, nature lovers, and wildlife alike! John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) – a wonderful Ridge Trail partner committed to the conservation and care of open space, ranches, farms, parkland and shoreline in the East Bay – has reached their fundraising goal and successfully acquired Almond Ranch! 

The acquisition saves the land from possible future development, preserving 281 acres of grassland, scrub, oak-bay woodlands in the riparian zone surrounding the seasonal stream that winds through the property and eventually flows into Alhambra Creek. This addition will also close a critical one-mile gap in the Ridge Trail, which is also currently one of several remaining gaps in the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail, the 50-mile loop that encircles the Carquinez Strait and climbs into the surrounding hills. The Ridge Trail Council expects to dedicate this new trail near the end of 2020.

To find out more about the project visit jmlt.org/almondranch.

 

The Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail: a corridor where the San Francisco Bay Trail, Great California Delta Trail, Juan Bautista de Anza Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail meet the historic center of Northern California—works to promote the natural, historical, scenic and recreational opportunities along the Carquinez Strait in Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

This trail network can be reached by the Vallejo Ferry, Martinez Amtrak or a quick drive and a currently navigable 25-mile trail loop around the Carquinez Strait passes through five historic downtowns (including the iconic Port Costa with the oldest operating hotel in CA, the Burlington Hotel), the historic State Capital in Benicia, John Muir’s residence, two major bridges, and spectacular views.

 

Although there are a handful of gaps in the Ridge Trail along the Carquinez Strait, here is a list of our favorite three you can enjoy today.

Trail Map: John Muir National Historic Site to the Franklin Ridge Ranches

Photo Credit: Adam Weidenbach

Ridge Trail Day 2018 Success!

Success! The 11th annual Ridge Trail Day rallied over 400 trail volunteers at 13 sites around the Bay. You helped build, repair, and improve trail for everyone.

See what these volunteers had to say about Ridge Trail Day 2018.

With the support of our volunteers we were able to prepare the trails for winter, and spread our vision of a 550+ mile loop around the Bay. Here are some accomplishments across all nine Bay Area counties from Ridge Trail Day 2018:

  • Prepared 12 miles of trail for winter by creating drainage features to prevent erosion
  • Planted 27 native plants to encourage habitat growth in Golden Gate Park
  • Removed more than 8 truckloads of invasive species and trash to create safe passageways and encourage native species growth
  • Realigned 0.25 miles of trail in Napa and San Francisco and removed hazardous boulders to make it safer for users of all types

Now the trails are all pretty and waiting for you to enjoy them on Black Friday (November, 23). Instead of going indoors on that shopping-crazed day, head outside with REI Co-op as they close their doors for the day to enjoy the fresh air.

Please view our photo gallery to see highlights of the Ridge Trail Day activities. We will be adding more photos from our many partners in the days to come. If you are one of die-hard Ridge Trail Day fans and want to see ALL the photos (and maybe add some of your own!) you can access them on this Google drive folder.

Thank you!

Ridge to Bridge 2018 Recap

The 22nd annual Ridge to Bridge took place on Saturday April 21st and had nearly 300 people hike, bike, run and ride their horses over 4,000 miles of trail! We were so thrilled to have the beautiful spring weather, abundance of wildflowers, and the camaraderie on the trail made for another spectacular event.

With the support of our participants we were able to make this the largest peer-to-peer fundraising year for Ridge to Bridge. Due to the tireless efforts of our fundraisers, we raised $25,709 to help build, connect and fix Ridge Trail near you. Our top individual fundraisers were:

  1. Matthew Zinn
  2. Jay Bailinson
  3. Michael Irvine
  4. Steve Smoot
  5. Kathryn Weber
Teame Sleep Late & Hike get ready to hike!
Team Sleep Late & Hike get ready to take on the 26-mile hike!

Our top fundraising teams were:

  1. Sleep Late & Hike
  2. Mt. Tam Marvels
  3. Bay Area Ridge Trail (RT) and more Meetup Group
  4. The Scrambled Legs
  5. Team Draeger

Please view our photo gallery to see highlights from the event. Joanna Salazar of Snapped With Love Photography took some amazing shots.

We hope to see you all next year!

Completing the Ridge Trail on a Whim

Britny Sorenson, a sunny and energetic force of nature, set out to thru-hike the Florida Trail in December of 2019. About a week in, bad weather struck and she had to abandon her trek. She left the storms of Florida and on a whim booked a greyhound bus for the more temperate climes of San Francisco. During the long bus ride, Britny pondered how to spend the rest of her thwarted winter break. Her research brought her to the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It seemed the perfect fit. Next stop… Circumnavigating the Ridge Trail.

Thru-hiking the Ridge Trail on a whim sounds ambitious, but Britny, an Arizona state student and Utah native, is no stranger to long trail adventures. Her list of trail accomplishments include completing the Appalachian and Hayduke Trails, as well as exploring large sections of the Colorado Trail and Arizona Trail. 

The Ridge Trail presents some unique challenges. Although 380 miles are open—with continuous stretches as long as 80 miles—there is still work to be done to connect the entire route. Many trail gaps exist. Britny overcame trail gap obstacles by combining backpacking with using rideshare apps or buses. She “Uber-packed” from Vallejo south to San José and back up to Marin. “Once I reached White Hill Open Space Preserve in Marin I stopped backpacking and section-hiked the remaining parts of the trail.”

Thankfully there were lots of resources for Britny to keep herself on track to complete the trail. “I relied heavily on the Outerspatial app.  Sometimes it was easy to lose the trail, so having the app was extremely useful.  I also used the Ridge Trail’s camping guide and maps found on the website’s Circumnavigation Page.”

With resources and her strong spirit in hand, Britny was able to complete the trail and get back to school on time before the start of the next semester. Finishing the Ridge Trail was challenging, but also provided an unexpected amount of beauty given its proximity to city life. “I have completed a decent amount of other thru-hikes and this one has a lot more scenic sections than a lot of the other trails that I have completed that have a larger name.”

If you are interested in thru-hiking the Ridge Trail, or have already completed it, share your story!

CALL TO ACTION: Support Planned Ridge Trail Connections in the Solano County’s Active Transportation Plan

Support Planned Ridge Trail Connections in Solano County’s Active Transportation Plan!

The Solano Transportation Authority is creating a new vision for biking and walking/hiking countywide. Please support planned Ridge Trail connections by providing feedback on the Interactive WikiMap at: activesolano2020.org

They need your input now, because the input opportunity will end in early December!

Submit your comments online or attend one of the events listed below to learn more and get support on placing your feedback:

  • Benicia Library Dona Benicia Room – Friday, November 16th from 3:30 – 5:30 pm; Tuesday, November 20th from 6 pm – 8 pm; Monday, December 3rd from 6 – 8 pm
  • Merriment on Main(Vacaville) – Tuesday, November 27th
  • Tree Lighting Festival (Dixon) – Thursday, December 6th
  • Holiday Open House (Benicia)– Friday, December 7th

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS:

  • Go to theInteractive WikiMap at: activesolano2020.org
  • Click a point or route on the map (it gives a list of items to check to describe in general terms the concerns or benefits of improvements at that point or route).
  • Use the comment section at the bottom to conveying the reason for the needed improvements (use comments below).
1. I- 80 overcrossing at Hiddenbrooke/American Canyon Road Interchange:
COMMENT: The I-80 overcrossing at this interchange is a narrow roadway with no bike or pedestrian improvements. Bike and pedestrian improvements at this overcrossing are needed to connect the existing Ridge Trail segment through the Hiddenbrooke subdivision south of the interchange with the planned Ridge Trail through the Solano Land Trust Brown property connecting to the existing Ridge Trail segment in Lynch Canyon north of the interchange.

2. Red Top Road I-80 Undercrossing
COMMENT: The I-80/I-680/SR 12 Interchange improvements include a bike pedestrian path between McGary Road to Business Center Drive. However, the interchange improvements does not include widening the Red Top Road undercrossing of I-80 as part of the interchange improvements. The undercrossing is currently very narrow with no sidewalks or bike lanes. This is the only connection to the park and ride lot between  I-80 and SR 12 from South Cordelia.
3. Rockville Road Crossing between Rockville Hills Park and Rockville Trails Preserve
COMMENT: Provide safe crossing for bike and pedestrians across Rockville Road between Rockville Hills Park and Rockville Trail Preserve.
4. Green Valley Road Crossing at Westlake Drive
COMMENT: Provide safe crossing for bike and pedestrians across Green Valley Road at the Westlake Drive intersection
5. Rose Drive/Columbus Parkway intersection to Vallejo/Benicia Buffer Open Space Area
COMMENT: Provide safe crossing for bike and pedestrians at the Rose Drive and Columbus Parkway Intersection for improved access to the Vallejo/Benicia Buffer Open Space Area
6. Military East between E. 5th Street and Park Road in Benicia
COMMENT: Provide bike lane improvements along Military East between E. 5th Street and Park Road in Benicia.

Twin Peaks Trail Improvements

Twin Peaks is one of San Francisco’s most visited natural destinations, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the city and the Bay Area. To protect its fragile habitat and enhance the visitor experience, the Twin Peaks Trail Improvement and Promenade Project is making significant updates to the trail system

Enhancing Access, Safety & Sustainability

April 2025

Twin Peaks is one of San Francisco’s most visited natural destinations, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the city and the Bay Area. To protect its fragile habitat and enhance the visitor experience, the Twin Peaks Trail Improvement and Promenade Project is making significant updates to the trail system, including a key section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Recent and upcoming work on Twin Peaks includes the replacement and installation of steps to improve accessibility, as well as plant restoration of the coastal grassland habitat. The project also involves planning and installing wayfinding and interpretive signage to help visitors navigate the area and learn more about its unique natural features. These improvements are designed to preserve the surrounding environment and create a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone who visits.

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council has been a long-time partner in this effort, working alongside the City of San Francisco, San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, and other local partners for over 35 years. The Ridge Trail runs for more than 14 miles through San Francisco, with 1.2 of those miles crossing directly over Eureka and Noe Peaks in Twin Peaks Open Space — a spectacular stretch that offers some of the best panoramic views of San Francisco and the Bay Area..

The project has received strong funding support from several sources, including most recently the 2022 Priority Conservation Area Grant through the State Coastal Conservancy, the 2022 California State Parks Regional Program under Proposition 68, and a 2024 Recreation Trails Program (RTP) Grant. In addition, the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council has contributed $37,000 to the Twin Peaks Promenade improvements. Of this, $25,000 from the Ridge Trail Action Fund is dedicated to new interpretive and wayfinding signage, while $12,000 from the Lucas Horan Memorial Fund will support the installation of a memorial bench in Lucas’s honor along the promenade.

This project represents a significant step toward preserving the natural beauty of Twin Peaks while making it safer and more accessible for generations to come.

More Info

San Francisco Stern Grove to the Presidio Trail Map
Twin Peaks Curated Adventure

Previous Project Updates

From Pilot to Permanent: Twin Peaks joins the Ridge Trail!

May 2020

After a four year pilot project to close Twin Peaks Boulevard to cars, in May 2020 the SFMTA announced that eastern portion of Twin Peaks Boulevard would become a permanent ‘Slow Street’. Previously, the trail followed neighborhood sidewalks and bypassed the more dangerous roadway to Twin Peaks. The permanent closure to cars was the result of years of advocacy for safer bicycle and pedestrian access to Twin Peaks Boulevard.

This section is a key link in the San Francisco Reroute, a long term project to shift the Ridge Trail from city streets to scenic parks and open spaces. Volunteers and partners at SFMTA, San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department, San Francisco Public Works, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Walk SF, and SF Urban Riders all worked together to close this gap.