1.1 miles one way. Additional 1.1 miles back to trailhead. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash.

Travel through coast live oak groves and grassy landscapes to take in views of Chileno Valley.

2.9 miles one way. Additional 2.9 miles back to trailhead. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash.

Visitors to this section of the trail, which winds through Pacific Union College's richly biodiverse Demonstration & Experimental Forest, may catch a glimpse of a nesting pair of Northern Spotted Owls, the rare Napa False Indigo, and certainly some of the easternmost Coastal Redwood trees.

1.6 miles one way. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on-leash near picnic areas, otherwise under voice control.

Almond Ranch officially opened to the public on October 17th and is now ready for all to enjoy! Take in sweeping, 360-degree views of the East Bay hills, as well as Mt. Diablo in the distance. Follow John Muir's footsteps across the landscape he often roamed near his home in Martinez, CA.

1.4 miles one way. Additional 1.4 miles back to trailhead. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed under voice control.

A favorite of mountain bikers, Fernandez Ranch features a mix of both sun and shade, beautiful grasslands and bay-oak woodlands.

2 miles one way. Create a partial loop by taking an alternative trail and reconnecting with the Ridge trail, making it 1.8 miles back to the trailhead. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed under voice control.

Follow wide trails through grassy hills overlooking the South Bay. This trail features moderate ascents and decents and offers sweeping views in all directions.

1 mile one way. Additional 1 mile back to trailhead. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash.

The Ridge Trail is now BARTable with the opening of the Berryessa BART station this year. Visit this creekside trail and make sure to stop at the contemplative garden to learn more about the indigenous populations of this area.

2.7 miles one way. Additional 2.7 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Hiking and biking access. Dogs allowed on leash.

Yet another segment of the Ridge Trail set to be dedicated this year, the re-route of the Ridge Trail through the eastern segment of Twin Peaks Blvd. will be an exciting addition to your challenge checklist. Though not officially dedicated yet, this trail is open for your enjoyment now. Click the link below to learn more about current trail openings in this area.

3.2 miles one way for hikers; 1.7 or 1.3 for bikers and equestrians. Additional 3.2 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Dogs not allowed on Notch Trail - otherwise allowed on leash.

A trek along this 1000-acre ridgetop visits the historic Portolá San Francisco Bay Discovery Site and offers sweeping views of the coast and mountains.

2.8 miles one way. Car shuttle possible. Hiking and biking accessible. Dogs allowed on leash.

Wind your way through the ancient Oak Woodlands in Golden Gate Park then connect to Mount Sutro Preserve and eventually to iconic views from Twin Peaks and beyond for excellent cross-city trekking. This trail segment will be officially dedicated along with the Twin Peaks re-route, but is open now for your enjoyment. Click the link below to learn more about current trail openings in this area.

4.2 miles one way for hikers and mountain bikers, 0.8-mile one way for equestrians. Car shuttle possible. Dogs allowed on leash.

Climb gently through volcanic hills to a remote, grassy valley with a splendid stand of blue oaks. Then ascend to a plateau with views of Mt. Diablo, Elkhorn Peak, and the Twin Sisters.

5.5 miles one way. Additional 5.5 miles back to trailhead. Alternative return route possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash.

Enjoy this vigorous uphill trip beginning at CA 12 and follow Hood Creek through forests and meadows, past several ponds, and then clmb to the top of 2,730-foot Hood Mountain for distant views.

5.5 miles one way for hikers and equestrians, 8.3 miles one way for mountain bikers. Car shuttle possible. Dogs not allowed in the State Park. Dogs allowed on leash in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Watch raptors soar above open grassy slopes and take in views of the Pacific Ocean on a trek through Mount Tamalpais State Park.

5.4 miles one way. Additional 5.4 miles back to trailhead (shorter return route possible). Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Round trip would be considered moderate to hard for hikers. Dogs allowed under voice control.

Climb to high grasslands for East Bay views from Carquinez Strait west to Mt. Tamalpais. A favorite spot for mountain bikers and site of the Ridge Trail’s 300th mile dedication.

4.2 miles one-way (plus 1.1-mile return on Mount Wanda Trail); car shuttle possible. Dogs allowed under voice control in East Bay Regional Park areas. Dogs allowed on leash in National Historic Site areas.

Hike or bike up to the ridge for a sweeping view of the historic Carquinez Strait. Continue along the ridge to the John Muir National Heritage site for this physically and mentally enriching experience.

5.7 miles one way (includes 1-mile round-trip on Laurel Loop and Kennedy Creek Trails). Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Wheelchair users can access Nimitz Way segment via Inspiration Point trailhead. Dogs allowed on leash on Nimitz Way, otherwise under voice control. Dogs not allowed on Eagle's Nest Trail.

From shady eucalyptus grove to narrow shoreline path to wide ridgetop trail, this route passes diverse landscapes and takes in far-flung views of the Bay Area.

3.9 miles one way. Additional 3.9 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash.

Experience the entire length of our most recent addition to the Ridge Trail. Start at the new Berryessa BART station and follow along the Penitencia Creek, pausing to enjoy multiple local parks along the way.

3.9 miles one way. Additional 3.9 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs not allowed.

The Sierra Road staging area at Sierra Vista OSP provides the perfect jumping-off point for short or long trips in the Preserve and adjacent historic Alum Rock Park.

5.6 miles one way (includes 0.9 mile on Harvey Bear Trail, a connector trail). Additional 5.6 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash.

After a vigorous climb, this trip heads south on a relatively level trail with views of the lake, the surrounding foothills, and the coastal mountains. Make it a day trip or camp overnight.

3.5 miles one way (plus 0.5-mile via Lake Ranch Trail from Sanborn Road or 1.9 miles via John Nicholas Trail from Black Road). Additional 3.5 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash.

Opened in 2014, this well-designed singletrack wooded trail is a popular mountain biking route with a significant ascent or descent. Lake County Reservoir provides a scenic resting spot.

5.8 miles one way for hikers; 7.5 miles one-way for multiuse route. Additional 5.8 or 7.5 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Wheelchair users can access a 0.3-mile trail. Dogs not allowed.

This is the location of the first dedicated section of Ridge Trail in May 1989. Five trails in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve link together for a challenging loop through forested canyons and over high ridges.

5.1 miles one way for hikers, 5.5 miles one-way for multiuse route (includes 0.1 mile on Rapley Ranch Road). Additional 5.1 or 5.5 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Wheelchair users have access to two lakeside trails around Horseshoe and Alpine Lakes. Dogs not allowed.

Climb through open grasslands to high knolls with gradual elevation gains and losses to enjoy the Peninsula's finest views.

6.6 miles one way. Additional 6.6 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Hiking and biking accessible. Dogs allowed on leash.

San Francisco's spectacular bay and ocean views reward you on gradual climbs along city streets and park paths.

This is a new section of the Ridge Trail that is expected to open by the end of 2020. Keep an eye out for updates and add it to your challenge when it opens!

10.8 miles one way. Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash in State Park. Dogs allowed under voice control on preserve fire road and watershed.

The ridge fire road is long and undulating, with rewarding 360-degree views of the North Bay, and deep canyons and wooded ridges crowned by Mount Tamalpais.

7.5 miles one way for hikers and equestrians; 7.7 miles one way for full multi-use route. Car shuttle possible. Dogs allowed under voice control.

Follow the East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail along a ridgeline to a broad valley. You'll travel wide trails through second-growth redwoods, descend into a wooded canyon, and climb to open grasslands.

10.6 or 11.2 miles one way (includes a 0.2-mile connector on norther end and a 2.9- or 3.5-mile connector on southern end). Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access.

Mostly on open grassland, the trail offers unparalleled views of the bay and its surrounding mountains, as well as views out to the east.

6.3 miles one way (plus 1.1 mile return trip from Coyote Peak). Additional 6.3 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Wheelchair users can use Calero Creek and Los Alamitos Trails. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed under voice control in East Bay Regional Park, on least in Stonebrae.

Take a round-trip trail east through high, oak-studded grasslands to Coyote Peak with sweeping views from Santa Cruz Mountains through Coyote Valley to the Diablo Range.

9.2 miles one way. Additional 9.2 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Wheelchair user access. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash.

Take a creekside stroll or ride through the undeveloped broad Coyote Creek floodplain. Enjoy pleasant rest stops under large shade trees and awesome views of the nearby Coast Range. The trail provides an opportunity to appreciate what the Santa Clara Valley looked like before it was developed.

11.7 miles one way. Additional 11.7 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed except on Woods Trail.

You are rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Umunhum, the Santa Clara Valley, and the Inner and Outer Coast Ranges on this long trek through the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s largest preserve.

12.8 miles one way (includes 2.9 miles to Sneath Lane trailhead). Additional 12.8 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs not allowed.

In this remote open space dedicated volunteer docents will lead you through dense forests and over hilly grasslands to extensive views of the entire Bay Area.

8.1 miles one way for hikers, 7.8 miles one-way for multiuse route. Additional 8.1 or 7.8 miles back to trailhead. Car shuttle possible. Wheelchair route around Horseshoe Lake, less than 1 mile. Hiking, biking, and equestrian access. Dogs allowed on leash in one section of preserve and in county park.

Travel through moist evergreen forests, oak-madrone woodlands, and high grasslands along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

While Ridge Trail Month (November) may be over, you can still participate by doing your own DIY Ridge Trail clean-up. Pick any Ridge Trail you like, bring some supplies, and leave the trail a little cleaner than you found it. Find a supply checklist and more info here: ridgetrail.org/rt-month. Participation in Ridge Trail Month counts as one of your five Ridge Trail Challenge "trails." Please also remember to take photos and send them along to us at alexsabo@ridgetrail.org!