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.